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Best Campgrounds near Pampa, TX

213 Reviews

Campgrounds near Pampa in the Texas Panhandle range from developed RV parks to primitive sites at nearby lakes and reservoirs. Lake McClellan Campground and McDowell Campground, located about 35 miles south of Pampa, offer both tent and RV camping with electric and water hookups available at some sites. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, approximately 30 miles northwest of Pampa, provides multiple camping areas including Sanford-Yake, Harbor Bay, and Blue West campgrounds. The City of Pampa Recreation Park offers basic RV sites with electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities within city limits.

The Texas Panhandle experiences extreme weather conditions that affect camping comfort and accessibility. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with limited natural shade at many sites, while strong winds can create challenging conditions for tent campers year-round. Most campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical stay limits of 14 days. Lake McClellan and Lake Meredith campgrounds maintain paved access roads, though water levels at both lakes have declined in recent years, affecting water recreation opportunities. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near Pampa and limited or no service at more remote sites. "West Texas winds are no joke. Our site was great, lot of sandburs so stay on roads. Great views. No nearby beach/water access except boat ramp/check in area."

Several campgrounds in the area feature covered picnic shelters that provide essential shade and wind protection. Lake Meredith's free camping areas receive positive reviews for their scenic views and relative solitude, with Harbor Bay campground particularly noted for spectacular sunsets over the water. Vault toilets are standard at most primitive sites, while Lake McClellan Campground offers flush toilets and hot showers—a rarity in the region. Campers report that McDowell Campground tends to be quieter than nearby Lake McClellan Campground, which attracts more ATV users on weekends. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors mentioning deer near the shorelines at Lake Meredith. One camper noted that "McDowell Campground is a pleasant little campground on the shore of Lake McClellan right in the middle of the Texas panhandle," highlighting the peaceful setting that draws visitors to this remote region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pampa, Texas (45)

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Recent Reviews near Pampa, TX

213 Reviews of 45 Pampa Campgrounds

  • F
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Huber City Park

    Nice place for stop when passing through

    Have stayed here twice. Donation box with suggested $10/night. A bargain. Basically a parking lot in a city park with back in spaces. For what it is, really cannot be beat. Both times there were two other rvs there, so no problem getting a spot, which is good as we arrived late both times. No reservation necessary.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sanford-Yake Campground — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    I will come back here for sure

    Highly recommend! Coming from the east coast. Florida to be exact. This is the type of place I dreamed of when decided to start doing this. The view is breathtaking. I arrived on a Sunday evening and it’s pretty empty. There are others. Someone told me it was packed over the weekend though. There are free dry spots and pay sites with water and electric. As well as tent only walk to sites. There isn’t much signage and the site I chose I wasn’t sure if it was day use only or not. A ranger did drive through and verified I was good. Basically anything with wheels needs to be on pavement or gravel. Website to reserve/pay is http://www.wrightonlakemeredith.com/

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Greenbelt Reservoir Dispersed

    Excellent site!

    This was an excellent camp site. Super quite! We had the entire area to ourself. There was one other camper parked a few spots down but they weren’t there all evening.

  • Autumn N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Fritch Fortress Campground — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    FAVORITE CAMPING SPOT

    I called ahead to ask as few questions about camping in my campervan there. The man on the phone was so nice and even directed me to camping spots with showers. We were blown away with how beautiful it is here. We utilized the campfire pit, showers, toilets, and picnic tables ..all of which were great! My only complaint is that a family drove up behind us and parked at our campsite that we've been at for 3 days... not the fault of the park, just wish people were a bit more respectful.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Harbor Bay — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Easy access but dirty :(

    Easy to pick a spot anywhere, although there are not too many spots. You can camp on the beach if your vehicle can handle it. Our 2WD van cannot. Lots of trash receptacles around (great!) but sadly, there was trash everywhere. Tons of tiny thorny thistle-like dry hidden clusters in the grass that stuck to our feet and hurt my pup’s paws.

  • Stephanie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Greenbelt Lake Kincaid Park

    Quiet with lake views

    Enter the marina grocery store to pay $18 for a campsite with 30 amp electricity and water hookups. Also have to pay $5 per person to enter. Same price for Sandy Beach campground. We were the only campers at Kincaid Park. There were about 10 sites taken at Sandy Beach.

