Boating

Boater cruising west on Lake Meredith

NPS Photo

Boating at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Boating is a beloved activity at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, where millions of visitors have enjoyed the waters, either by private boat or by renting from the park's vendor. The lake provides a beautiful setting for recreation and relaxation.

There is no fee associated with boating on Lake Meredith. However, motorized boats must be registered and operated in accordance with federal and state regulations. Proper safety equipment is required, including lifejackets, which are lifesavers even for the most proficient swimmers. Boaters should never leave shore without them.

Every vessel must carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. The lifejacket must be the proper size for the user. All children under 13 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD while underway. Boating on Lake Meredith is an excellent way to beat the summer heat when hot temperatures arrive.

Currently, boat ramps at Sanford-Yake, Cedar Canyon, and Blue West are open for public use.

Enjoy your time on the water and stay safe!

 

Weather quickly rolling in at Fritch Fortress Dock

NPS Photo

Safety First

Know the rules and regulations for Lake Meredith.
All boaters must follow federal and state regulations.

United States Coast Guard
https://www.uscgboating.org/
Texas Parks & Wildlife
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/

Lake Conditions and Weather

Lake levels fluctuate throughout the year and cause changes along the shoreline. Always check the weather and lake conditions. In the Texas Panhandle, the summers are hot and mostly clear with the ocasional thunderstorm, and the winters are very cold, dry, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 25°F to 91°F and is rarely below 13°F or above 99°F.

When boating make sure to bring water and sunscreen. During the summer keep an eye on the sky. The weather is usually sunny and dry but thunderstorms can devlope and quickly move into the area. These thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, hail, and the ocasional tornado. Please check the forcast for the lake before you leave. A good time to visit the lake is from May to September for water activities.

 

Boater near Sanford Yake

NPS Photo

Other Boating Reminders

In Texas, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who plans to operate a boat with an engine over 15 horsepower, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a sailboat longer than 14 feet, must have a boater education card. Additionally, children under 13 are not allowed to operate a PWC unless accompanied by someone at least 18 years old who is legally permitted to operate the watercraft.

 

Boating on a calm day near Sanford Yake

NPS Photo

Boat Rentals

Don't own a boat or kayak?

Rent a watercraft from one of the vendors of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.

Wright-On Bait, Tackle and Watercraft Rental is located at the Sanford Yake boat ramp. This vendor rents pontoon boats, kayaks, & paddleboards. Call for information at 806-865-3131.

 

Lake Mead Quagga Mussels

NPS Photo

Zebra and Quagga Mussels

Before entering and after exiting the waters of Lake Meredith, CLEAN. DRAIN. DRY.

Zebra and quagga mussels are not in Lake Meredith. Mud, plants, and animals can cling to trailers, equipment or vehicles and spread invasive mussels. Clean, Drain, and Dry anything coming in contact with water (boats, trailers, vehicles, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.). Keep Lake Meredith beautiful.

CLEAN.

Remove all plants, animals, and mud and thoroughly wash watercraft and trailer. Take a quick trip to the car wash to use high-pressure spray nozzles to help clean crevices and hidden areas. (Boats stored on infested waters may need to be professionally decontaminated.)

DRAIN.

Before leaving the park, drain all the water from boats, including the motor, bilge, livewell, ballast, hull and anything else trapping water. Leave drain plugs out during transport.

DRY.

Allow time for boats to dry completely before launching in other waters. Texas Parks and Wildlife suggests letting your boat dry for at least a week before taking it to another body of water.

Remember...Clean, Drain and Dry

Help protect lakes from invasive species such as giant salvinia, quagga, and zebra mussels. Invasive species can attach to boats, trailers or gear and spread to another lake. Always clean, drain, and dry watercraft before traveling from one waterbody to another.

IT'S THE LAW - Remove Drain Plugs

It is illegal to transport or possess aquatic invasive species in Texas. Drain plugs must be removed when leaving the water.