Dispersed camping options near Albany, Texas primarily concentrate around Possum Kingdom Lake, approximately 70 miles east of the city, and North Anson Lake about 30 miles to the west. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezing conditions. Most free camping sites in this area feature minimal amenities and require campers to be self-sufficient with water and supplies.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: At Bug Beach BRA #5, visitors can access a boat ramp and designated swimming area. "Located on Possum Kingdom Lake, Bug Beach has tent camping, a boat ramp and roped of swimming area," notes camper Megan E. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and cooling off during hot Texas summers.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various wildlife species throughout the year. At Possum Kingdom Lake BRA, one camper mentioned spotting "a herd of deer late afternoon" while staying at Area #5. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
Hiking exploration: The surrounding terrain features informal trails and shoreline paths to explore. Jen M. describes Bug Beach as having "lots of trails and pull off areas to over night," making it suitable for day hikes and nature walks. The trails aren't formally maintained but provide access to scenic areas around the water.
What campers like
Uncrowded off-season camping: While summer brings crowds to free camping areas near Albany, visiting during cooler months offers a different experience. Jen M. reports that she "and one other tent camper had entire area (camp & beach) ourselves Nov 3 2020" at Bug Beach. Fall and winter visits provide more solitude and open space at most dispersed sites.
Clean facilities: Despite being free camping locations, the facilities at Possum Kingdom receive positive feedback for maintenance. One camper at Possum Kingdom Lake BRA noted "exceptionally clean campground facilities" during their stay. The presence of flush toilets with running water at some areas exceeds typical expectations for dispersed camping.
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the ability to camp directly beside the water at no cost. Darlene from North Anson Lake Dispersed mentions that many sites are "waterside" with "shelters, grill, and picnic tables" at the Possum Kingdom public use areas, providing premium locations without fees except for designated RV pads in summer.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer brings both crowds and plant hazards to some camping areas. At Bug Beach, Jen M. warns about "dense razor sharp Grass burrs" that can cause problems: "within minutes my tent, pets, shoes and tires were covered and difficult to remove." These burrs are most problematic during dry summer months.
Variable privacy levels: The openness of dispersed camping areas means privacy can fluctuate based on visitor numbers. Brandon C. noted at Bug Beach there's "constantly traffic and people listening to ur conversations," which impacted his experience. Sites farther from boat ramps and swimming areas typically offer more seclusion.
Limited facilities: Most free camping near Albany requires self-sufficiency. North Anson Lake Dispersed has no toilets, running water, or designated fire areas. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies including drinking water and pack out all waste according to leave-no-trace principles.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom access planning: For families with young children, choosing sites with toilet facilities makes camping more comfortable. Darlene reports that at Possum Kingdom Lake BRA - Bug Beach, "All 5 [public areas] have bathroom facilities with running water and flush toilets," making these locations more suitable for family camping than more primitive options.
Safety considerations: The lake environment requires water safety awareness. The designated swimming area at Bug Beach provides a safer option for children as it's "roped off" according to Megan E. Families should establish clear boundaries for children near water and monitor them continuously.
Supply runs: Families require more supplies, and proximity to stores helps manage extended stays. Several campers mention a general store 5-10 minutes from the Possum Kingdom Lake areas that can provide drinking water, food, and other necessities without requiring a long drive back to Albany.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers have specific options at Possum Kingdom Lake. Darlene explains, "Public Area 4 and 6 have RV pads (which they do charge $10 to use in the Summer)," while "Public Area 5 has grass pull thru RV parking." These designated areas provide more stable parking for larger vehicles.
Summer fees: While most dispersed camping near Albany remains free year-round, RVers should note the summer exception. The $10 fee for RV pads during summer months at Possum Kingdom represents the only cost associated with these otherwise free camping options, making spring and fall potentially more economical for RV camping.
Accessibility considerations: Not all free camping areas can accommodate larger vehicles. Bug Beach has limited space for turning around larger rigs, and North Anson Lake Dispersed is not considered big-rig friendly according to campground information. RVers should research road conditions before attempting access, especially after rain events.
