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The best camping near Meridian State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Meridian adventure.

86% (7 reviews)
86% (7 reviews)

Anglers take note: this small lake packs a large diversity of fish.  

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Community favorites near Meridian State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Meridian State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Meridian State Park

Booked 1 time

High Hope Ranch

10 sites ¡ Tents1000 acres ¡ Walnut Springs, TX
Welcome to High Hope Ranch, a sprawling 1000-acre sanctuary nestled atop the majestic Texas Hill Country. As you traverse the rolling hills, you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas that stretch out to the north, offering sweeping views of The Great Plains beyond. Immerse yourself in the rich history and natural wonders of the ranch, where millions of years of geological evolution have left their mark. Explore the rugged terrain and discover prehistoric ravines carved by ancient oceans, adorned with fascinating oceanic fossils such as sand dollars, sea urchins, and ammonites. Our camping sites offer a primitive yet immersive experience, allowing you to connect with nature in its purest form. Pitch your tent amidst fields of vibrant bluebonnets in April, or revel in the splendor of the Milky Way under the October sky. For a truly enchanting experience, set up camp alongside the flowing creeks at sites like Uchawi, where the soothing sound of water creates a tranquil ambiance. Embark on an adventure along over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the ranch's diverse landscapes, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Be sure to schedule a visit to our working farm, where you can interact with friendly animals like pigs, goats, and Zoey the Donkey, gaining insight into sustainable farming practices and animal husbandry. Before you depart, don't forget to visit our Farm Store, where you can stock up on a variety of farm-fresh delights, including pasture-raised meats, canned goods, and freshly harvested produce grown right here on the ranch. At High Hope Ranch, we invite you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the serenity and splendor of the Texas Hill Country. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, our ranch offers a sanctuary where dreams take flight and memories are made to last a lifetime. Welcome to High Hope Ranch, where the spirit of the land beckons you to explore, discover, and thrive.
from 
$40
 / night
99%
(441)

