Located in the panhandle of Texas, McClellan Creek National Grassland is one of the most popular recreational areas in the area. Although small, sitting on just over 1,000 acres, the grasslands are home to a variety of mammal and bird species. You’ll also find a number of ATV trails that cut through the rolling hills of the grasslands. Although the region has recovered well, you can see still evidence of the devastating Instate-40 Fire in 2006 that raged over most of the grasslands.
Surrounding Lake McClellan, the grasslands are a popular fishing destination. You’ll be able to catch channel catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass year-round. The lake is also perfect for long canoe and kayak rides during the spring and fall. Hunters will find several big game species in the area, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn.
There is one main RV campground situated along the shores of Lake McClellan. Around half of the sites have electrical and water hookups, and you’ll also have modern restrooms with hot showers. The campground is located near two boat launches, and you can also access hiking and ATV trails.
Located in northern Texas, McClellan National Grassland is located right off I-40, making it easy to access via RV. The main RV campground in the area is just a few minutes from the highway, and all of the access roads are wide and well maintained. There is only one main road that cuts through the grasslands, so you shouldn't get lost.
If you are coming from Amarillo, take I-40 east out of the city and you’ll reach the grasslands in around an hour. From Albuquerque, you’ll also take I-40 east, with a total driving time of around five hours. From Oklahoma City, take I-40 west and you’ll arrive in just over three hours.
The main RV campground in the area is tucked against Lake McCleallan, just minutes from I-40. Large RVs and campervans should have no issues getting to the campground, however, some of the access roads around the lake are a bit narrow at times. If you visit during the winter months, there may be frost on the roads, especially at night, so drive with caution. When you are walking around the grasslands, watch out for rattlesnakes.
Open year-round, this modern campground is the only RV campground in McClellan Creek National Grassland. Lake McClellan Recreation Area Campground offers 23 sites, most of which are open to RVs and tents. Thirteen sites feature electrical and water hookups. No matter where you are staying in the campground, you’ll also have access to hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. There are several camping loops to choose from, some of which provide shady sites, while others are more like large parking lots. Hike-in tent camping is also available.
The main attraction near the campground is the lake. You’ll find large populations of channel catfish and bluegill, with two boat ramps located near the campground. The lake is also great for kayaking and canoeing during the spring and fall. If you bring an ATV, you’ll find several trails just outside the campground. Although short, the trails are steep and winding, so they’ll challenge experienced riders.
No reservations are accepted, so arrive early in the day if you want to reserve a spot. Peak season is usually in late spring when water levels in the reservoir are at their highest.
Campers who want a bit of space to themselves can disperse camp in a number of areas throughout the grasslands. Just make sure you camp on public land, as there are a number of private plots in the area.
At just about 1,500 acres, there’s not a ton of ground to cover at McClellan National Grassland. But you’ll still find a number of scenic hikes and walks that cut through the woodlands around Lake McClellan. You can also circle around the shores of the lake and enjoy the shade. Hiking tends to be best in spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild. If you do visit during the summer, try to hit the trail early in the morning, and make sure you bring plenty of water, as the summer sun in Texas is quite unforgiving.
Surrounding McClellan Lake, the grasslands are a great spot for fishing in the spring and fall. The lake has a large population of bluegill, and you’ll also be able to reel in channel catfish, white crappie, and largemouth bass. There are two boat ramps on the lake, with the northern one reserved for use by anglers. You can also fish along the entire shoreline of the reservoir. Fishing tends to be best in spring and fall, when the temperature is milder.
There are a number of ATV trails located just outside of the main campground at Lake McClellan. The trails are fairly short, but feature a number of steep climbs and narrow, winding turns that will challenge experienced riders. If you plan on visiting during the summer, be prepared for the heat. Temperatures often reach well above 100 degrees, and there isn’t much cover from the sun. No gear rentals are offered at the campground, so bring everything you need along with your camper.
The long shoreline of the reservoir makes for great kayaking and boating during the spring and fall. You can also take a larger boat out onto the lake from one of the two launches located near the RV campground. Motorized boats are allowed, although there may be no wake zones. If you plan on boating while staying by the lake, you should check the water conditions in advance. Water levels have been dropping in recent years, and the reservoir occasionally dries out.
At just over 1,000 acres, the grasslands are fairly small. But you’ll still find a number of big and small game species in the area, should you want to hunt during your RV trip. Big game species in the area include white-tailed deer, mule deer, and pronghorn. Hunting is not allowed near Lake McClellan or around the campground. You’ll also need a Texas hunting licence if you plan on hunting anywhere on the grasslands.
The cool waters of Lake McClellan attract a wide variety of bird species, making the grasslands one of the better areas in the Panhandle for birdwatching. The marsh and woodlands attract songbirds, over five species of owl, and a number of birds of prey. If you care to learn more about the area’s birds, visit the websites of local audubon societies. There’s a small but dedicated community of birdwatchers in the Panhandle, and they produce a number of excellent field guides and bird checklists. Don't forget to pack your binoculars in your camping trailer before you head to Texas.
