Cottonwood trees line the lower reaches of McBride Canyon, casting shade over open sites where campers have room to spread out without crowding one another. This is dispersed, free camping managed by the National Park Service inside Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. There are no hookups and no drinking water on-site, so arriving self-sufficient is not optional.
The road in starts paved and transitions to sand and loose gravel as you reach the camping areas. Conditions deteriorate further toward the back of the canyon, and the grades become steep enough that large RVs should stop before pushing deeper in. Cell coverage is limited, typically one bar or less depending on where you set up, though it improves slightly near the front of the camp. One reviewer describes this as "fantastic boondocking," and the setup suits campers who want distance from developed facilities. Pit toilets and trash service are available, and some sites have fire rings and covered picnic tables. A posted board at the entrance outlines the rules; the standard stay limit is 14 days, extended to 30 during hunting season.
The Mullinaw Creek area nearby gives access to the Mullinaw Trails System, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. A horse corral with a hitching post is available for equestrian visitors. Off-road vehicles are not permitted. Lake Meredith sits to the north, though reaching the water requires additional driving.
Seasonal conditions vary considerably here. Summer brings intense heat and, near the creek bed, heavy insect pressure, including mosquitoes and wasps. Hunting season in fall draws more traffic and wildlife activity in the early morning and late evening hours. Daisee Mae S. notes "wildlife and traffic are heavy due to it being hunting season," which is worth factoring into trip timing. Wind can also be a factor, especially at night. Arriving before dark is recommended since finding a site in the canyon after sunset takes considerably longer.
Campers wanting a developed alternative can look at Lower Plum Creek Campground to the northeast, or browse boondocking near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area to compare other free camping options in the corridor.
Description
These areas are located south of the lake off of State Highway 136. There are large cottonwood trees that provide shade. The Mullinaw Creek area features the expanded Mullinaw Trails System . This trail system is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. NO OFF ROAD VEHICLES ALLOWED. No drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets only. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills. Horse corrals are located at Mullinaw Campground. The dirt roads can become impassable after rain.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMcBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp is located in Texas near Fritch
Directions
There are several different ways to get to Lake Meredith. If you are coming from Amarillo, exit Loop 335 North, then exit Hwy 136 North to Fritch. Headquarters is located at 419 E. Broadway in Fritch. If coming from the North you can take 1913 from the Dumas Highway or 1913 from US 287.
Coordinates
35.529449 N
101.759431 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 51 min from Amarillo, TX
- 2 hrs 31 min from Lubbock, TX
- 3 hrs 44 min from Lawton, OK
- 3 hrs 46 min from Wichita Falls, TX