Pecans on the Paluxy - River Views

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Glen Rose, TX
Pitch your tent on the Paluxy River under giant pecan trees. Enjoy the scenic view of our beautiful river. Our private property is located near the historic square of glen rose but feels like you are miles away in the country. Have fun kayaking, swimming, fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the views. We have four different sites to choose from. Most have a tree break area in-between for privacy. Or rent all 5 and have the entire property to yourself. Updated river photos will be posted on our Facebook page, or message me for updates. Unfortunately, I'm not able to control the river. It goes up and down depending on rain and temperatures. The river gets pretty low during July and August. Wheeler Branch Reservoir(only a few miles from camp) is a great spot to swim and fish when the river water levels are lower. Very small lake that is good for swimming and kayaking with a dock, clear waters. We have 5 different sites. All of them overlook the Paluxy River, have rock fire pits, seating areas, patios, and stairs down to riverbed. You will have access to one of the most beautiful parts of the Paluxy River. During drought conditions and high temperatures I always recommend keeping your head above water and avoiding stagnant areas in the river. In order to reserve a spot you must be 21 or over. This is not a extremely remote place where you can party and go crazy. We want everyone to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Site Big Pecan: This is the farthest site upriver and has one of the largest pecan trees I've ever seen. The trees provide great shade cover during the summer. This site has an awesome rock patio seating area overlooking the river with stairs to provide easy access. It also has a rock firepit with a patio. Also available are 2 wooden Adirondack chairs on the rock patio, a picnic table with shade umbrella, and numerous extras available to rent. Site 1 Limestone ledge: Firepit seating area overlooking the river with 4 Adirondack chairs and hade umbrella, separate rock patio overlooking the river, stairs down to riverbed, huge pecan trees, kids play set, and 1 picnic table, 10' x 10' raised tent deck platform. Site 2: Firepit seating area overlooking limestone riverbed with Adirondack chairs, picnic table, 10' x 10' raised tent / deck platform, stairs down to riverbed and shallow area of the river for kids to play. Site 3: Firepit seating area overlooking the riverbed, 2 wooden Adirondack chairs, 2 picnic tables, 1 shade umbrella, 2 sets of rock stairs to the riverbed, shallow area of the river for kids to play. Site 4 Farthest site downstream. Nice rock patio overlooking the river with two wooden rocking chairs. Easy access for RVs and trailers. Rock stairs to the river for easy access. Fire pit with rock patio around it with 4 wooden Adirondack chairs. Picnic table with shade umbrella. Shallow areas for kids. Deeper fishing hole about 100 feet down river. Great area to sit in the river with a lawn chair. A lot of people buy two sites for more privacy and room for larger groups. For example, many purchase Big Pecan and site 1 together. Or sites 2 and 3. kayaks, wood, outdoor games, frisbee golf baskets and disc, grill and utensils, propane firepit, and other extras available for rent. Please select those during checkout Tips: Bring river shoes, nose plugs, swimming essentials. Parts of the river can be very slippery. Bring life jackets, especially for children. Bring the essentials for any camping trip including: sunscreen, bug spray, anti-itch meds, etc. Chairs and sunshades to sit in the river are always popular. The Paluxy river ranges from just a few inches deep to 5 feet deep in our camping area. There are more swimming holes a little deeper up and downstream. No restroom or water - pack in, pack out. Bring your own potty and water. If you are not familiar with dry camping do some research. There are all types of methods for restrooms, heating, cooling, etc available now to make it enjoyable. Dogs are allowed on leash. Activities Nearby: Dinosaur Valley State Park (Hiking, Biking, Swimming) - 4.5 miles Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Drive through the park) - 3.9 miles Historic Glen Rose Square (Eat, shop) - .5 miles Big Rocks Park (Free, Kids love to crawl on the huge boulders and wade in the river) - 1.3 miles Oakdale Park (Swimming pool, playground) - 1.4 miles Paluxy Heritage Park / River Walk (Free, Pretty walk, Connects to Big Rocks dam)- 1.2 miles Somervell County Museum (Free, donation) - .7 miles Wheeler Branch Reservoir - (small lake, good kayak fishing, clear)Expo Center (Rodeos, dog shows, different events depending on schedule) Places to eat:*Hammonds BBQ - 2 miles*Sexton Feed Mill Grill/Bar (River View) - .7 miles Los Primos Mexican Food/Bar - 1.7 miles*Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine -*Riverhouse Grill (Lil more upscale) - .4 miles*The Green Pickle (Hamburgers) - .7 milesLa Vita Italian Food - .7 miles*Big Cup Eatery (Breakfast, Dinner) - .9 miles* Storiebook Cafe (Sandwiches, wraps)- .8 miles Beehive Cafe - (hamburgers, Mexican food)Simple Simons (Pizza, calzones) -Snyder's Tavern Bar - .5 miles Blackies Bar/Grill - .7 miles Bull Lion Ranch Winery - .7 miles*Shoo-Fly Soda Shop (Ice-cream, pies) - .7 miles*Loco Coyote Grill/Bar (BBQ) - 8.8 miles Crave Bakery (coffee, pastries) - .8 miles*Grounded Coffee Shop (Coffee, salad bar)Debbie’s Restaurant (Breakfast) -Tiger Corner (Pastries, Sandwiches) -Subway -Sugar Biscuits (Lil Everything) -Teriyaki Chinese Food -Sunshine Doughnuts - *Rough Creek Lodge (upscale reservations, lunch $25, Dinner $125) - 15 miles*Overlook Cafe Fossil Rim (Free by bypassing main entrance, hamburgers, awesome view, petting zoo, gift shop) - 4 miles 7-Eleven Laredo Taco -Tacote (breakfast burritos, lunch)
from 
$49
 / night
98%
(161)

Bee Mountain Resort

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Cleburne, TX
Nature and wildlife mixed with fun and relaxation, Bee Mountain Resort is truly a one-of-a-kind property! Private, spacious and beautiful, we are blessed with 1.5 miles of sandy beaches along Brazos River and the road coming here dead ends at our front gate. Customers are usually groups of friends & family; many having camped here for years. A few even claim to have grown up on the river and, to some extent, that might be true. Bee Mountain Resort is a secluded off-the-grid campground that's been around since the '70s. And it's pretty well known to the locals. I first discovered the Brazos River in 1985 when looking for great water to ski on. And since that time, I've developed many great memories here. I would describe our ranch as classic and old school. Change comes pretty slow here.....and we like it that way. Family, friends, kids & pets all love our amazing getaway. A rare gem best shared with good people. Each and every campsite is located directly on the river and all of them are huge. Firewood, ice, kayaks, paddle boards and generators are available at low prices. Great tasting water from our deep well, clean restrooms and a camper dump station are located on the premises. We are very pet friendly providing your pet is friendly.
from 
$50
 / night
94%
(40)

