Dispersed camping near Aledo, Texas extends to the nearby LBJ National Grasslands where elevation ranges from 700-1,100 feet across rolling prairie landscapes with scattered post oak trees. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rainfall, with many sites becoming temporarily inaccessible.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hunter Park attracts anglers year-round with its accessible pier and active fish population. "A cute little park with lots of picnic tables, a pier, and a huge field...The lake is gorgeous...The fish are active," reports one visitor. The park's proximity to town means you're only "two minutes away" from the nearest gas station if you need supplies.
Wildlife viewing: Campers at LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 frequently spot diverse wildlife. "See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds," notes one regular camper. The open grassland environment creates excellent viewing opportunities, especially during early morning and evening hours when animals are most active.
Stargazing: The remote nature of grassland camping sites provides excellent dark sky viewing. Visitors recommend staying up late with lights off for celestial observations. "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," advises one camper about the spectacular night skies.
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: The dispersed sites throughout Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland receive high marks for privacy. "Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus," shares one visitor. The widely separated sites allow for a genuine backcountry experience despite proximity to urban areas.
Water access: Chisholm Trail Park offers riverside camping with immediate water access. "Beautiful, great fishing, enough trees to hammock camp, flat spots if you want a tent...Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls," reports a camper. Each site includes a ramada and picnic table, providing shade and comfortable seating.
Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed camping locations near Aledo cost nothing or have minimal fees. Chisholm Trail Park operates on a "$10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot." This affordability makes the area popular for weekend getaways and impromptu camping trips.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from surprisingly good to nonexistent depending on your location and carrier. At Forest Road 904, "AT&T coverage was fairly good here, generally varying between 1-3 Bars of LTE service, with speeds up to 4.5 MB/s." Meanwhile, at Chisholm Trail Park, campers report "2 bars with Verizon!" Multiple reviewers recommend downloading maps before arrival regardless of your destination.
Facilities limitations: Nearly all dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. "No bathrooms but there are some at tadra and black creek. There is also water available at those campsite but it's not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system," advises a camper about the grasslands. Portable toilets occasionally replace permanent facilities at some parks.
Weather considerations: The Aledo region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. Winter camping can be surprisingly cold, while summer brings intense heat. "Perfect weather in March!!" notes one camper at Chisholm Trail Park, highlighting the importance of timing your visit. Strong winds affect exposed hillside sites, particularly in the grasslands.
Tips for camping with families
Safety preparations: When camping with children in these remote areas, bring basic first aid supplies and emergency contact information. The distance from medical facilities varies by location, with grassland sites being furthest from assistance. Consider that "There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient!" if camping in the northern grasslands.
Noise factors: For families sensitive to noise, select sites carefully. At Chisholm Trail Park, campers note you "can still hear road + train noise and neighborhood dogs" despite the natural setting. Hunter Park tends to be busier, with one camper observing there were "around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier."
Potential hazards: Familiarize children with local plants and wildlife. At Dead Pump Jack, visitors note there are "some major ruts" in the access road, creating potential tripping hazards. At Chisholm Trail, campers mention "some of the brush is pretty spiky," requiring appropriate footwear and caution for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Large rigs face significant challenges at most dispersed sites. For Forest Road 904, experienced RVers suggest: "If you have a tow vehicle, drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite, as turning around with a large rig is only practical in a couple of locations." Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others.
Setup strategy: The terrain varies significantly across camping areas. RVers recommend arriving early to secure level sites, especially during popular weekends. "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. There were a number of established and very widely spaced campsites along the FR, each with a fire pit."
