Best Dispersed Camping near Aledo, TX

The landscape surrounding Aledo, Texas features several dispersed camping options within an hour's drive, primarily focused on waterfront locations and national grasslands. Hunter Park in Granbury offers free lakeside camping with picnic tables and basic facilities, while Chisholm Trail Park provides riverside sites with ramadas for $10 per night on an honor system basis. The LBJ National Grasslands, located north of Aledo, contains multiple dispersed camping areas including Forest Road 904 camping and Dead Pump Jack, both offering primitive sites with established fire rings and scenic vistas.

Road conditions vary significantly across these camping areas, with Hunter Park featuring paved access roads suitable for larger vehicles and a convenient loop design eliminating the need for backing up. In contrast, the LBJ National Grasslands requires more careful navigation, particularly for larger rigs. "We parked our 36' Class A on the side of FR 904, just inside the gate, unhooked our Cherokee and went to scope out the area," notes one camper. Most grassland sites feature hard-packed gravel roads that become challenging after rain. Cell service ranges from good to spotty depending on location, with several visitors recommending downloading maps before arrival. Nearly all sites lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

Fishing opportunities represent a major draw for campers in the region, with Hunter Park and Chisholm Trail Park receiving consistently high ratings for angling access. "Good fishing and kinda quiet for being a campsite," reports one regular visitor to Hunter Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly in the grasslands where campers report seeing deer, armadillos, hogs, and cattle grazing near their sites. Privacy levels vary dramatically between locations, with LBJ Grasslands offering widely spaced sites that provide solitude, while Hunter Park sites are described as "right on top of each other" with limited privacy. March through May and September through November typically offer the most comfortable camping weather, avoiding summer heat and winter cold snaps.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Aledo, Texas (5)

    1. Hunter Park

    4 Reviews
    Granbury, TX
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (817) 573-3212

    "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there."

    "Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be!"

    2. LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 627-5475

    "Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more."

    "Remote, quiet, simple beauty. Easy access, cool area. Worth checking out for a low profile weekender or hike."

    3. Chisholm Trail Park

    2 Reviews
    Whitney Lake, TX
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 694-3189

    "$10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot."

    "Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature."

    4. Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    44 miles
    Website

    "We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. "

    "Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn’t want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night."

    5. Dead Pump Jack

    1 Review
    Alvord, TX
    44 miles

    "Not to far off the beaten path but just far enough. I wouldn’t bring anything towed or longer than a B van since there are some major ruts no no trespassing signs"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Aledo, TX

19 Reviews of 5 Aledo Campgrounds


  • Jesse P.
    Feb. 13, 2022

    Hunter Park

    Great spot for fishing / boating

    Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there. Plenty of light, maybe to much if you're a dark sky's person but there are nice spots with trees. No electricity or water. Bring your own stuff and come prepared. If you forget something then no worries you are close to the city.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Local area we stumbled upon- TREAT IT WELL

    We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. 

    To give you an idea- we drove a Toyota 4Runner and a small utility trailer with a roof top tent on it. Though this is some room down there, if someone else is there, I would move on. 

    There were some locals who came through and talked to us for a while when they were fishing in the lake. They said that they had been coming to this spot for 30+ years and rarely saw anyone else there. So this is my plea- if you come here, be respectful and clean up after yourself. If you are there in the right time of the year, stay out late and turn off your lights- you'll get a night surprise.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Worked Well for Overnight

    Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn’t want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night. Taking the Trinity exit north off the loop around Decatur and using the navigation to the LBJ Grasslands to Park Rd 904 access was easy (& scenic). Once inside you could tell there’d been recent rain but the wet areas were easily avoided. Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus. Will make a note to use this stop en route out of the central part of the state going west for future trips.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Hunter Park

    Pretty!

    A cute little park with lots of picnic tables, a pier, and a huge field. The bathrooms were closed but they supplied a porta potty and the nearest gas station is only about two minutes away. Very connected to civilization and it was very well kept. Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be! The fish are active. The lake is gorgeous, but if you are car camping or tent camping, be wary about the fact that there will be little to no shade. Plenty of space for a big rig, and the whole thing is designed in a loop, so no backing out necessary! Plus all driving areas to and from the campsite, as well as in it, are paved.

  • Kelsi W.
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Camp at the Water!

    $10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot.

    Pros- Beautiful, great fishing, enough trees to hammock camp, flat spots if you want a tent, safe! Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls. Each spot has its own Ramada and picnic table. I know there are other campers but we are separated by a field and trees, so it feels quite isolated.

    2 bars with Verizon! Wrote this from my hammock!

    Cons- can still hear road + train noise and neighborhood dogs. Some of the brush is pretty spiky. Some trash from past campers (we picked up as we cleaned up our stay, but who knows if it will be back). But really, no major complaints.

    This place is lovely! Perfect weather in March!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping

    Very remote

    Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more. Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best. No bathrooms, water, etc. Pack in/pack out. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps. Only saw 3 other cameras while we were here. Great hiking.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Hunter Park

    Been coming here for years!

    This is a very nice park, free camping not designated camp sites. Just first come first served camp where you want. Good fishing and kinda quiet for being a campsite.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Great fishing spot

    Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature.


Guide to Aledo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Aledo, Texas, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Great Fishing Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • Hunter Park offers free camping right by the water, making it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Visitors have reported excellent fishing experiences, with the added bonus of being able to set up camp wherever they choose.
  • The park's natural surroundings provide a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Aledo, Texas

  • When heading to Chisholm Trail Park, remember that it’s a primitive camping area, so come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and firewood.
  • This spot is accessible by boat or hiking, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy a bit of adventure to reach their campsite.
  • The park is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the outdoor experience.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out LBJ National Grasslands

  • LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping is known for its remote and spacious sites, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.
  • With no amenities available, campers should pack in everything they need and be prepared for a true back-to-nature experience.
  • The area is great for hiking, and visitors have noted the diverse wildlife, including deer and various bird species, enhancing the camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Aledo, TX is Hunter Park with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Aledo, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.