Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Things To Do Near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Anglers love coming to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area to catch bass, catfish, crappie, and trout. Favorite fishing holes can be found at Harbor Bay, Cedar Canyon, Chimney Hollow, and Bugbee Canyon. You can also launch your vessel at Sanford-Yake Campground and Spring Canyon to fish from the lake. Blue Creek and Rosita Flats are ideal places to go off-roading. Depending on the season, you can go hunting for white-tail or mule deer, quail, pheasant, dove, and turkey here. There are also terrific hiking trails to follow. 

Hiking Trails

• Harbor Bay Trail

  This trail consisting of two loops runs across gently rolling hills with a few steep grades from Harbor Bay to Meredith Way. It is particularly stunning in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom. Enjoy spectacular views of the entire area as you make your way through canyons and across mesas. 

  Location

  Lakeview Drive, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Fritch, Texas 79036

  Length

  8.5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Mullinaw Trail

  The Mullinaw Trail runs along the banks of the Canadian River. This trail is particularly gorgeous in the fall when the nearby cottonwood trees change colors. It can also be a great place to hike in the spring when wildflowers are blooming. While hiking, watch for large raptors, cardinals, and woodpeckers. 

  Location

  Near Mullinaw Campground, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area McBride Canyon Road, Fritch Texas 79036

  Length

  5.3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• South Turkey Creek Trail

  The South Turkey Creek Trail starts following South Turkey Creek for several miles. Then, it ascends a rocky mesa. It is worth the extra effort to get to the top to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Meredith. The different ecosystems along this trail make it a great place to see tracks left by coyotes and bobcats, and you may see some deer. 

  Location

  Near Harbor Bay Campground, Lakeview Drive, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Fritch, Texas 79036

  Length

  15.3 miles

  Intensity

  Strenuous

Sightseeing

• Alibates Flint Quarries

  Join a ranger for a hike to the Alibates Flint Quarries. Learn the history of the people who gathered flint at this location to make tools. The climb up the steps can be challenging, but you will be amazed at the different flint colors at this location. 

  Location

  Alibates Flint Quarries, Cass Johnson Road, Fritch, Texas 79036

• McBride Ranch House

  See the home built by David and Abagail McBride in the McBride Canyon as the couple’s third home. It was part of the LX Ranch that made a fortune grazing cattle on the current Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The house is an outstanding example of an early pioneer home. When David retired, he gave the home to his son, who used it to make moonshine before giving it to the National Park Service. 

  Location

  McBride Canyon Road, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Fritch, Texas 79036

• Adobe Walls

  Adobe Walls was established as a trading post along the Canadian River. Later, two decisive battles between Native Americans and settlers occurred at this location. Kit Carson led the first battle in November 1864. 

  Location

  17 miles northeast of Stinnett, Texas 79083

Museums

• Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum

  At this museum, you can see six large dioramas showcasing the animals and plants of the Lake Meredith region throughout the year. There are two large aquariums containing fish from Lake Meredith and the Canadian River. The staff is very knowledgeable about local wildlife, so it is a great place to get your questions answered. 

  Location

  104 North Robey Avenue, Fritch, Texas, 79036

• River Valley Pioneer Museum

  Hemphill County has a rich history as a site of Spanish conquistadores and Native American settlements. Then, the railroad arrived, and ranchers found it easier to get their cattle to market, so large operations were created. This museum also contains some exhibits about businesses that have operated in Canada over the years. Learn about these events and other Hemphill County historical events by visiting the River Valley Pioneer Museum. 

  Location

  118 North 2nd Street, Canadian, Texas 79014

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Madison Peppermint Boutique

  Find clothing for the entire family at Madison Peppermint Boutique. This shop also offers home décor with many one-of-a-kind items. You can also find seasonal décor at this location. Many of the items for sale are created by the shop’s owner or by local artists. 

  Location

  421 West 10th Street, Borger, Texas 79007

• Borger Hibbett Sports

  Select from a wide range of name-brand athletic shoes, fashion sneakers, sandals, and boots at Borger Hibbett Sports. They also offer clothing and fashion accessories so that you can support your favorite sports team. If you need some new sports gear, like golf balls or baseballs, check out this spot. 

  Location

  1424 W Wilson, Borger, Texas 79007

• Chris’s Kitchen

  Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chris’s Kitchen. Then, enjoy a great burger and homemade onion rings for lunch. They offer a full menu with many Texas favorites. 

  Location

  212 East Broadway Street, Fritch, Texas 79036

• Jessie’s Pizza Company

  Find your favorite pizzas on the lunch buffet at Jessie’s Pizza Company. You can also have the pizza makers make one just for you. If you are not in the mood for pizza, try the hot wings and the garlic twists. This locally owned pizza restaurant offers fast, friendly service. 

  Location

  424 East Broadway Street, Fritch, Texas 79036

How To Get To Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

It is easy to get from Amarillo to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area’s headquarters in about 30 minutes. Take Texas Highway 136 North for about 34 miles. The headquarters will be on your left. The busiest times at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are on summer weekends, especially long ones like Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you want to escape the crowds, consider visiting during the week. 

Address

419 East Broadway Street, Fritch, Texas 79036

Fee: Entry fee $0

There are many choices of places to camp at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, so bring your RV. You can find camping opportunities at scenic lookouts, in wooded areas, and along the lake’s shoreline. Most of them are free, and you can stay for up to 14 days, which gives you plenty of time to hike, bike, fish, and play in the water. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com.