MERUS Adventure
Claude, Texas
22 RV Sites, 4 Cabins
Discover MERUS Adventure, the ultimate adventure destination within the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in North America. Here, you'll encounter a plethora of exhilarating activities, from world-class off-roading and hiking to camping and caving, all in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With over 5,500 acres of pristine Texas landscape, including luxurious cabins, glamping sites, and various RV accommodations, MERUS Adventure caters to every adventurer's needs. Choose from full hookup RV sites, electric-only spots, or the rugged charm of boondocking sites, each offering unparalleled views and quick access to the park's amenities. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Palo Duro Canyon on one of Texas' most scenic ranches, where every moment promises an unforgettable experience. And when you're ready to explore beyond the park, indulge in nearby attractions like the Old West Stables, Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West, and Palo Duro Creek Ranch, ensuring your adventure extends far beyond the canyon's edge.
22 RV Sites, 4 Cabins
Select your site to book online
Location
4510 County Rd 9 Claude, Texas 79019
Things to know
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Need to know
FAQ's From Customers Like Yourself
Liability Waivers:
- All guests must sign MERUS Adventure™ Park waivers before entering the property.
- Failure to comply will result in the immediate removal of both the members and guests until compliance has been met.
- Parents must sign a MERUS Adventure™ Park waiver on behalf of their children who are minors before minors can enter the Park.
- You may not bring minors into the Park who are not your children unless their parents have also signed a MERUS Adventure™ Park waiver on their behalf.
https://app.waiversign.com/e/63d1b782b25cc60012cb104b/doc/63d1b9ef0d2eed0012cdc138?event=non
Where is MERUS Adventure™ Park Located?
- Merus Adventure™ Park is located 35 min South-East of Downtown Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle located in Palo Duro Canyon, the 2nd largest Canyon in North America.
- ADDRESS: 4510 County Road 9 Claude, TX 79019
- DIRECTIONS: Where FM 1258 intersects with CR 9, stay south on CR 9 you’ll pass the Figure 3 Ranch with the “Cowboy Morning” sign and you’ll go ALL THE WAY down that road.
- There is a Hay shed at the end of Co Rd 9 (about a mile down) with double swinging metal gates, that is where the park entrance is.
When Are You Open?
Office Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Offices are Closed Monday
Public Park Access
- Thursday – Sunday
Member Park Access
- Monday – Sunday
Trail Hours:
- 8:00 am – 10:00 pm SHARP no exceptions
NO NIGHT WHEELING ALLOWED after 10 pm
Are you currently under a burn ban? Are fires allowed?
- Yes we are under a burn ban. This includes all natural burning fires and propane fire pits.
- Only propane cooktops have been approved for use at MERUS.
- There is a BURN BAN FINE of $500 per instance for any fire at MERUS Adventure™
What time is the campsite check-in?
- Campsite check-in is from 2:00 – 6:00 pm
- You can check in to the park as early as 8:00 am for trail usage, but your campsites may not be available until 2:00 pm.
- All guests MUST arrive by 6:00 pm.
- LATE CHECK-INS ARE NOT PERMITTED WITHOUT PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE MERUS OFFICE
Late Arrivals/Check-Ins
- Guests who are unable to arrive by the 6:00 pm check-in time, may camp in the trailer/truck overnight lot, located just inside the main gate with approval from the MERUS office.
What is the check-out time?
- Campsite check-out time is 10:00 am
- All sites must be cleared and free of all trash.
- Any campsites not properly cleaned/packed out will be subject to a $250 littering fine.
Can I Still Off-Road on the Day I Checkout?
- Yes, if you plan to off-road on the day of your checkout, you need an off-road pass and must still clear your campsite by 10:00 am.
- You may stay in the park till 5:00 pm at which time you must leave
Direction:
How can I come to MERUS?
- To Off-Road or visit MERUS Adventure™ you must have one of the following:
- An Active Adventure Club Membership
Membership:
For Non-Member Access
- An Accommodations Reservation
- Campsite, RV Site, Cabin, or Glamping Site
- Group Reservation
- 3 rig minimum
- Link to Group Booking Information Page
- Guided Public Tours
- We offer guided tours every Saturday
- Link to Guided Public Tours Information Page
- Private Guide Reservation
- Private Guides are available for $500 (6 rigs or 12 person MAX)
- Come to an event at the park and have a valid event ticket
What does it cost to come to Merus?
