{"id":"nps-lamr","slug":"lake-meredith-national-recreation-area","name":"Lake Meredith National Recreation Area","designation":"National Recreation Area","category":"national-recreation-area","categoryLabel":"National Recreation Area","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"LAMR","designation":"National Recreation Area","sourceId":"nps-lamr"}],"states":["TX"],"stateNames":["Texas"],"location":{"lat":35.61926203,"lon":-101.6820066},"bbox":[-101.8536,35.4617,-101.5389,35.7403],"acres":{"value":41799,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 200‑foot canyons—known as breaks—that now frame the lake in striking layers of color and texture. These quiet coves sustain an unexpectedly rich array of life, providing seven distinct habitats.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=35.7403&b_tl_lng=-101.8536&b_br_lat=35.4617&b_br_lng=-101.5389","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Lake%20Meredith%20National%20Recreation%20Area","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7EF8FA-1DD8-B71B-0B0A1337DFDA3A87.jpg","title":"Lake Meredith","alt":"A boat travels across Lake Meredith on a sunny day.  The lake is light blue.","caption":"Boating at Lake Meredith","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9596B148-E2F9-AA91-0080206745F55D87.jpg","title":"Lake Meredith Storm","alt":"A storm coming in at Lover's Canyon.  The sky is dark blue with dark clouds.  The lake is greenish.","caption":"Weather in the Texas Panhandle","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C845316-1DD8-B71B-0B60E7BFC9FC5B97.jpg","title":"Harbor Bay Trail","alt":"A bench on the Harbor Bay Trail, overlooking Lake Meredith. The sky is blue with white clouds.","caption":"View of the lake from Harbor Bay Trail","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/AED6916F-C5BE-F02F-031F29AD1DF57554.jpg","title":"Camping with a View","alt":"Picnic shelter at a campsite overlooking Lake Meredith.  The sky is blue with no clouds.","caption":"View from the Rim","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C8455CE-1DD8-B71B-0B71C87BCBE4C909.jpg","title":"Sanford Dam at Lake Meredith","alt":"Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith.  The lake is deep blue with white clouds above in the sky.","caption":"A view of Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/952DB6DC-D1AD-7E16-82D5B98D2D941DA1.jpg","title":"Birding at Lake Meredith","alt":"A Red-winged Blackbird sitting on greyish-brown stump","caption":"Birding at Lake Meredith","credit":"Mark Elliott","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/AE77A030-B523-8FBE-3F838AF82C94DCB4.jpg","title":"The McBride House","alt":"The McBride House","caption":"The McBride House","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Auto and ATV","ATV Off-Roading","Biking","Mountain Biking","Boating","Camping","Fishing","Food","Guided Tours","Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","Junior Ranger Program","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Animals","Birds","Grasslands","Prairies"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Park Operating Hours","description":"The National Recreation Area is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Park Headquarters Offices","description":"Office hours for park headquarters, including the Superintendent's office.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","monday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","thursday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","friday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","saturday":"Closed"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Veterans Day","start":"2026-11-11","end":"2026-11-11","hours":{}},{"name":"Thanksgiving Day","start":"2026-11-26","end":"2026-11-26","hours":{}},{"name":"Christmas","start":"2026-12-25","end":"2026-12-25","hours":{}},{"name":"New Years Day","start":"2027-01-01","end":"2027-01-01","hours":{}},{"name":"MLK Day","start":"2027-01-18","end":"2027-01-18","hours":{}},{"name":"Washington's Birthday","start":"2027-02-15","end":"2027-02-15","hours":{}}]}],"directions":"There are several ways to arrive at Lake Meredith. If you are coming from Amarillo, exit Loop 335 North, then exit Hwy 136 North to Fritch, Texas. Headquarters is located at 419 E. Broadway in Fritch. If coming from the North, take FM 1913 from the Dumas Highway or FM 1913 from US 287. The Amarillo Airport is approximately 35 miles south of Lake Meredith, if traveling by air. Rental cars are available in Amarillo.","weatherInfo":"This area of the Texas Panhandle has a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Winters are cold and windy, with summers being hot and dry. Weather can change rapidly on Lake Meredith. It is usually a good idea to check the weather report and dress accordingly.","contacts":{"phone":"806 857-3151","email":"lamr_interpretation@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Park Headquarters","description":"Visitors to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area can stop by and pick up maps and guides for the area. Headquarters is also where ORV permits are processed.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/hours.htm","lat":35.64379390197017,"lon":-101.58641220753282}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Fritch Fortress","description":"A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith located on Fritch Fortress Road. Open for boaters, campers, swimmers, and other approved water activities. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available. There is a restroom with potable water, showers, and flush toilets. Pull-through parking is available.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":15},{"name":"Blue West Campground","description":"A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith. Access to shoreline is difficult. This campground is located north of the lake off FM Road 1913. These campgrounds have excellent views of the lake and offer picnic tables and shade shelters. This area is a great place to view the sunsets of the Texas Panhandle.