How much does camping cost at Meridian State Park?

Camping fees at Meridian State Park range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Meridian State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Meridian State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Meridian State Park before I book?

Yes! Meridian State Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Meridian State Park?

Meridian State Park is open The park is open year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Meridian State Park?

Yes, Meridian State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Meridian State Park?

Fire policies at Meridian State Park: Firewood is available at the entrance for $7/$11, and fire pits are provided at campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Meridian State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Meridian State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Meridian State Park?

Meridian State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Meridian State Park?

Popular activities at Meridian State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Meridian State Park

4.52

162 reviews

173 PARK ROAD 7, MERIDIAN, Texas, 76665, United States

Top 25% in TXSpring

B+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Texas Family-Friendly Campgrounds Texas Swimming Camping Texas +2 more

Quick Facts

1,027 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Texas State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,027 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Texas State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Meridian State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$56 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

2544352536

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Campground Map

173 PARK ROAD 7, MERIDIAN, Texas, 76665, United States

Meridian State Park

173 PARK ROAD 7, MERIDIAN, Texas, 76665, United States

Nearby places

Meridian: approximately 3 miles. Clifton TX: distance unspecified, biked by user.

Nearby supplies

Supplies including groceries, gas, and fishing equipment are available within 15 minutes in Meridian city.

Driving directionsFrom Fort Worth: Take I 35W South to Burleson. Take Hwy 174 South through Cleburne to Meridian. Take Hwy 22 West for 3 miles to the Park. From Dallas: Take I 35E South to Hillsboro. Take Hwy 22 West through Meridian for 3 miles to the Park. OR Hwy 67 South to Cleburne. Take Hwy 174 South to Meridian. Take Hwy 22 West for 3 miles to the park. From Austin: Take I 35 North to Waco. Take Hwy 6 North to Meridian. Take Hwy 22 West for 3 miles to the Park.

The park is accessible via paved roads, but some user reviews mention narrow roads with challenging turns for larger vehicles. One review states: 'Terrible, narrow roads, tree limbs are way too low, 2 hairpin turns that are almost impossible.'

Weather at Meridian State Park

Best Time to Camp at Meridian State Park

Spring brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F, cool nights in the 40s–50s, wildflowers, and migrating songbirds. Trails stay comfortable and the lake is pleasant without summer's oppressive heat. April can bring heavy caterpillar activity requiring insect repellent. Summer heats up enough that visitors recommend bringing fans and using the lake for relief. Fall offers crisp air and good light. Winter stays mild enough for year-round camping, though mornings can be foggy. Weekdays are quieter than weekends in spring.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in TX

Spring cited as best: mid-60s to low-80s, wildflowers, migrating songbirds and comfortable trails.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The park is open year-round.

About Meridian State Park

Meridian State Park sits on 72 acres near the town of Meridian, straddling the 98th Meridian where limestone hills meet Blackland Prairie grasslands. The park has tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, primitive sites, screened shelters, and cabins. Entrance fees are $5 per night. A no-wake lake anchors the property, surrounded by historic CCC structures and trails through mixed cedar and grassland. Expect friendly staff and clean facilities, but no cell service for most providers.

The campground accommodates a range of camping preferences. Options include screened shelters, cabins, and sites for both primitive and RV camping.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built structures throughout the park during the Great Depression using local limestone. These buildings still stand and include interpretive signs explaining how the CCC transformed the terrain into a recreational area. The craftsmanship and materials reflect 1930s conservation work.

Weather and SeasonsSpring brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F, cool nights in the 40s–50s, wildflowers, and migrating songbirds. Trails stay comfortable and the lake is pleasant without summer's oppressive heat. April can bring heavy caterpillar activity requiring insect repellent. Summer heats up enough that visitors recommend bringing fans and using the lake for relief. Fall offers crisp air and good light. Winter stays mild enough for year-round camping, though mornings can be foggy. Weekdays are quieter than weekends in spring.

ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible outdoor playground where families of all ages and abilities can comfortably explore the natural beauty of central Texas.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a transitional zone where Hill Country limestone bluffs and cedar groves give way to prairie grasslands, creating varied terrain in a compact area. The small lake sits at 1,027 feet elevation, bordered by cedar trees and offering calm water for swimming and paddling. Limestone outcrops appear along trails, and the mix of ecosystems supports white-tailed deer and diverse bird populations. Morning mist sometimes settles over the water. The landscape shifts from wooded campsites to open primitive areas near the highway.

Geological RegionMeridian State Park sits at nature's crossroads, straddling the legendary 98th Meridian where two distinct Texas worlds collide in spectacular fashion. Here, the rugged limestone hills of the Hill Country meet the sweeping grasslands of the Blackland Prairies, creating an ecological wonderland that surprises even seasoned naturalists. This geological convergence zone nurtures an astonishing diversity of plant and animal life rarely found in such a compact area, making every trail a journey through multiple ecosystems and every vista a study in Texas's remarkable natural heritage.

Scenic ViewsLake views are prominent, especially from cabins and screened shelters. 'Screen shelter #13 offers a beautiful view.'

