LBJ National Grassland offers dispersed camping opportunities with multiple areas accessible by well-maintained gravel roads. Located in north-central Texas at an elevation around 900 feet, the grassland spans over 20,000 acres with rolling terrain typical of the Cross Timbers region. Weather varies significantly throughout the year with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing in nearby ponds: Multiple fishing spots are available throughout the LBJ National Grassland and surrounding areas. One camper at LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping noted, "Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires. See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds."
Hiking the trail system: The grassland offers several hiking routes with varying difficulty levels. A visitor to Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground shared, "We enjoyed a nice hike in the morning before we headed out," while another mentioned "Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps."
Kayaking on Lake Bridgeport: Access points around the lake provide launch areas for small watercraft. A camper at Wise County Park recalled, "The lake is so pristine and the camping spots are fairly large and ours was right on the water. We could park right next to our spot and put our boat in with the boat ramp that we could see from our spot."
What campers like
Spacious site separation: The dispersed camping areas offer significant distance between sites. A visitor to Lyndon B Johnson National Grasslands observed, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report animal sightings during their stays. One camper stated, "True Dispersed Camping with the added benefit of cell coverage. Spots are very well spaced out... See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, several sites maintain usable cellular connections. A visitor to LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping reported, "AT&T coverage was fairly good here, generally varying between 1-3 Bars of LTE service, with speeds up to 4.5 MB/s."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Most dispersed areas lack potable water. A camper at Tadra Point noted, "There is no drinking water here so you will need to bring some in," while another mentioned "There is also water available at those campsite but it's not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system."
Weather considerations: The climate can be challenging during certain seasons. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with limited shade at many sites. Winter brings temperature swings with occasional freezing conditions at night.
Navigation challenges: Finding specific camping areas can be difficult for first-time visitors. A camper at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping recommended, "Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best."
Variable road conditions: Access roads may become difficult after rain. One visitor observed, "We had been coming to this spot for 30+ years and rarely saw anyone else there," suggesting some spots remain less trafficked due to access challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Alvord: Many families appreciate that pets are welcome throughout the area. A camper at Wise County Park noted, "The bathrooms and entire park were so clean. We also had the use of picnic table and fire pit," making it suitable for family camping with pets.
Pack adequate supplies: Limited services mean bringing all essentials. "Remote, quiet, simple beauty. Easy access, cool area. Worth checking out for a low profile weekender or hike," reported one visitor, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency.
Consider seasonal timing: Summer visits require extra planning for heat management. "This is a fairly remote area of north-central Texas," noted a camper, highlighting both the appeal and challenges of the isolation, particularly important when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all areas accommodate large vehicles. An RV camper advised, "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."
Road awareness: Some access roads pose challenges. "Forrest Road 904, where the dispersed camping is located, is hard packed gravel and in fairly good shape," reported one RVer, but cautioned about narrower connecting roads.
Power management: For those needing electricity, options are limited in dispersed areas. A visitor to A Plus RV Park noted more developed alternatives: "The place has power and sewer hook up, all the comforts for a RV," for those requiring full services when traveling with pets or family.
Ranger
