Best Tent Camping near Alvord, TX
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland surrounding Alvord, Texas offers several tent camping options within its 20,000-acre expanse. Tadra Point Campground, located directly in Alvord, provides established tent campsites with basic amenities in a natural setting. Black Creek Lake NF Campground in nearby Decatur offers tent-only primitive camping with 14 official sites. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed tent camping is permitted throughout designated areas of the LBJ National Grassland. Lake Mineral Wells State Park, though slightly farther at about 40 miles southwest, provides backcountry tent camping opportunities with walk-in sites accessible via hiking trails.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature minimal improvements and require self-sufficiency. At Black Creek Lake, campers pay via an honor system kiosk ($2 per night, cash only) for sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. Tadra Point requires a $10 per car fee collected through a self-serve payment box. The sites are generally set on natural surfaces with minimal grading. Drinking water is scarce or non-potable at most locations, so campers should bring their own supply. Non-flushing toilets are available at established campgrounds, but dispersed camping areas have no facilities. During summer months, rattlesnakes may be present in tall grass areas, and large mosquitoes are common, making insect repellent essential.
In early fall, tent campsites throughout the grasslands offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. A camper at Black Creek Lake noted that while mid-week visits provide a peaceful experience, "locals fishing or grilling slightly diminished the wilderness vibe." The primitive tent camping areas offer varying levels of privacy. According to reviews, Tadra Point's open layout provides limited seclusion between sites, though the surrounding trail system offers good hiking opportunities. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer, raccoons, opossums, and coyotes. For those willing to explore forest service roads, locals mentioned that some dispersed camping spots in the LBJ Grassland have remained relatively undiscovered for decades, offering true solitude for tent campers.
