Texas Porch
Mineral Rights Practical

Oil and Gas Rights Work Differently From Surface Rights

Potter County Home & Property

The Panhandle has a long history of oil and gas production. Under Texas law, the mineral estate and the surface estate can be owned by different people. The mineral owner has the legal right to use the surface to access what is underground.

The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates oil and gas activity. Potter County falls under RRC District 10, served by the Pampa office. If you are buying land, check the deed carefully for any severance of mineral rights. You can search well records and permit history using the RRC online research tools at rrc.texas.gov.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

Keep reading

More stories and useful context near Potter County

A balanced next shelf: local character first, with practical context close by.

Stories & local character

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Is a Short Drive from Amarillo

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in Randall and Armstrong counties just south of Amarillo, is one of the most visited natural areas in the Texas Panhandle.

Read note →

Practical

Part of Potter County Has a Groundwater Conservation District

Part of Potter County falls within the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, which oversees well permits and water use from the Ogallala Aquifer.

Read note →

Stories & local character

The Canadian River Cuts Through Northern Potter County

The Canadian River flows east across the northern part of Potter County and created the canyon landscape that now holds Lake Meredith.

Read note →

Practical

Lake Meredith Offers Boating, Fishing, and Camping Near Amarillo

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area sits on the Canadian River northwest of Amarillo and provides free boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in the Texas Panhandle.

Read note →

Place pages in Potter County

AmarilloBishop Hills

Nearby county shelves

Randall (27) Moore (3) Carson (6) Oldham (5) Hutchinson (11) Armstrong (6)