Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Designation: National Recreation Area
Location: Texas
đ Park Overview
Nestled within the Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area serves as a tranquil oasis amid the vast, arid grasslands. Over centuries, the Canadian River has sculpted breathtaking 200-foot canyonsâknown as breaksâthat now encircle the lake. These secluded coves create diverse ecosystems, supporting seven distinct habitats that sustain a rich array of wildlife, including migratory birds
đ¤ Weather Information
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.
đ 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.
Images
Boating at Lake Meredith
Credit: NPS Photo
Weather in the Texas Panhandle
Credit: NPS Photo.
View of the lake from Harbor Bay Trail
Credit: NPS Photo
View from the Rim
Credit: NPS Photo
A view of Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith
Credit: NPS Photo
Mullinaw Trail
Credit: NPS Photo
Birding at Lake Meredith
Credit: Mark Elliott
Harbor Bay Trail
Credit: NPS Photo
Sanford Yake
Credit: NPS Photo
View from a Mesa
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, Mar 15
Sunny
High: 54.5°F | Low: 32.2°F
Humidity: 25%
Wind: 34.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.1
Sunrise: 07:57 AM
Sunset: 07:54 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (18%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 34.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Mar 16
Partly Cloudy
High: 52.5°F | Low: 22.6°F
Humidity: 25%
Wind: 13.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.2
Sunrise: 07:56 AM
Sunset: 07:55 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (11%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 21.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Mar 17
Sunny
High: 76.8°F | Low: 33.3°F
Humidity: 20%
Wind: 19.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 07:54 AM
Sunset: 07:56 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (5%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 37.2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
High Wind Warning issued March 15 at 5:45AM CDT until March 15 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Effective: Mar 15, 2026 6:45am
Expires: Mar 15, 2026 3:00pm
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, north winds 35 to 45 mph with
gusts up to 65 mph expected. For the Blowing Dust Advisory,
visibility locally between one-quarter and one mile in blowing
dust expected.
* WHERE...The Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages
are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles.
Blowing Dust Advisory issued March 15 at 5:45AM CDT until March 15 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Effective: Mar 15, 2026 6:45am
Expires: Mar 15, 2026 3:00pm
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, north winds 35 to 45 mph with
gusts up to 65 mph expected. For the Blowing Dust Advisory,
visibility locally between one-quarter and one mile in blowing
dust expected.
* WHERE...The Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages
are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles.
Red Flag Warning issued March 15 at 5:43AM CDT until March 15 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Effective: Mar 15, 2026 6:43am
Expires: Mar 15, 2026 3:00pm
* WINDS...North 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 17 percent.
* TEMPERATURES...Highs this morning in the mid 40s in the
northern combined Panhandles to the mid-60s in the southern
Texas Panhandle. Temperatures decrease this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will have the potential to
spread very rapidly with a sudden wind shift tomorrow morning.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* SEVERITY...
FUELS (ERC)...70th-89th percentile...4 (out of 5).
WEATHER...Critical...3 (out of 5).
FIRE ENVIRONMENT...7 (out of 10).
Blowing Dust Advisory issued March 15 at 1:21PM CDT until March 15 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Effective: Mar 15, 2026 2:21pm
Expires: Mar 15, 2026 8:00pm
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, north winds 35 to 45 mph with
gusts up to 65 mph. For the Blowing Dust Advisory, visibility
between one-quarter and one mile in blowing dust.
* WHERE...The Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread
power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially
for high profile vehicles.
High Wind Warning issued March 15 at 1:21PM CDT until March 15 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Effective: Mar 15, 2026 2:21pm
Expires: Mar 15, 2026 8:00pm
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, north winds 35 to 45 mph with
gusts up to 65 mph. For the Blowing Dust Advisory, visibility
between one-quarter and one mile in blowing dust.
* WHERE...The Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread
power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially
for high profile vehicles.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Alibates Star Party
Alibates Star Party Series â 2026
Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and nightâsky enthusiasts.
â 2026 Star Party Dates
- April 11 ⢠8:00 PM â Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
- June 13 ⢠8:00 PM â Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
- September 12 ⢠8:00 PM â Autumn skies reveal deepâsky objects and early fall constellations.
Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome â curiosity encouraged.
Location: Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot
Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Alibates Star Party
Alibates Star Party Series â 2026
Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and nightâsky enthusiasts.
â 2026 Star Party Dates
- April 11 ⢠8:00 PM â Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
- June 13 ⢠8:00 PM â Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
- September 12 ⢠8:00 PM â Autumn skies reveal deepâsky objects and early fall constellations.
Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome â curiosity encouraged.
Location: Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Movies at the Lake
Movies at the Lake â Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings familyâfriendly films with a lake view, with refreshments available for purchase to round out the evening.
The season kicks off on June 13, 2026, with National Treasure, followed by a lineup of outdoor fun leading to our finale on July 3, 2026 with Inside Out 2. Â Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax by the water, and enjoy a movie night in one of the Panhandleâs most scenic spots.
*no dogs allowed except service dogs.
*This event will be canceled if inclement weather occurs.Â
Location: Lake Meredith Amphitheater
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Movies at the Lake
Movies at the Lake â Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings familyâfriendly films with a lake view, with refreshments available for purchase to round out the evening.
The season kicks off on June 13, 2026, with National Treasure, followed by a lineup of outdoor fun leading to our finale on July 3, 2026 with Inside Out 2. Â Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax by the water, and enjoy a movie night in one of the Panhandleâs most scenic spots.
*dogs are not allowed except service dogs.Â
*This event will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.Â
Location: Fritch Fortress Amphitheater
Date: Jul 3, 2026 12:00am to Jul 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fireworks at the Lake
A Night of Patriotism, Community, and Pure Summer Magic
As the sun dips behind the mesas and the lake settles into twilight, anticipation builds. Families spread out blankets, kids wave glow sticks, and the smell of summer hangs in the air. Thereâs something special about watching fireworks burst over the waterâeach color reflecting across the lake like a painting that lasts only a moment.
This yearâs show begins at 9:30 PM, timed perfectly so the sky is dark enough for every spark, shimmer, and boom to shine at full brilliance.
Tips for a Great Evening
- Arrive early to snag a great spotâthis event draws a crowd.
- Bring a light jacket; evenings by the lake can cool off quickly.
- Donât forget your camera. Fireworks over the water make for incredible photos.
Location: Fritch Fortress Amphitheater
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Alibates Star Party
Alibates Star Party Series â 2026
Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and nightâsky enthusiasts.
â 2026 Star Party Dates
- April 11 ⢠8:00 PM â Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
- June 13 ⢠8:00 PM â Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
- September 12 ⢠8:00 PM â Autumn skies reveal deepâsky objects and early fall constellations.
Bring a lawn chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome â curiosity encouraged.
Location: Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot
Date: Sep 12, 2026 12:00am to Sep 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
đ Physical Address:
419 E. Broadway
Fritch, TX 79036
đ¤ Mailing Address:
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 1460
Fritch, TX 79036
đ Voice Phone: 806 857-3151
âď¸ Email: lamr_interpretation@nps.gov