LBJ Lyndon B Johnson National Grasslands, near Decatur, Texas, is a prime spot for those who appreciate the simplicity of nature. This area is all about primitive camping, so if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, you’ll find plenty of space to pitch a tent or park your RV.

The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with sites that are often far apart, giving you a sense of solitude. Visitors have enjoyed the chance to explore the open space, with trails for hiking and stocked ponds for fishing. As one camper put it, “We love this place! It’s free and close to DFW,” making it a convenient escape for city dwellers.

While there are no facilities like showers or drinking water, this is part of the charm for many. Campers appreciate the chance to practice their outdoor skills in a setting that feels untouched. Just remember to pack out what you bring in, as the area relies on visitors to keep it clean. 

If you’re into wildlife, you might spot some cattle roaming around, adding to the rustic vibe. Plus, the lack of reservations means you can come and go as you please, making it easy to find a spot that suits your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a weekend getaway, LBJ Grasslands offers a unique experience in the heart of Texas.

The LBJ is comprised of more than 20,250 acres with one developed recreation area located at Black Creek Lake. The recreation area consists of seven picnic units, seven walk-in camp units, one improved boat ramp and an accessible fishing bridge. No drinking water is available. The lake is approximately 30 acres in size. The discharge of firearms and hunting is prohibited on and around the lake. There are nearly 75 miles of multipurpose trails which run in the Cottonwood Lake vicinity. These trails are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. TADRA Point is a designated trailhead camping facility that is a primary access point for the 75 mile LBJ Multiuse Trail system. Restrooms and parking facilities are provided. Valley View Group Use Campground is available by reservation on weekends. Call the Caddo-LBJ district office at (940)-627-5475 for reservations. Weekend reservations are $150.00. This money is used to maintain the facility and improve the campground. Facilities include restrooms, parking spurs, fire rings, lantern posts and group pavilion. Other popular lakes include Clear Lake and Rhodes Lake. Clear Lake is approximately 20 acres in size and has a concrete boat ramp and a 50-foot wheelchair accessible fishing pier. Rhodes Lake is approximately 15 acres and has no facilities.

LBJ Lyndon B Johnson National Grasslands

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Alvord, TX is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Alvord is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Alvord. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Alvord

The Best Camping Near Alvord, Texas

this campground is great for hitching up a high line for your ponies and spending the weekend hitting the trails. you’ll have to haul water to your site from the water trough. and it can be noisy on a busy weekend. 

trail riding base camp

Beautiful area! Great for hikes, outdoor skills and group. Scouts go often for primative overnights.

Primative camping!

If you are looking for a primitive site then this is the spot. If your looking for a camping area set up for tents then you can find it here. I love coming out to LBJ

Great Primitive area

Little traffic and a big hilly open place to practice your woodsmen skills. Key spot for primitive camping with no hookups that I saw. Very open space with lots of trail

Great for practice 

The site we stayed at was at least 300 feet from the nearest spot but no one occupied that spot either time we stayed here so we were pretty much by ourselves. This place is very minimalistic so if that’s what you’re looking for this is a good place to come. The spots here are first come first serve no reservation needed. The was a nice fire pit made and enough trees at at least 4 of the 7 sites to be able to hang hammocks if you want and are fairly shady which is so nice. Ground is kind of hard to drive a stake into. No water or restrooms that we saw but I know wherever the group site is there is supposedly a restroom. There were a few trails but it was too hot for me to drag myself to them. This is our second time camping here in a week, and I’m sure we will be back again when the weather is cooler. 

Nice place to car camp if you don’t want to see many people.

We love this place! It’s free and close to DFW. There’s cattle roaming around and a lot of stocked ponds to fish in and some hiking through the different areas. Very peaceful and still close to the city if you forget anything. Be sure to use your GPS because you’ll want to drop a pin when you find a spot so you can find it again. There are absolutely no facilities so pack out what you pack in and clean up after yourself! The park ranger stops by at times which was nice since it’s remote. 

Best no Facility camping near DFW

We went boondocking for the first time.  I had no idea somewhere this close was so great! We moved each night trying a new primitive site!

AMAZING! 

Not sure what was up, but this campsite is gated off and locked with no trace of anyone having been there for quite some time. Try at your own risk, just don't plan to stay here and roll in at 10 pm like we did. 

Photos of LBJ Lyndon B Johnson National Grasslands

Real photos from real campers