A boat travels across Lake Meredith on a sunny day.  The lake is light blue.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Texas

NPS Photo

📍 StateTexas
🏛️ TypeNational Recreation Area
🎟️ EntryFree
🏃 Activities20
Official NPS Website →
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area of the United States in Texas

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is a United States national recreation area located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Amarillo, Texas, in the Texas Panhandle. Its main attraction is 10,000-acre (4,000 ha) Lake Meredith, a reservoir created by Sanford Dam on the Canadian River.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

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.

Park Photos

A boat travels across Lake Meredith on a sunny day.  The lake is light blue.
A storm coming in at Lover's Canyon.  The sky is dark blue with dark clouds.  The lake is greenish.
A bench on the Harbor Bay Trail, overlooking Lake Meredith. The sky is blue with white clouds.
Picnic shelter at a campsite overlooking Lake Meredith.  The sky is blue with no clouds.
Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith.  The lake is deep blue with white clouds above in the sky.
Mullinaw trailhead with green cottonwoods and blue skies in the summer.

Activities

Operating Hours

Park Operating Hours

The National Recreation Area is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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All DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll Day

Park Headquarters Offices

Office hours for park headquarters, including the Superintendent's office.

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9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PMClosedClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area include: Auto and ATV, ATV Off-Roading, Biking, Mountain Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Food.

What is the weather like at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

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.

How do I get to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

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.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

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.

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.

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Location

State(s)
Coordinates35.6193, -101.6820

Official Resources

NPS Official Website