Texas Porch

State park / Outdoors

Meridian State Park offers camping, fishing, and trails near the county seat

Meridian State Park sits just outside the county seat and offers 72-acre Lake Meridian for fishing and paddling, five miles of trails, and overnight camping in historic CCC-built facilities.

Bosque County The Great Outdoors

Meridian State Park covers about 505 acres in Bosque County, roughly 50 miles northwest of Waco. The park's shelters, cabins, and other structures were built by Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1827(V) in 1933 and 1934.

The 72-acre Lake Meridian is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and sunfish. No Texas fishing license is required when fishing inside the park boundaries. Kayak rentals are available on-site. The park has five miles of trails, including the 2.2-mile Bosque Hiking Trail that circles the lake. Camping options range from tent sites to full hook-up RV sites to three cabins.

Daily entrance is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The park fills up, especially on weekends, so advance reservations are recommended. Reserve online through Texas State Parks or call (254) 435-2536. Check tpwd.texas.gov for current fees and availability.

Source to confirm: TPWD — Meridian State Park

More Bosque County notes

Property tax

Two separate offices handle your property taxes in Bosque County

The Bosque Central Appraisal District sets your property value and handles exemptions; the Bosque County Tax Office sends your bill and collects payment.

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Agricultural valuation

Ag valuation can sharply cut the tax bill on rural land in Bosque County

Qualified agricultural land in Bosque County is taxed on its productivity value rather than market value, which can mean a much lower tax bill for working farms and ranches.

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Water / Wells

New water wells in Bosque County require a permit from a groundwater district

Bosque County is part of the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which requires permits for new wells drawing from the Trinity Aquifer.

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Flood / Roads

Low-water crossings and flash floods are a real danger in Bosque County

The Bosque River and its tributaries can rise fast during heavy rain, turning low-water crossings into deadly hazards and making flood zone status an important factor when buying rural property.

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