Oasis Campgrounds

32 sites ¡ Tents7 acres ¡ Hillsboro, TX
Superhost with 400+ Reviews on Airbnb! www.airbnb.com/p/rissgreen Welcome to the Oasis! Our campsite is located off Highway 22 just ten minutes from Lake Whitney. Easy access to the main road and lake, while still feeling totally private and secluded from the city. ** Interested in a different site options? We only have a handful of our sites on Hipcamp! Please check out our full Campground Map located on our website! :) www.oasis-campgrounds.com Cell reception and Wi-Fi is reliable. * Please note that traffic is able to be heard from Highway 22 at the front of the property.
from 
$90
 / night
Booked 30 times

WYSIWYG Acres

29 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Purmela, TX
WYSIWYG Acres it the perfect place to breathe in fresh air and relax. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, fish, hike and find fossils and seashells from an ancient seabed. You can learn about, feed, pet, or simply enjoy watching the antics of the animals that live here. Enjoy the sunset, then a campfire under a night sky dirty with stars. It’s a beautiful experience. WYSIWYG Acres is a family owned 50 acre ranch bordered by an exotics ranch on the south and a cattle ranch on the east and north. We are located about an hour west of Waco in central Texas where the beautiful hill country views begin.
from 
$10
 / night

Nuez RV Spot

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Walnut Springs, TX
Welcome to our conveniently located property, just a half mile from downtown Walnut Springs, where you'll discover a variety of fantastic restaurants and bars. With easy access to Glen Rose, Granbury, Meridian, Hico, and Stephenville, this makes for the perfect central hub for exploring the area. Access to the property is through a double gate, leading to a large circular drive with a grassy area in the center. You'll have access to electric and water amenities; however, please note that there is no septic system available. This space is situated behind the white house with navy trim (known as Nuez Casa), which is rented separately.
from 
$50
 / night
Saved 30 times

Renegade Escape

1 site ¡ Lodging7 acres ¡ Morgan, TX
7Acre Ridgeline Camp - Campsite #1 on Renegade Ridge is for anyone looking to catch an exceptional view from any angle. Set on a bluff, cresting the side of a cliff, you'll feel safe and secure as you listen to the sounds of wildlife in the creek below. In total the property sits on 7.3 acres nestled in the heart of a small lakeside community. This campsite is the first in our campground, so guests will have private access to the entire ridgeline & hiking trails cut through the 7.3 acers into the creek bed below. There is plenty of space for additional tents if guests would like to bring additional campers. Just let us know and I will be happy to discuss all the options. SAFTEY NOTES: The terrain is rocky and can be quite steep in places with some drop offs. Not recommended for small children or pets that are not well trained. We also share the land with lots of wildlife! Please be aware at all times and keep an eye out for snakes & spiders! You may also hear wild boars in the creek bed at night. SITE AMENITES `This site includes a 10x14, Kodiak' canvas tent that will be completely set up with the essentials including Water & Electric, bed & linens & outdoor chairs. INSIDE ` Cozy up on a queen size mattress complete with all the necessary bedding (pillows, sheets &comforter). We like to keep it super cozy but simple inside to make sure there is plenty of space for guest's personal things. BATHROOMS ` There is no access to a bathroom but a screened shelter with a camping toilet & compost bags will be provided. Guests will need to be self-contained, take waste with them and leave no trace. OUTSIDE ` A water spigot & electrical outlet are included at the campsite. A fire pit & firewood will also be provided (with the exception of any burn bans in effect) ACTIVITIES - Neighborhood Boat Ramp & access to Lake Whitney/Brazos River. Stargazing, birdwatching, & hiking the trails are a few things many of our guests enjoy the most. We also have access to a public boat ramp in the neighborhood. Guests will also have access to over 9000 aces of public hunting lands managed by the Army Corp. of Engineers. Meridian State Park & Lake Whitney State Park are each about a 30min drive. BILLY & KATE are you CAMP hosts: we do live on property, in the main house on the opposite side of the campsite but unless needed, we like to stay out of the way to respect our guest's privacy. Please feel free to text Kate if you'd like any recommendations on activities, have any questions or need any help! We are so glad you're here! Enjoy!
from 
$45
 / night
Booked 2 times

