Cabin camping near Meridian, Texas offers access to a 72-acre lake and several hiking trails with terrain characterized by limestone formations and mixed juniper-oak woodlands. The region sits at approximately 930 feet elevation with mild winters and hot summers that often exceed 95°F from June through September. Water levels at area lakes can fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming conditions and water access points.
What to do
Hiking around the lake: Meridian State Park features trails with varying difficulty levels surrounding the 72-acre lake. "Bee Ledge was kind of cool. People indigenous to the area used to use it as a shelter and has some cave like features," notes one visitor to Meridian State Park.
River activities: The Paluxy River provides opportunities for wading and gentle tubing near Glen Rose. "The Paluxy river runs through a few trails and there are Dino tracks. Gorgeous rock face above the River. Bring waterproof shoes or prepare to have wet shoes crossing the River," suggests a camper at Dinosaur Valley RV Park.
Local exploration: The town of Glen Rose offers attractions beyond camping. "Dinosaur Valley State Park is an easy drive (make reservations online though). Fossil Rim is about 15 min away but some road construction can double that (make reservations online pre-arrival)," advises a visitor describing day trips from their campsite.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping spots are highly prized in the area. "The BEST place to stay is the shelters on the lake hands down! There is also a CCC building at this park that serves as a gathering area on the lakeshore," shares a reviewer at Cleburne State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Family accommodations are available at several parks. "They have literally everything you can think of for summer fun! Fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, bird watching! We stayed on the East side so we would be close to bathrooms and drinking water," explains a camper about their family stay at Meridian State Park.
Nature observation: Wildlife and seasonal displays add to the camping experience. "Wildflower season here is CRAZY!" remarks one camper about spring at Meridian State Park. Another visitor to Lake Whitney State Park notes, "I thought the wildflowers were the greatest feature, and then we caught sight of an angelic band of pelicans just overhead on a migratory flight."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have specific site limitations. "Sites 39-46 in the Horseshoe Loop are ideal for quiet spots away from people, but if you want space along the water, Lakeview and Sunset Ridge are the best picks," advises a camper at Lake Whitney State Park.
Seasonal water conditions: Lake and river water levels fluctuate seasonally. "The swimming area was clean and accessible," notes a visitor to Meridian State Park, while another mentions "the lake is very calm and perfect for paddling around."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially for cabins and popular sites. "Don't let the size of this park get you down, it has so much to offer for a getaway from city life. It is the perfect place to relax, take a dip, and read a good book!" shares a visitor to Meridian State Park, highlighting why advance planning is worthwhile.
Tips for camping with families
Site proximity to facilities: Choose sites with convenient bathroom access when camping with children. "We stayed on the East side so we would be close to bathrooms and drinking water. Be aware if you stay on the West side the bathrooms and water are about a mile away," advises a family camper at Meridian State Park.
Cabin alternatives: Consider screened shelters for an intermediate option between tent camping and cabins. "Our big group rented all the regular screened shelters and had a blast. The hiking is decent here, and you can rent fishing rods if you didn't bring your own," shares a visitor to Meridian State Park.
Swimming options: Oakdale RV Resort offers additional water recreation. "The kids had a great time in the expansive pool and enjoyed the snow cone stand across the street. The adult enjoyed the well-stocked pool bar!" mentions one family who stayed there.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on hookup needs and shade preferences. "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," reports an RVer at Meridian State Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. "The road in and around campsites is in various states of disrepair. Lots of potholes and pavement breaks make it rough hauling an expensive rig in and out of the park," warns a visitor to Thousand Trails Lake Whitney.
Size accommodations: Some sites have length limitations for larger rigs. "All sites are pull through (approx 80') with a lot of space between spaces. Grass is about 80% in for the pups," notes a camper at Dinosaur Valley RV Park about the big rig-friendly accommodations.
