Meridian State Park opened in 1935. The park was built by the CCC and is located between Waco, Texas and Stephenville, Texas.
Location
173 Park Road #7, Meridian, Texas 76665
Cost
The entry fee for Meridian State Park is $5 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Meridian State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Meridian State Park
Campsites
Primitive campsites are $15 per night. There is a picnic table, lantern post, fire ring, and a grill. There is no water in the area. Bathrooms are a significant walk away.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. Campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. There are hookups for water and electric. There are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Full hookup campsites are $25 per night. Campsites have a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring, and a grill. There are hookups for water, electricity, and sewer. There are bathrooms with showers available in the vicinity.
Cabins
Cabins are $50 per night. There is a minimum of two days for weekend reservations. The cabins have electricity and air conditioning. The water comes from an outdoor spigot. There is a fire ring, a charcoal grill and bunkbeds. You must provide your own bedding and pets are not allowed inside the cabin.
Group Facilities
The youth group camping site has room for up to 75 people. It has a fire ring and water in the area. The bathroom is about one mile away.
The group camping site has room for up to 24 people. It has picnic tables, a girl, a fire ring, and a lantern post.
There is group hall with a kitchen that can be rented for day use. It has water, electricity, and air conditioning. The kitchen has a sink, a microwave, a commercial refrigerator and two gas stoves. There is a bathroom and a shower, but overnight stays are not allowed. No pets are allowed in the hall.
Restrooms in Meridian State Park
There are some bathrooms in camping loops and they have showers. Some of the primitive and group campsites are a significant distance from the bathrooms.
Hiking Trails
There are four trails in the park.
Bosque Hiking Trail is 2.2 miles long. It is the longest and most challenging trail in the park.
Shinnery Ridge Trail is 1.5 miles long and makes a loop.
What is there to do at Meridian State Park?
You can fish in Lake Meridian. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park. There is an ADA accessible fishing pier.
Swimming is allowed in Little Pine Lake. There is a swimming area with a swim platform.
Kayaks are available to rent in the park to use in Lake Meridian.
Go birding. This park has golden-cheeked warblers, which are endangered.
Dogs at Meridian State Park
Meridian State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
What to do near Meridian State Park
Meridian, Texas
Meridian, Texas is 4 miles from the park. Meridian is the county seat of Bosque County and has a population of 1,500 people. There is a historic courthouse, the Bosque Museum, or get a meal at the Cactus Grill.
Hillsboro, Texas
Hillsboro, Texas is 42 miles from the park. Hillsboro is the county seat of Hill County, Texas and has a population of 8,300 people. Hillsboro is known for the historic Hill County Courthouse. There are many museums to visit such as the Texas Heritage Museum, the Roadside America Museum or the History of the West Museum. Get a burger and fries at the Williams Drive Inn, or pick up a milkshake at the Braums.
Waco, Texas
Waco, Texas is 50 miles from the park. There are many tourist activities in Waco. There is the Waco Mammoth National Monument or the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Magnolia Market or the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.