Lake Texoma offers remote dispersed camping opportunities at the border of Texas and Oklahoma with 89,000 acres of water and 580 miles of shoreline. Located at 617 feet elevation, the area features wooded peninsulas and rugged shoreline trails through Cross Timbers ecological region. Primitive camping near Lake Texoma provides backcountry experiences accessible primarily through the 14-mile Cross Timbers Trail system.
What to do
Hammock camping opportunities: 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping offers suitable trees for hammock setups along with traditional tent spots. As one camper notes, "Good spot. I stayed in my hammock and buddy in his tent back in Nov 2019. Stopped just before a cold front with rain hit and built a fire."
River exploration: Blue River Camp features multiple water access points for swimming and wading. A visitor describes, "There's a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing," while another mentions "We did some awesome exploring up and down the river."
Technical hiking training: The Cross Timbers Trail provides challenging terrain for hikers seeking to build skills. One experienced backpacker at Eagle's Roost Campsite explains, "The trail is more technical than most in the vicinity and is a great place to do a gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Primitive campsites at Blue River Camp offer privacy with direct water access. A camper reports, "The campsite was secluded with several paths that lead down to the river," providing opportunities to escape crowds.
Backcountry atmosphere: For those seeking remote wilderness camping near Lake Texoma, accessible sites provide isolation despite proximity to urban areas. According to one visitor at 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping, the area offers "Amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores. Come prepared it's fully primitive but there are spots all up and down the Cross Timbers Trail you can either boat or backpack too."
Wildlife observation points: Strategic camping locations offer opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. One Eagle's Roost Campsite user mentions, "Birds flock over and it's far enough away from the freeway that it's quiet (with the exception of the occasional fishing boat)."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Blue River Camp requires proper documentation. A recent visitor warns, "To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently."
Access challenges: Some primitive sites have unclear or contested access routes. Recent visitors to 5 Mile Camp reported access issues, indicating potential changes to previously documented routes.
Trash management: Pack-out policies apply at most dispersed sites. One conscientious camper at Blue River noted the need for visitors to take responsibility: "The only downside was the amount of trash that people had left. I think I might make it a new goal to try to carry out at least one or two grocery bags worth of other people's trash."
Tips for camping with families
Waterfall experiences: Hughes Crossing near Blue River Camp provides child-friendly water features. A visitor describes, "Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming. There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing."
Campsite selection: Look for flat, well-maintained sites when camping with children. At Blue River Camp, one family noted, "There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat," making setup easier with kids.
Weekday visits: For quieter family experiences with fewer crowds, consider non-weekend trips. One visitor mentioned, "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there," allowing for more space and privacy.
Tips from RVers
Access for smaller RVs: Blue River Camp accommodates modest recreational vehicles on established sites. One RVer reports, "Easy access for our class c, very scenic river water falls," though larger rigs may find some areas challenging.
Road conditions: Prepare for gravel roads and potential water crossings when approaching dispersed camping areas. At Blue River Camp, visitors observe numerous low water crossings that may be impassable for low-clearance vehicles or during high water periods.