- $15 campsite/rig/night
- $30 off-road access/rig/day
- $15 radio rental
- $12 Adult Access/adult/day
- $6 Kid Access (12 & under)/kid/day
Example: 2 adults, 2 kids, camping 2 nights, with 1 vehicle off-road access:
- Campsite: $15 x 2 nights = $30
- Adult Access: ($12 x 2) x 3 days= $72
- Kid Access: ($6 x 2) x 3 days = $54
- 1 Vehicle Off-Road Access: $30 x 3 days – $90
- TOTAL: $246
Guided Public Off-Road Tour Difficulty ratings:
Green/Beginner:
- For those new to off-roading.
- 4WD vehicle required
- Minimal to no vehicle modifications necessary
Blue/Intermediate:
- For those interested in a more challenging off-road experience.
- 4WD vehicle required
- Light vehicle modifications recommended
- Off-road tires & small vehicle lift (2” or less)
Black/Advanced:
- For those with off-road experience looking to further develop their skills
- 4WD vehicle required
- Vehicle modifications recommended:
- Minimum 2” lift, 35” tires
MERUS Trail Rating System:
MERUS uses a color-coded trail rating system similar to skiing
- Green – Beginner
- Blue – Intermediate
- Black – Advanced
- Double Black – Highly Experienced
- Purple – Expert
MERUS color-coded system compared to standard numerical trail rating system:
- Green = 1-2
- Blue = 3-5
- Black = 6-7
- Double Black = 8-9
- Purple = 10
Can I get a Day pass to hike or Off-Road?
- No, we do not sell individual day passes.
Can I come without a reservation?
- No, you must have a reservation prior to coming to the park.
- All bookings MUST be made online
- We do not take reservations over the phone
Do you allow dogs?
- Yes.
- Dogs must be leashed and remain in your full control when at the park.
- Be sure to pick up after your pet.
What do I need to bring off-road at MERUS?
- A 4-wheel drive vehicle
- A working Fire extinguisher (We Sell these at the office for $30)
- GMRS radio. (We rent these at the office for $15)
Are ATVs, UTVs, Dirtbikes, Motorcycles, or Golf carts allowed at MERUS?
- No.
- Only Full-sized vehicles are allowed.
- Absolutely no ATVs, utvs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, etc are allowed on the property.
Are E-bikes allowed on bike trails?
- The primary source of power must be peddle.
- Full electric E-bikes are not allowed.
Can you off-road at night?
- The trails close STRICTLY BY 10:00 pm.
- Anyone caught wheeling on the trails after 10:00 pm will be in violation of park rules and will be fined $250 and be subject to removal by park officials with no refunds issued.
Can I make my own trails at MERUS?
- ABSOLUTELY NOT.
- No trail-blazing is allowed at MERUS Adventure™
- Violators will be fined $1,000 and be immediately removed from the park with access revoked for future visits.
- There is ONE area in the park called “The Playground” where you may make your own obstacles and trails
Do you have bathrooms and showers?
- Bathroom & shower facilities will be available starting April 1, 2023.
- Portable restrooms are available at the park entrance and Rec Center
- No restroom facilities in the canyon
Primitive Bathroom Use must adhere to the following:
- Leave no trace principle (Click Here)
- Pack-In/Pack out ALL materials, supplies, and waste
- Trash dumpster available at the main gates, no others on the property.
What facilities are available at MERUS?
- Campsites
- All campsites are primitive (no water or electricity)
- Electric & Full Hookup RV accommodations are available
- 1 Dry cabin (No water or electricity)
- Full cabins (water & electric) Available as of May 2023
- NO fuel, food, propane, or other amenities are onsite
- PACK IN PACK OUT all materials needed for your stay
Is there a water station for my RV?
- Yes
Where is the closest place to get gas?
- The closest gas station is in Claude, Tx, 15 miles from the park gates.
Where is the closest place to dump an RV?
- Only Full Hookup Reservations may dump at MERUS
- Electric or Boondocking RVs closest dump:
- Triangle RV Park – 15 miles away in Claude, TX
- Open 24/7 and $15 fill/dump
- Call Chris: 806-433-5671 before arriving to fill/dump your RV
What happens if I get stuck?
- MERUS is a self-recovery park, however, we have a recovery service.