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":30},{"name":"Chimney Hollow Campground","description":"This remote and primitive area is located near Blue West. It is tucked in the Blue Creek embankment, which provides protection from prevailing winds. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator only. There are picnic tables available.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":15},{"name":"Harbor Bay Campground","description":"This campground is located outside of Fritch at the end of Lakeview Drive off Hwy. 136. The area features both designated sites and open meadow camping. Harbor Bay also features two new trails, which are the Harbor Bay and South Turkey Creek Trails. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available. No drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets. A beautiful area for water activities, hiking, biking, and birding.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":25},{"name":"Cedar Canyon Campground","description":"This small cove lies between Fritch Fortress and Sanford-Yake campgrounds. The area features beach camping with no individual campsites. This campground can become soft during rainy conditions. Please drive with caution when leaving paved roads. There are restrooms with potable water and flush toilets in the parking lot.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":15},{"name":"McBride Canyon and Mullinaw Creek Campgrounds","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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":40},{"name":"Plum Creek Campgrounds","description":"Four camping grounds are available in this region of Lake Meredith Recreation Area. There are large cottonwoods for shade. These cottonwoods turn various colors of red, yellow, orange, and gold during the fall season. This area is a favorite for hiking, horsebackriding, birding, and wildlife viewing. There is no drinking water or flush toilets available. There are only vault-evaporator toilets available. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills available.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":45},{"name":"Bugbee Canyon","description":"This area is located near the Bugbee community off FM 3395. Shoreline fishing is popular and there are a number of shoreline birds to view. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets only.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":10},{"name":"Blue Creek","description":"This camping area is an off-road vehicle and horseback riding area on the northwest side of the lake off FM 1913. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilet only. Off-road use is in the creek bed ONLY. This area is surrounded with plush cottonwood and soapberry trees.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":50},{"name":"Rosita Flats","description":"This campground consists of dispersed camping along the Canadian River in one of the park's ORV-use areas. ORV operators must have state of Texas Off-Highway Vehicle decal and wear DOT-approved safety gear.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":75},{"name":"Sanford Yake Campground","description":"A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith. 10 RV sites with electric and water hookups available. Reservations can be made by calling 806-865-3131. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available. Restrooms with potable water, showers, and flush toilets are available. Pull-through parking available.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":51}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"alibates-flint-quarries-national-monument","km":4},{"slug":"mcclellan-creek-national-grassland","km":86},{"slug":"buffalo-lake-national-wildlife-refuge","km":90},{"slug":"optima-national-wildlife-refuge","km":121},{"slug":"rita-blanca-national-grassland","km":127},{"slug":"black-kettle-national-grassland","km":164}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=lamr"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.617Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Roadwork to Begin at Sanford Yake Campground Monday, July 13th","text":"The National Park Service announces that Federal Highway Administration contractors will begin roadway and pavement maintenance at Sanford Yake Campground starting Monday, July 13, 2026. This project will include chip seal, micro seal, micro surfacing, and pavement striping throughout key areas of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Visitors to Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are encouraged to follow all posted message boards and traffic instructions.","url":null,"updated":"2026-07-11 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-45BF0727-B649-41A3-8B5E-782F5CC8865F"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Condition of Turkey Creek Trail","text":"The South Turkey Creek Trail, located near the Harbor Bay Campground Area, is currently open for hiking for the first mile; however, the remainder of the trail is underwater and cannot be safely accessed.","url":null,"updated":"2026-02-23 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-5204E953-21CF-49D5-BACB-8B24DF7A9D81"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Application for Special Use Permit","text":"Each applicant is required to complete a new \"Application For Special Use Permit\" prior to any new permit being issued","url":null,"updated":"2026-02-09 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-08BD32B7-532A-485D-B6FC-122C92DA129F"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/lake-meredith-national-recreation-area/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/lake-meredith-national-recreation-area.geojson"}