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Hill Country Outpost

Nestled among limestone bluffs at the top of the Hill Country, you’ll find a tranquil place to unwind with your family. We’re 50 miles northwest of Waco.

Things to Do

For a small park, Meridian has lots to offer. On 72-acre Lake Meridian, you can cool off with a swim, drop a line, or go for a paddle. On land, you can picnic, explore our trails, watch for wildlife, camp overnight, and admire historic structures that the Civilian Conservation Corps built over 80 years ago. Reserve our group hall for your next reunion.

Read through our Water Safety Tips before your visit.

Hiking

Explore five miles of trails on foot. The 2.2-mile Bosque Hiking Trail circles Lake Meridian, taking you past lime­stone out­croppings and scenic over­looks. If you are quiet, you might catch a glimpse of wildlife, too. A portion of the Shinnery Ridge Trail is accessible for wheelchairs.

• Check out our Interactive Trail Map
• Download our Trails Map | PDF

Fishing

Try your luck fishing in the no-wake lake. We provide shore­line access and an ADA-acces­sible fishing pier. We loan fishing gear for use in the park. You do not need a license to fish from shore, pier or boat at Meridian State Park.

Look up detailed fishing and lake information for Lake Meridian.

Paddling

A vending machine at the lakeside offers single Kayak rentals.

Camping

Choose from primitive up to full hook­up campsites. Gather your group at one of our group camps.

We also have screened shelters and three cabins.

Birding

Watch and listen for endangered golden-cheeked warblers, who nest here from March to July.

Download the Bird Checklist PDF

Civilian Conservation Corps

Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1827(V), made up of World War I veterans, con­structed this park in 1933 and 1934. They built the dam for the lake, as well as the cut-stone re­fec­tory and open-air pavilion.

Learn more about their work at The Look of Nature: Meridian.

Get involved

We need your help! Ask at head­quarters or visit our Volunteer page.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

Check our Events page for upcoming programs. Contact the park for special programs for your group.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger!

• Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with tools for exploring the park.
• Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal | PDF. Complete tasks to earn a badge.

Teachers

This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

Area Attractions

Nearby cities offer museums, restaurants, shopping and more.

• Meridian (3 miles)
• Hillsboro (41.5 miles)
• Waco (50 miles)

Zone 8 Winter Veggie Garden: Growing Winter Vegetables In Zone 8 Zone 8 By: Amy Grant Printer Friendly Version zone 8 winter Image by fotomem United States Department of Agriculture zone 8 is one of the warmer regions of the country. As such, gardeners can easily enjoy the fruit of their labor simply because the summer growing season is long enough to do so. How about cold season vegetables for zone 8? Can you grow vegetables in zone 8 winters? If so, what winter vegetables are suited to grow in zone 8? Can You Grow Vegetables in Zone 8? Absolutely! You do, however, want to consider a couple of factors before choosing winter vegetables in zone 8. The most important thing to consider is your microclimate. Zone 8 is actually divided into two sections – 8a and 8b. In zone 8a, temperatures will dip as low as 10-15 degrees F. (-12/-9 C.), and in zone 8b it can drop to 15-20 F. (-12/-7 C.).

Read more at Gardening Know How: Zone 8 Winter Veggie Garden: Growing Winter Vegetables In Zone 8 https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/winter-vegetables-in-zone-8.htm

Zone 8 Winter Veggie Garden: Growing Winter Vegetables In Zone 8 Zone 8 By: Amy Grant Printer Friendly Version zone 8 winter Image by fotomem United States Department of Agriculture zone 8 is one of the warmer regions of the country. As such, gardeners can easily enjoy the fruit of their labor simply because the summer growing season is long enough to do so. How about cold season vegetables for zone 8? Can you grow vegetables in zone 8 winters? If so, what winter vegetables are suited to grow in zone 8? Can You Grow Vegetables in Zone 8? Absolutely! You do, however, want to consider a couple of factors before choosing winter vegetables in zone 8. The most important thing to consider is your microclimate. Zone 8 is actually divided into two sections – 8a and 8b. In zone 8a, temperatures will dip as low as 10-15 degrees F. (-12/-9 C.), and in zone 8b it can drop to 15-20 F. (-12/-7 C.).

Read more at Gardening Know How: Zone 8 Winter Veggie Garden: Growing Winter Vegetables In Zone 8 https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/winter-vegetables-in-zone-8.htm