- RECOVERY FEE: If you need recovery from MERUS staff, there is a $250 recovery fee for the first 90min.
- It is $100 for every hour after.
When are your Guided Off-Road Tours?
- Weekly on Saturdays @ 9:00 am
- Beginner/Intermediate available:
- Tours may not be running during other organized MERUS events
- Check the Event Calendar for special event weekends
Do you offer private guides?
- Yes.
- You can book a private guide for Off-Road Trails or a Caves
- $500 for 6-7 hours. 9:00am ~ 4:00pm
- Max 6 rigs or 12 people total
- Contact the MERUS office for bookings
Is there truck and trailer parking if I’m towing my rig?
- Yes.
- We have a trailer lot at the main gates to park your tow vehicle and trailer for your stay free of charge
- Towing trailers are not allowed at campsites (RV sites OK)
If my Passenger is coming to meet me, does he have to pay for his vehicle even though it will be parked at the office while we hit the trails in mine?
- Vehicles left at the main gate do not need to pay a park access fee.
- The additional person would be considered a passenger and charged as such
- All passengers must still sign park access waivers
What type of equipment (on the Rig) is recommended for the TrailRecon Challenge (lockers, 37’s, etc…?)
- 33s, 2” life, rock sliders, skid plates, recovery gear (tow strap/winch), fire extinguisher, GMRS radio.
What type of equipment (on the Rig) is recommended for the TrailRecon EXTREME Challenge (lockers, 37s, etc…?)
- 35-37s, 2.5” lift, rock sliders, skid plates, 1 set lockers, recovery gear (tow strap/winch), fire extinguisher, GMRS radio.
Do you offer refunds?
- Cancellations or changes to your reservations can be made at any time.
- Full Refunds will only be issued outside of 30 days from the reservation date.
- NO REFUNDS ISSUED inside 30 days of the reservation date
- Within 30 days, only rain checks will be issued.
- You can modify your reservation at any time, free of charge, and based on the availability of new requests.
Is there fishing at Merus?
- No
What happens if there are severe storms?
- Weather plays a major factor in the conditions at the park and therefore the safety of our guests.
- In certain weather conditions the park is unsafe and will be closed until conditions improve to a safe level.
- Park officials will notify the Park guests VIA communications channel GMRS#6 of any closures and re-opening of trails due to weather conditions.
Are firearms allowed?
- No firearms are allowed on the property of MERUS.
- Absolutely no discharging of any firearms on the property at any time.
- We display the correct Texas law signage for the park and any violators will be prosecuted
Can I host an event at Merus?
- Yes. We host many events at Merus.
- Contact our Events Director for more information.
- Molly Naylor
- [email protected]
Can I host corporate training at Merus?
- Yes.
- Contact our Events Director to coordinate your corporate retreat at Merus.
- Molly Naylor
- [email protected]
Do you have a driving school?
- We are currently developing Stage-5 Driving Experience designed to build your driving skills and grow your confidence driving all off-road trails.
- Try one of our Saturday tours for a taste of what our offroad guided experiences will entail.
Is there a max on group sizes?
- Yes
- Group bookings can be made for up to 30 vehicles
- Groups of 30 or more rigs will need to contact the MERUS office to discuss hosting a private event or arranging special accommodations
- All Groups can book their trip online at https://merusadventure.com/group-booking/
Do you offer hunting?
- Yes. We have scheduled seasonal hunts for Mule Deer and Aoudad (Barbary Sheep).
- Spaces are very limited.
- Hunting dates are set and determined by MERUS Adventure™ only
- We DO NOT lease out the property for hunting
- Contact our Operations Director
- Casey Bronson
- [email protected]
IMPORTANT!
- We DO NOT offer solo day passes for off-roading. To off-road/overland, you must have a camping (tent, RV, cabin, etc.) reservation. If you do not wish to camp, we encourage you to view our group packages for options regarding single-day access to the park.
Rules
Registration and Arrival
Liability Waivers:
- All guests must sign MERUS Adventure™ Park waivers before entering the property.
- Failure to comply will result in the immediate removal of both the members and guests until compliance has been met.
- Parents must sign a MERUS Adventure™ Park waiver on behalf of their children who are minors before minors can enter the Park.
- You may not bring minors into the Park who are not your children unless their parents have also signed a MERUS Adventure™ Park waiver on their behalf.
