Best Dispersed Camping near Ace, TX

Dispersed camping near Ace, Texas concentrates primarily in the Sam Houston National Forest, where several primitive sites offer no-fee overnight stays without developed facilities. Four Notch Hunter Camp, Sexton Pond, Sand Branch, and Kelly's Pond provide free camping options on public land. Rock Hole Dispersed and Bouton Lake Camp represent additional primitive camping locations in the region. These areas typically have minimal management presence and follow standard national forest regulations.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with several campers noting the need to drive slowly on dirt and gravel surfaces. Four Notch Hunter Camp is accessible via dirt roads that most vehicles can handle when driven cautiously. Sexton Pond Dispersed sits at the end of a hard-packed gravel road with some potholes but remains passable for standard vehicles. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with one camper at Kelly's Pond reporting "only 1 bar of service." None of these sites offer drinking water, hookups, or sanitation facilities, and most lack toilets except for Kelly's Pond Campground.

These forest camping areas provide genuine seclusion for those seeking quiet outdoor experiences. The sites vary in popularity and usage patterns. One visitor to Sexton Pond shared, "I got lucky enough had the place to myself for almost 2 weeks," while another noted, "We were the only ones here." Four Notch Hunter Camp maintains tranquility except during hunting season, with a reviewer cautioning, "wear blaze orange!!!" Campfires are permitted at most sites including Four Notch, Sexton Pond, Kelly's Pond, and Rock Hole, though restrictions may apply seasonally. Kelly's Pond appears to attract some longer-term campers, as one reviewer observed it "did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home." Wildlife viewing opportunities and fishing are available at several locations, particularly at Rock Hole which features two ponds, one primarily for fishing.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ace, Texas (7)

Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ace, TX

1 Photos of 7 Ace Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ace, TX

5 Reviews of 7 Ace Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    Free camping

    Free camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend.

  • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sexton Pond Dispersed

    Sexton Pond.

    If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place. I got lucky enough had the place to myself for almost 2 weeks, give or take the few groups that tried to tough the biting fish. I will share a tip. They seem to sit dormant at 10pm and 3am for a hour each. No biting. Please clean behind as you found it.

  • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Rock Hole Dispersed

    Rock Hole / Slitz Hole

    Famous place where the limestone for the Galveston seawall after the storm of 1901 Has two ponds or waterholes. One is good just for fishing. The other grew up swimming in. Found big chunks of limestone all around still.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Sexton Pond Dispersed

    Great spot

    Down a hard packed gravel road. A few potholes but nothing major. Nice spot in the trees. There are a few fire pits spread out. We were the only ones here.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    A Nice Slice Of Solitude

    Kelly's Pond was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues.

    It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home, I had been here previously to do some "scouting" if you will, and noticed some of the same campers. They weren't bothering anyone, but if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road.


Guide to Ace

Dispersed camping opportunities near Ace, Texas span across Sam Houston National Forest and surrounding woodland areas. The terrain features typical East Texas pine forests with gentle hills and seasonal creek beds. Most sites maintain primitive standards without developed facilities and can be challenging to locate during wet winter months when forest roads deteriorate.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Rock Hole Dispersed offers two distinct ponds for anglers. According to a visitor, "One is good just for fishing. The other grew up swimming in. Found big chunks of limestone all around still."

Swimming spots: The secondary pond at Rock Hole Dispersed provides a natural swimming area with historical significance. One camper noted it as "Famous place where the limestone for the Galveston seawall after the storm of 1901" was quarried.

Wildlife observation: Rustic camping near Ace, Texas offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly at quieter sites. At Sexton Pond, one camper reported having "the place to myself for almost 2 weeks, give or take the few groups that tried to tough the biting fish."

What campers like

Solitude: Kelly's Pond Campground draws visitors seeking seclusion in the national forest. A camper described it as "A Nice Slice Of Solitude" and mentioned "It was very quiet, and I had no issues."

Affordability: Free camping is widely available throughout dispersed sites in this area. A Kelly's Pond visitor appreciated the "Free camping and apart from people" aspect of the experience.

Established fire pits: Sexton Pond Dispersed offers several pre-established fire rings. According to a camper, "There are a few fire pits spread out" making it easier to set up camp responsibly.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads require cautious driving regardless of vehicle type. A Sexton Pond visitor described "a hard packed gravel road. A few potholes but nothing major."

Limited cell service: Communication capabilities are restricted throughout the forest. One Kelly's Pond camper confirmed having "only 1 bar of service" but still deemed the location worth recommending.

Long-term campers: Some sites attract extended-stay occupants. A Four Notch Hunter Camp visitor observed at Kelly's Pond that "It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home" but noted "They weren't bothering anyone."

Hunting season awareness: During hunting seasons, camper density and safety considerations change dramatically. A Four Notch visitor warned "Very quiet, except during hunting season (wear blaze orange!!!)" indicating the importance of visibility gear during these periods.

Tips for camping with families

Weekday visits: Plan family trips during weekdays for maximum seclusion at primitive sites. At Sexton Pond, one family mentioned "We were the only ones here" during their midweek stay.

Pack all water needs: No reliable drinking water exists at any dispersed sites near Ace. Families should calculate 1 gallon per person per day minimum.

Consider Cagle Recreation Area: For families uncomfortable with primitive camping, Sand Branch - Sam Houston National Forest is located near more developed alternatives. One camper suggested "if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most forest roads leading to primitive camping areas restrict large vehicles. Four Notch Hunter Camp accommodates modest RVs but with caution. A visitor advised, "Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow."

Pad leveling required: Bring leveling blocks for most sites as natural terrain rarely provides flat parking. Most primitive RV spots lack defined parking areas.

Pack-out requirements: Without trash facilities, Sexton Pond Dispersed and other sites demand complete removal of all waste. A regular visitor requested, "Please clean behind as you found it."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ace, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ace, TX is Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ace, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Ace, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.