Camping wasn’t a big part of my childhood. That’s an understatement, actually. In fact, the closest thing resembling camping that I ever did was sleep in a tent in my friend’s backyard at a sleepover for her birthday. I fell in love with camping on a 3-week road trip my sister and I took about 10 years ago. We drove from Southeast Texas to Southern California and stayed in so many amazing campgrounds along the way. Ever since then, I’ve become somewhat of a camping fiend. I never pass up the chance to pitch a tent, and one of my favorite places to go camping in Texas is Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The campsites offer breathtaking views of the water, making it an ideal getaway for any time of year. 

Lake Meredith is an unexpected oasis hiding within the arid plains of the Texas Panhandle. Surrounded by dramatic, 200-foot red rock canyons, this pristine oasis is a nature lover's dream where hiking, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and hunting are all possible. There are many different trails of varying lengths and difficulties, and the lake provides a staggering seven habitats for wildlife, including migratory birds.

When it comes to camping, Lake Meredith is truly the jackpot. With 11 campgrounds to choose from, there's plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy a quiet, relaxing stay. Some of the campgrounds are elevated and offer scenic overlooks of the lake, while others are just steps from the water and provide beach access. Many of the campgrounds also have boat ramps. The best part is that it's free to camp anywhere at Lake Meredith NRA (besides the RV sites at the Sanford-Yake campground, which have electric and water hookups and can be reserved by calling 806-865-3131).

Almost all of the campgrounds are accessible by regular car, but a few of them require a vehicle with off-road capability. These campgrounds are generally more primitive and lack some of the amenities the developed ones offer, such as dump stations.

Love camping but don't love roughing it in a tent? I'm right there with you. If you don't have an RV of your own, renting one from RV Share is the best way to enjoy an upgraded camping experience on the cheap.

Visit the National Park Service website for more information about camping in Texas at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, including current park hours and entrance fees. If you find yourself craving a nice meal while you're there, take a short drive to Amarillo to chow down on the biggest steak in Texas at Big Texan Steak Ranch. I also recommend stopping by the iconic Palo Duro Canyon State Park before you leave the area.