Check-In Procedure
- Check-in: time is 2:00 pm
- Check-out time is 10:00 am
- You can check in to the park as early as 8:00 am for trail usage, but your campsites may not be available until 2:00 pm.
- All guests MUST arrive by 6:00 pm.
- LATE CHECK-INS ARE NOT PERMITTED WITHOUT PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE MERUS OFFICE
- While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager has the ultimate decision for spot placement.
Hunting/Firearms Policy
- Absolutely no hunting or discharging of firearms is permitted in the Park.
- No open carrying of firearms is permitted on the Park.
- In addition, all members, guests of members, and day-use visitors of MERUS Adventure™ Park are expected to:
- Not approach or feed wildlife.
- Not be careless with fire and immediately report any uncontrolled fires.
- MERUS Adventure™ Park reserves the right to revoke memberships due to violations of rules.
Campground Policy
- Not vandalize surfaces of the Park either natural or man-made.
- Not remove any artifacts from MERUS Adventure™ Park.
- Leave alone and report any geological or indigenous-created artifacts to o MERUS Adventure™ Park staff.
- MERUS Adventure™ Park encourages treadlightly.org principles.
Signs Policy
- Follow all posted signs.
Environment Policy
- Come prepared for the environment you are engaging with.
- Take only memories and photographs.
- MERUS Adventure™ Park prohibits collecting plants, animals, and artifacts.
- Preserve the past for the future by leaving artifacts in place.
- Removal of plants, animals, rocks, downed timber, artifacts, or relics is prohibited.
Vehicle Policy
- Off-road and Overlanding vehicles and/or mountain bikes must stay on designated trails or other designed areas at all times.
- All vehicles must have proof of current liability insurance in the cab of the vehicle.
- All vehicles must carry a functional fire extinguisher.
- Fire extinguishers are available for rent for a fee from MERUS Adventure™ Park.
- All Vehicles must have a muffled exhaust.
- No straight pipe or open headers.
- Maximum 42" Tire Limit.
- All vehicles, bikes, and hikers must stay on marked trails only.
- Any evidence of going off trail will incur a $1,000 fine per instance and possible ban from MERUS Adventure™ Park (up to the discretion of MERUS Adventure™ staff and ownership).
- Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and Side x Sides are not allowed in the Park.
Speed Limits
- Observe posted speed limits at all times.
- Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in MERUS AdventureTM Park is 15 MPH.
- Protect all Park users and wildlife by obeying speed limits.
- All passengers must be seated inside the vehicle at all times.
- No individual(s) may ride in truck beds while on active trails or inside the Park at any time.
- Above all, use common sense and drive at speeds in accordance with your off-road equipment/training/abilities.
Yield to Emergency Vehicles
- All members and guests of MERUS Adventure™ Park must yield at all times to any emergency vehicle.
Wildlife Policy
- Keep wildlife wild.
- Do not feed or harass wildlife.
- Absolutely no hunting or trapping allowed.
Geocaching Policy
- MERUS Adventure™ Park needs to be advised of any caches left inside the Park.
- Please check with MERUS AdventureTM Park headquarters before placing geocaches.
Drones Policy
- Drones shall be used only in main, open day-use areas, and be respectful of other visitors in the park.
- Drones are prohibited to be flown over campsites or others and shall not infringe on the privacy of other parkgoers.
- No pictures for professional sale or use without express written permission from MERUS AdventureTM Park.
- FAA regulations must be followed for the use of drones in the park.
Garbage/Cleanup Policy
- Please recycle appropriate litter and deposit trash in designated containers.
- Leaving no trace of your visit helps the Park remain beautiful and reduces the possibility of human/animal conflicts.
- Pack-in / pack-out.
- At MERUS, we take the cleanliness of our park extremely seriously as do our members.
- We ask that you do your part and always pack out what you pack in.
- Pick up your trash and dispose of it at the dumpsters provided at the park entrance.
- There is a strict $250 fine for site cleanup
Camping Policy
- Camping is allowed only on designated camp pads or sites.
- All campers must have a digital reservation before entering the Park.
- No Group Camping at RV Sites!
- Our RV sites are meant to accommodate one RV and one additional vehicle.
- Group camping at the RV sites is strictly prohibited.
- No ground tents or Overlanding trailers may be set up or share an RV site.
