Where Can You Find Good, Free Camping In The Texas Panhandle?
Recently, I had to make a trip out of town. I didn't want to make the entire trip back late at night, so I thought why not camp. Not wanting to break the bank, I did some digging and realized (with the help of a good friend) that I would be near a great spot.
Where can you find some good free camping in the Texas panhandle? Lake Meredith.
Free Camping At Lake Meredith In Texas
Before any nitpicking, it's really hard to argue with free. Yes; free. In fact, there's only a handful of camping spots at Lake Meredith that come with a fee. Those are the 10 RV sites that have electric and water hookups. Those you have to reserve.
The rest? First come; first served. Check out the website if you don't believe me.
There are campsites all over Lake Meredith. I drove to several, which took me around an hour in the dark, looking for the spot that would give me the view I wanted when I woke up.
The Pros Of Free Camping At Lake Meredith
Try this on for size; it's free. I love Palo Duro Canyon as much as anybody, and with small kids it's a really affordable day out of the house for us. It only costs $8 for us to go spend a day in the canyon.
Camping at PDC? That's another story.
It's going to cost you. At the very least it will set you back another $12, and that comes with the privilege of hiking all the way to your campsite.
Another perk of camping at Lake Meredith is the view when the sun comes up. I'll be honest, it was breathtaking when I took a glimpse.
Also, I was in a rather secluded area. I had all the privacy I could want. I'm sure during the busier months that won't be the case, but it was nice and quiet.
Cons Of The Free Camping At Lake Meredith
Feels weird to say there are any cons to free camping. It's free, why would you complain? Especially with the kinds of views you get first thing in the morning if you plan it right.
I'll do one big umbrella con, and it goes like this...
You'll need to plan ahead.
It's free camping, so don't go expecting a Holiday Inn. There isn't an abundance of toilets, showers, and other amenities. I don't even remember my campsite having a grill, now that I think about it.
Think before you go. Make sure you have some food and water with you that will last for the entirety of your stay. I will say, once you park, stay until you are done. It can be a long way back to town potentially.
Other than that, if you're prepared, it's a great way to spend a night. The views first thing in the morning are hard to beat.
Be sure, if you do decide to go camping out at Lake Meredith, to LEAVE NO TRACE. If you aren't familiar with what that means, here's a really helpful link. Where I was at, it looked like no one had been there in ages.