Meridian State Park — Attraction in Clifton

I camp at a lot of Texas State Parks. This was the 21st one I visited. As usual, the park staff are helpful and friendly. Headquarters had a fair collection of souvenirs, including magnets which I try to collect at every State Park. Park pass does give a discount here.

Stayed in campsite 15 with my pop up camper. This is on the electric/water back in side. The RV pads here are quite short, so if you have a larger rig, you'll want the pull through with full sewer hookups. Though the pads are older and could use repaving, it was fairly level. My only real complaint with it was there is no room at all to turn around with your camper. I lucked out and there was an empty site down the way so I could back down into and then go in reverse down the road to the site. Don't know why there isn't ample room to turn around here, but I made it work. Basically had to park my truck in the street though.

Nice shady campsites throughout, solid aluminum picnic tables and a well made fire ring with adjustable cooking grate. Dump station was small, but serviceable.

Restrooms are reasonably clean, though they do not stock soap, unlike some, but not, all State Parks.

The lake is really great because the whole park surrounds it. Yes, it is small, but being small and therefore no boat wake allowed, it is really awesome for swimming and small boating like kayaks. They have kayaks (including multi person), canoes, stand up paddle boards and a Jon boat. Life jackets and paddles provided. At $10/hr (park pass does provide discount), it is a good deal. My son rented a paddle board and it was in great shape. You can fish here too. While I don't fish, many people were, so I assume there is decent fishing here.

There are lots of primitive campsites here, including ones for groups. Those campsites are further away and provide a bit more privacy if that's what you're after. Some backed up to the lake even and I saw people launching kayaks from their campsite! They looked really peaceful. Roads are narrow, so pay attention. Several old bridges there built in the 30's.

Several trails throughout the park and they are all well maintained. Some of the better trails I've seen. If you are an early morning hiker, take a stick with you to knock down spider webs, or catch them with your mouth, your call.

The natural "cave" formation here is really cool and easy to get to. Native Americans use to camp in there.

Didn't see many birds, but wasn't really looking. There are a few good spots to hang out and watch if that's your thing. Might catch the endangered golden cheeked warbler during the right time of year. Saw some deer on the way in. Not too many other critters to see though.

The town of Meridian is 5 minutes away and the town of Clifton isn't far should you need something. Despite being near the main road, there was really no road noise.

Gets pretty dark at night, so on a clear evening you might catch the band of the Milky Way along the stars. If peace and quiet away from busy city life is what you want, this is a good spot for it. The minor negatives about the lack of turn around for my camper and no soap aren't enough to take away a star. Would...

Can't give it anything but five stars just like you can't help loving your old grandpa. First visit to the park was in 1962 for geology field trip. For sixty years have shared the adventure with children, scouts, and grandchildren. It's rugged but not too rugged. It's lake is comfortable, no speed boats, just canoes, kayak, floats, docks to fish and most of it within sight of shore, like you would design for a family. If you come from flat land citys you even find what can be called majestic scenery. Limestone overlooks above wind and water carved caves. Gnarly cedar trees and grassy undergrowth, crisscrossed with well marked trails with different challenges from casual to those requiring careful foot placement and extra effort up and down. For camping there are RV sites, screened shelters, tent sites, day picnic sites, group camps with excellent cooking and bath and restroom facilities and a grand pavilion constructed by the CCC boys. (Another story). You can live a wilderness adventure, but within 15 minutes of the town of Meridian, with grocery stores, medical care, gas, fishing supplies, and motels, if you wimp out. Located easy 1 1/2 to 2 hours from DFW metroplex and less from Waco. Quick access to nearby dinosaur exhibits and wildlife parks. Spring and fall great but it's Texas so in August pack your a/c...

I gave Meridian 5 stars as it really exceeded my expectations. With some interesting topography, lake and trails, there's a whole host of things to do in this unassuming, serene spot, and better yet it's not hugely popular. Although my son in particular, wished the park had mt. bike trails, the park roads are empty enough to make for some pleasant rides with some sweet hills and scenery to boot. For campers who enjoy peace and quiet, pick one of the drive-in primitive sites as my son and I did. Just make sure to bring enough water (and tp if needed) but really bathrooms are a short drive away. We chose one of the last two sites just off the main park road. Other primitive sites are fine but some are right along the park road and then there's a slightly "busy enough" highway bordering one side of the park to add additiinal noise. There are also sites (camping and RV'g) closer to the bathrooms with water and elec. Nice bundles of firewood available to purchase right next to the HQ. Plus, the park personnel can't be beat for their friendliness/helpfulness. Thank you, CCC and TSP&W for an...