    Clean sites. Pretty close together. Picnic and grill stations throughout the park. Have to walk 5 minutes on dirt road to get to the lake with sandy shore. There were a few people swimming and fishing.

  • Bailey H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Fritch Fortress Campground

    Scenic views and hiking trail

    There is a trail near the campground that goes down closer to the lake. The campsites are pretty exposed so everyone can see everyone and it is very windy. When I went there was a storm and the wind was very bad. It is easy to find and not very busy but people are driving to the boat slip nearby so there are cars cruising by a lot. The views are very nice for an otherwise flat region though.

Guide to Pampa

Camping near Pampa, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Lake Meredith National Recreation Area: This area is perfect for hiking and enjoying the scenic views. One camper mentioned, "Such a beautiful view of Lake Meredith! Quiet and lovely," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Sanford-Yake Campground, provide access to fishing and boating. A visitor noted, "Drive down to Cedar Cove for beach access and boondocking on the water!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Plum Creek shared, "There were open range cattle nearby but they were just curious and didn't bother us."

What campers like:

  • Stunning Views: Campers rave about the views at various sites. A review for Fritch Fortress Campground states, "Awesome spot with a great overlook of the lake from the campsites."
  • Affordable Options: Many campgrounds offer free or low-cost camping. One happy camper at Blue West Campground said, "Free camping with vault toilet and trash cans for trash."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at McDowell Campground mentioned, "Had a great time here would definitely camp here again."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake McClellan Campground, may not have showers or water hookups. A camper noted, "Did have RV hookups. The lake is dried so don't expect a lake."
  • Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially at higher elevations. One camper at Sanford-Yake Campground warned, "West Texas winds are no joke."
  • Mosquitoes: During certain seasons, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A visitor at McBride Canyon said, "I’ve never seen mosquitoes this bad before."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A camper at Fritch Fortress Campground mentioned, "Ended up boondocking at the park because of a terrible storm... but overall a great night."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family at Amarillo KOA enjoyed the heated swimming pool and playground.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes for easier meals. A visitor at Aok Camper Park noted, "Nice overnight stop for the price."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Make sure to confirm if the campground has electric and water hookups. A camper at Lake McClellan Campground mentioned, "With a 'American the Beautiful Pass' we only had to pay $10 a night for water and electric hook-ups."
  • Be Mindful of Road Noise: Some campgrounds near highways can be noisy. A visitor at Texas Route 66 RV Park said, "Highway noise is a constant."
  • Plan for Dusty Roads: Many campgrounds have gravel roads, so be prepared for some dust. A camper at McDowell Campground advised, "The road in the campground is gravel and very dusty, please drive slow to keep the dust down."

Camping near Pampa, TX, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What parks are available in Pampa, TX for day use or recreation?

Near Pampa, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers multiple day-use areas and recreational opportunities. This large man-made reservoir features boat ramps, picnic areas, and primitive camping. For a different experience, East Bluff #1 Campground provides day-use access for $3, with picnic tables and access to a small lake. The area also accommodates ATV enthusiasts for a $5 use fee. These parks provide various outdoor activities including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing within a reasonable drive from Pampa.

Is there a water park in Pampa, TX for family activities?

Pampa itself doesn't have a dedicated water park, but nearby water recreation can be found at Sanford-Yake Campground — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. This area offers water-based activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Each site includes a shaded picnic area, making it suitable for family day trips. Another option is Fritch Fortress Campground at Lake Meredith, which provides additional water access points. For traditional water park facilities, families would need to travel to larger cities like Amarillo, which is about an hour's drive from Pampa.

Where are the best camping sites near Pampa, TX?

For camping near Pampa, TX, Lake McClellan Campground is a top choice. Located in the Texas panhandle, it offers water/electric hookups, tent camping areas, and ATV trails. The campground features picnic areas and sites along the lake, though signage after the interstate exit is minimal. Another good option is Urban Hidden Acres RV Park- Pampa, which provides convenient accommodations closer to town. Both locations serve as excellent bases for exploring the natural beauty of the Texas panhandle region.

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