Lake Mcclellan

Lake McClellan (McClellan Creek Lake), with a capacity of 5,005 acre-feet, was constructed on McClellan Creek twenty-five miles south of Pampa in southern Gray County (at 35'12' N, 100'51' W). It was built in the late 1940s by the Panhandle Water Conservation Authority, primarily for soil conservation, flood control, recreation, and promotion of wildlife. The lake is named for Capt.George B. McClellan, who accompanied Randolph B. Marcy on his exploration of the Red River. Surrounding the reservoir is McClellan Creek National Grassland, one of several scattered tracts of land across the Panhandle and in Oklahoma and New Mexico bought by the federal government after the dust bowl of the 1930s. This area has been allowed to go back to native grasses and brush to anchor the soil and help prevent destructive dust storms. It is generally characterized by a flat to rolling terrain with deep sandy loams. Facilities are provided for picnicking, camping, fishing, and boating. Call ahead about water levels. Near the lake is the site where Lt. Francis (Frank) D. Baldwin, commanding two companies of United States Cavalry, attacked Chief Grey Beard's band of Cheyenne Indians on November 8, 1874, and rescued Julia and Addie German.