Whitney's Edge

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Whitney, TX
We live on one acre near major highway for Lake Whitney Dam. We are 3 miles from Dam, 8 minutes to Lake Whitney State Park. Waco is 30 minutes away with lots of entertainment. Whitney is a small laid back quiet community with a few stores downtown.
from 
$60
 / night
94%
(486)

Gypsy Moon Hideaway

13 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Weatherford, TX
Located at the end of the road. There is over 20 acres. Some cleared and some still in original woods. Trees, grass and deer everywhere. There is over a quarter mile of Brazos riverfront property although you cannot get to the river on all of it due to it being in its natural state. There is a beach at the main camp that provides easy in and out of the water. the water depth varies with the rainfall but is usually between 2-4 feet deep.
from 
$28
 / night
Booked 2 times

The Tailgate Ranch

5 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Walnut Springs, TX
Welcome to Tailgate Ranch, where adventure awaits! At Tailgate Ranch, we offer a unique experience with our full-time Airbnb featuring a ranch house and two vintage campers available for rent. Additionally, we warmly welcome RVs and tent campers to join us on our property. Our amenities include a fully functioning outhouse equipped with two toilets, a sink, and a shower inside, with an additional outdoor shower available for those craving a refreshing outdoor experience. For RV campers, we provide three 30-amp and one 50-amp hookup, as well as access to water for tank refills. Conveniently located just 15 minutes away from attractions like Fossil Rim Wildlife Park and Meridian State Park, as well as being within reach of the scenic Chalk Mountain Loop, adventure is always close by. After a day of exploration, unwind in downtown Walnut Springs, where you'll find a selection of fantastic restaurants and bars, or take a short trip to Glen Rose for even more excitement. Join us at Tailgate Ranch for a memorable stay filled with outdoor exploration and relaxation in the heart of Texas!
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(38)

Hideout Ridge

8 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents50 acres ¡ Covington, TX
50 acres covered in large oak trees. We offer several miles of hiking trails, a three acre vineyard, a beautiful pond, secluded camping and abundant wildlife. Located in north western Hill County 15 miles from I-35, Hideout Ridge looks out upon the highest point in the county. Each camp site is separated by trees. A cedar bathhouse with a toilet and hot water shower is a five minute walk from the tent sites and non potable water is available from the tap. A fire pit is available except during dry conditions . The host lives on the property.
from 
$35
 / night
99%
(150)

DeerCreek Campground

7 sites ¡ Tents57 acres ¡ Cleburne, TX
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Meridian State Park guide

Overview

About

Fun on the water is the name of the game at this 72-acre lake. Anglers enjoy calm waters to fish for bream and largemouth bass in the no wake lake. The small park even loans out fishing gear, and rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards year-round. A fishing license is not required in the park.

If you’re in the mood to stay on dry land, you can hike five miles of trails. The Bosque hiking trail circles the lake and offers scenic overlooks. Lucky birders may spot endangered golden-cheeked warblers, which nest in the park March to July.

The park offers 31 camping spots, spread over several areas. Full hookup sites are pull-through and best for RVs more than 20 feet long. Tent campers can book primitive sites, sites with water and electric or sites with just water. Close proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth makes this park a convenient weekend getaway.

Notable campgrounds

  • Screened Shelters: Enjoy the rustic charm of screened-in shelters, offering a breezy refuge amid the park's natural splendor.
  • Full Hook-up Campsites: Conveniently set up your RV or tent with all the comforts of home at these well-equipped sites.
  • Group Camps: Ideal for larger gatherings, these campsites provide ample space for friends and family to connect with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially if you're planning to visit during the busy seasons of spring, summer, and fall.
  • Take advantage of the online reservation system to secure your spot with ease.
  • Call the reservation phone line for personalized assistance and additional information.
  • Explore nearby camping options if the park reaches capacity to ensure your outdoor adventure can proceed.

When to go

The best times to visit Meridian State Park are during the milder seasons of spring and fall, when the Texas landscape bursts with color and wildlife. Summer offers a warm escape for water activities, though it's the peak season. Winters are quieter, offering a peaceful experience, but prepare for cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

  • Check water safety tips and park rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
  • Accessibility information is available for those with mobility concerns, including wheelchair-accessible trails.
  • Remember, the park office hours are from 8:15am to 4:45pm daily.
  • Reservations are recommended for both camping and day use to guarantee entry.
  • Stay connected with the park's updates by following Meridian State Park on Facebook and Instagram.

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