Campfires
- Burn bans must be observed.
- You may use containerized fuel stoves with a shut-off valve or on/off switch for cooking.
- Contact the MERUS Adventure™ Park for the latest in fire danger information.
- All fires must be extinguished when leaving a campsite or before going to bed at night.
- Absolutely NO unattended fires are allowed.
- CAMPFIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CANYON AREAS.
- No Fires!
- We are still observing a fire ban at MERUS Adventure™.
- In the event that the fire ban is lifted, the use of naturally burning fire sources (wood, charcoal, etc.) is still strictly prohibited at the park.
Firewood Policy
- No collection of natural wood, dead or alive, is allowed in any part of the Park
- There is a strict $500 fine per instance for breaking fire ban protocols!
Wastewater Policy
- Wastewater (both black and gray) can only be discharged at designated dump stations.
Quiet Hours
- Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Respect your neighbors and celebrate nature’s night noises.
Food Storage Policy
- Store your food in sealed and preferably locked containers at all times.
- Do not leave unattended food out while enjoying Park activities or overnight.
- All trash must be placed in garbage containers when away from the campsites.
Hammocks Policy
- Check with Park staff to ask about site-specific rules or requirements.
- Check with Park staff to ask about site-specific rules or requirements.
- No permanent anchors such as screws or eyebolts may be used.
- Trees must be at least 8″ in diameter at the point of strap contact to ensure they are strong enough to support the hammock.
- Use of padding underneath straps to protect trees’ bark is required.
- No more than two straps may be attached to a single tree.
- Do not prune or cut plants to make way for hammocks.
- Hang hammocks for overnight camping within the bounds of the assigned campsite.
- Hammocks may not be attached to park structures such as shade shelters, or lantern posts.
Pets Policy
- The only pets allowed are dogs and registered service animals.
- They must be physically controlled at all times: they can be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash. please visit our website for more on our pet policy.
- Dogs must have identification tags on them at all times and shall be fully vaccinated.
- Dogs must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash.
- Aggressive behavior towards Park guests or their pets will not be tolerated.
- Guests will be required to remove aggressive dogs from the Park immediately.
- Dogs may not be left unattended or tied to objects without the owners present.
- Dogs may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate.
- Owners must bag and dispose of their dog’s waste in designated camp areas and others.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP RULES
- Sharing of membership access: Sharing your membership access with non-members is prohibited.
- Membership access is for immediate family members, AKA family unit ONLY.
- Signed waivers for all family members must be completed before entering the park.
- In the event members are determined to have shared access cards/codes with a non-member(s), that member will immediately lose their membership privileges to MERUS Adventure™ Park without a refund.
- Definitions of family units (those allowed to be in the park with each membership level):
- Parents, guardians, children, and a single employed caregiver such as personal care attendant (CPA), live-in caregiver/nanny, or Au Pair.
Disclaimer
- WARNING: UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 75A, CIVIL PRACTICE, AND REMEDIES CODE), AN AGRITOURISM ENTITY IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY TO OR DEATH OF AN AGRITOURISM PARTICIPANT RESULTING FROM AN AGRITOURISM ACTIVITY
- All members, guests of members, and day-use visitors of MERUS Adventure™ Park are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous manner.
- MERUS Adventure™ Park is a family-friendly place.
- Inappropriate language, aggressive and/or lewd behavior, or public intoxication will absolutely not be tolerated.
- Violators may be removed from MERUS Adventure™ Park and prohibited from returning.
- Liability Waivers: All guests must sign MERUS Adventure™ Park waivers before entering the property.
- Failure to comply will result in the immediate removal of both the members and guests until compliance has been met.
- Parents must sign a MERUS Adventure™ Park waiver on behalf of their children who are minors before minors can enter the Park.
- You may not bring minors into the Park who are not your children unless their parents have also signed a MERUS Adventure™ Park waiver on their behalf.
- Minors must be accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times.
Waver Form:
https://app.waiversign.com/e/63d1b782b25cc60012cb104b/doc/63d1b9ef0d2eed0012cdc138?event=non
Cancellation Policy
MODERATE
If the guest cancels at least 1 week before your check-in day and time, they will receive a full refund (minus Spot2Nite convenience or resort fees). If the guest cancels within the 1 week before check-in, there will be no refund.