Camping sites near Meridian, Texas cluster around a small 72-acre lake in the central part of the state, offering visitors year-round access to outdoor recreation in a relatively compact geographic area. The countryside features limestone formations characteristic of the Balcones Fault Zone, with elevations ranging from 650 to 750 feet. Spring and fall camping provide optimal temperatures, while summer nights rarely drop below 70°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Meridian offers reliable shoreline fishing access with various species available. "The lake is very calm and perfect for paddling around. The trails are easily marked and different skill levels," notes Jennifer L. about Meridian State Park Campground.
Hiking exploration: Trail networks vary between parks in the Meridian area, with most being family-friendly. "It has some nice views. They sell firewood at all hours. The lake is small, but swimming area is clean and accessible," shares Madison L., who found the Bee Ledge particularly interesting, explaining that "People indigenous to the area used to use it as a shelter and has some cave like features."
Swimming spots: Most camping locations near Meridian feature designated swimming areas. "This is a great park for family fun, and would be awesome for family reunions or youth groups! They have literally everything you can think of for summer fun! Fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, bird watching!" writes Brittany S., who recommends staying on the East side for proximity to bathrooms and drinking water.
What campers like
Lake proximity: Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings for their views and direct water access. "We camped at site 31 which is a primitive tent only site. The sites are HUGE!!! tons of space between you and the next site," explains Heather P. about Meridian State Park, adding that campers can "Set up a camp chair, bust out your fishing gear and kick back and relax while watching the amazing sunset over Lake Meridian."
Wildlife viewing: The parks around Meridian attract abundant deer and bird populations. According to Brittany S., "The facilities are old but well maintained, and thankfully there are showers which will be needed after swimming. Don't let the size of this park get you down, it has so much to offer for a getaway from city life."
Space between sites: Many campgrounds near Meridian provide well-separated sites for privacy. Jay P. found Meridian State Park to be "Great spot for a relaxing weekend," noting "Rv site was pull through and easy enough to get in and out of. The lake and park were beautiful, we had a nice couple of days here."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Several camping locations limit operations based on season. For instance, Lofers Bend West operates from "April 1 to September 30," with Amy K. noting, "We stayed at site 63 which is right on lake edge. Amazing sunsets. Across inlet from boat ramp. The sites have covered picnic tables with both fire pits with grates and stand up covered grills."
Bathroom access: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds and camping loops. When camping at Meridian State Park, Brittany S. advises: "Be aware if you stay on the West side the bathrooms and water are about a mile away."
Cell service: Connectivity can be limited at certain parks. Madison L. lists this as a potential consideration, noting "No cell service (might be a pro for some)" among her observations about Meridian State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Brittany S. recommends Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground for its educational value: "This place is awesome. One of the best natural swimming holes I've found near DFW. There are dinosaur fossils everywhere. hiking is great, and even on a hot summer day you can go swim in the river or the blue hole."
Easy hiking trails: Most parks offer shorter trails suitable for young hikers. Tiffany H. recommends: "We all loved this park! Our sites were good size and perfect for us. We stayed in 17 and 15. 17 was very large but the table was way away from the pad and people were always walking thru because it was the start of a trail."
Swimming safety: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. According to Brittany S., "This park is basically a huge lake with pretty clean water for a lake. There are a wide variety of hiking trails surrounding the lake. Each trail is very much its own with different scenery, rock formations, and trees. I think the longest trail is about 2 miles, so nothing to extreme."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations based on hookup needs and proximity to amenities. At McCown Valley Park, Chip found "Nicely wooded with a good mix of sun and shade. Park is well maintained and sites are spacious and spread out nicely. It gets very busy on the weekends and most sites are occupied."
Weather considerations: Wind exposure can be significant in some locations. Celeste M. reports: "Tent camped at site 60 which was great! Right off the water and super close (but not too close) to the restrooms. Weather for us was rough with high winds the first day but the next two were beautiful!"
Levelness: Some sites require significant leveling for comfortable setup. Wes M. recommends specific areas: "The hidden gem of Lake Whitney. Tent sites are tucked in the back of the park away from foot traffic and most vehicles. Lake front sites are perfectly located with access to the lake but not too far from hard stand bathrooms and showers."
