Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in Texas Provides Fun on the Water

Located approximately 30 miles north of the city of Amarillo on the Texas Panhandle, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area was established in November 1990 and encompasses approximately 46,000 acres. Stretching into Potter, Moore, and Hutchinson Counties, this area offers a wide variety of recreational choices for visitors.

The centerpiece of the park is Lake Meredith, a 10,000 acre artificial reservoir created by the Sanford Dam on the Canadian River, the largest tributary of the Arkansas River. The lake was created in order to supply water to 11 cities in this arid region of Texas but also serves as a popular vacation destination for individuals who live in the area and beyond.

Boating is the primary activity enjoyed at the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Because of the prevailing warm climate on the Panhandle of Texas, boating can indeed be done year round though strong winds can be a problem at certain times of the year. The park welcomes boats of a variety of sizes but certain regulations do apply. Houseboating is popular as well, and local outfitters offer multi-day rentals for those who wish to spend an extended vacation on this pristine lake, which is surrounded by white limestone, picturesque pinnacles and buttes, and beautiful coves ripe for exploring.

Lake Meredith is also ideal for fishing, and various species can be snagged, depending on the season of the year. Anglers can enjoy fishing from their boats or from the shore. Potential catches include largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, channel or blue catfish, white or black crappie, walleye, and rainbow or brown trout and their subspecies. Daily limits are in place and fishermen must possess valid fishing licenses in order to partake of the sport.

Both bow hunting and regular hunting are permitted inside Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Hunters may nab white-tailed deer, mule deer, dove, teal, turkey, quail, pheasant, and small mammals such as raccoon, rabbit, and coyote.

The Blue Creek and Rosita Flats portions of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are reserved for those who enjoy riding off-highway vehicles. A number of regulations apply.

Horseback riding is available on dirt roads and trails. Area riding groups frequently sponsor trail and endurance rides and corrals are onsite for those who wish to ride on their own.

About a dozen campgrounds are available within the confines of Lake Meredith Recreation Area. All are open year round and some include running water and flush toilets. Others are merely camping "areas'' with no designated sites. RV hookups are not available and camping is limited to 14 days per visit. Additional privately-owned campgrounds are located near the park as are other lodging options, restaurants, and stores.