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers diverse lodging options, including screened shelters, cabins, and campsites for both RVs and tents. The cabins are described as clean and well-maintained. One reviewer noted, 'We stayed one night in a cabin. It was worth every penny!' Another mentioned, 'The camping cabin area is just amazing! It has easy access to water, easy access to showers and bathrooms too.'

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:15 AM

Check-out

4:45 PM

Stay Limit

Stay limit not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutWooded sites offer some seclusion through trees and vegetation, though spacing varies. RV sites are close together. Some sites sit near active hiking trails, reducing privacy. Roads are narrow enough to challenge large vehicles. Primitive sites are more open and closer to highway noise.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Texas State Parks website or by calling the park directly.

Cancellation PolicyIf plans change, visitors should modify or cancel reservations as soon as possible.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not comprehensively detailed in the available sources.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some are suitable for large RVs, while others are better for tents and smaller vehicles. Specific details such as 'sites were well spaced enough' and 'site fit a 5-person standing tent and a 2-person backpacking tent' suggest flexibility.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across campsites. While some sites offer seclusion due to trees and vegetation, others are located near hiking trails or close together, leading to less privacy. A user noted, 'The only thing that we didn't like was there was a pretty active hiking trail right next to our camping site so it didn't feel as private as other sites.

Recommended SitesAvoid primitive campsites near the highway due to road noise.

Best CampsitesScreened shelters #12-14 on Juniper Ridge and #6 get specific praise for cleanliness and location. Cabins overlooking the lake are popular. Some tent sites accommodate a 5-person standing tent plus a 2-person backpacking tent. Avoid primitive sites if highway noise bothers you. RV sites handle large rigs but sit close together with limited privacy.

Need help booking Meridian State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

This is site #32 in the Cottonwood Cove Campground. No RVs or camping trailers allowed. Picnic tables Outdoor grill Fire ring No Water Lantern post Tent camping only Max. of six tents

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Meridian State Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, swimming in the no-wake lake, bird watching, paddling, and kayaking. The trails vary in difficulty, and the lake provides a serene environment for water-based activities. Reviewers have praised the well-marked trails and the opportunity to engage in numerous activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBuck Moth Caterpillars are a hazard during April. 'Take a can of dermaplast in your first aid kit and use duct tape to remove spines.' Some campsites near highways can be noisy.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available at the entrance for $7/$11, and fire pits are provided at campsites.

Emergency ServicesLocated approximately 15 minutes from Meridian city, which has medical care, grocery stores, gas stations, and fishing supplies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are well-maintained, contributing to the cleanliness of the park.

Water FeaturesLake Meridian is central to the park activities, featuring a fishing dock, swimming area, and kayak rentals.

Camp HostPark Rangers are described as friendly and helpful. 'Some of the nicest Rangers we've encountered.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

162 reviews

Top-Rated

Meridian State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, friendly staff, and variety of recreational activities. Common praises include the well-maintained trails, clean bathrooms, and family-friendly environment. Some users noted noise issues in primitive sites near the highway.

Review Summaries

Based on 162 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the park's cleanliness, variety of activities such as hiking and kayaking, and the friendliness of the staff. Specific comments include 'The whole place was wonderful' and 'The...

Based on 162 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campsites are located near the highway, leading to noise complaints. RV sites are noted to be close together, and low tree limbs were an issue for larger vehicles. A reviewer said, 'If you are...

Based on 162 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites like #14 are highlighted for their shade, while screened shelter #13 is praised for its scenic view and proximity to communal activities.

Based on 162 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing insect repellent during caterpillar season (April) and choosing screened shelters or cabins for a better experience. Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance, and...

Based on 162 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are consistently recommended as ideal camping seasons due to moderate weather and blooming wildflowers. Summer reviews suggest bringing fans and cooling equipment due to Texas heat.

Based on 162 reviews

Camper Quotes

'We stayed one night in a cabin. It was worth every penny!'- Liz 'Trails are nice despite the heat.'- Cheryl Till 'Really enjoy this little lake. Has a nice swimming area, bathrooms with showers.'-...

Based on 162 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility; however, the park is generally described as family-friendly.

Based on 162 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and multiple reviews describe the park as pet-friendly. One user mentioned, 'Nice place to hike with my dogs.'

Based on 162 reviews

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Meridian State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$56 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

2544352536

Go if

Families and paddlers who want a no-wake lake within walking distance of the tent or cabin. Site 14 has shade, screened shelter 13 has the best water view, and kayak rentals are self-serve on-site. Spring weekdays are the sweet spot before heat and weekend crowds arrive.

Skip if

Primitive sites near the highway are genuinely loud at night, multiple reviewers called it a dealbreaker. Big rigs also struggle on narrow roads with low-hanging limbs, and RV sites are tight enough that you'll hear your neighbor's generator. No cell service for AT&T, T-Mobile, o

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Campgrounds

Meridian State Park

B+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 86% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 124 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Things to do
Grade A.Belonging
Grade B+.Cleanliness

Watch-outs

Grade C+.Bugs & weather
Grade C+.Rules & policies
Grade C+.Safety

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Texas grades overall

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