Best Tent Camping near Benbrook, TX
State parks and national grasslands surrounding Benbrook, Texas provide diverse options for tent camping enthusiasts. Lake Mineral Wells State Park, located about 45 miles northwest of Benbrook, offers dedicated primitive tent campsites accessible via hiking trails. De Cordova Bend, managed by the Brazos River Authority and situated southwest of Benbrook near Granbury, provides free tent camping with a 10-day maximum stay. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, approximately 60 miles north of Benbrook, features both established campgrounds and dispersed tent camping opportunities.
Most primitive tent camping areas require visitors to bring their own water and supplies. At Black Creek Lake NF Campground, tent-only sites operate on an honor system with a $2 per night fee that includes a fire ring and picnic table. Sycamore Bend Park charges $20 for primitive tent sites with a maximum 3-night stay limit. Sites typically feature basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, but rarely offer running water or electrical hookups. Summer heat can be intense, with rattlesnakes present in taller grass areas during warmer months. Cell service is limited at more remote locations, particularly within the LBJ National Grassland.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly by location. At Lake Mineral Wells State Park, campers report a 2.5-mile hike to reach primitive sites, with one visitor noting, "It was very quiet and secluded so I slept like a rock." Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, armadillos, rabbits, and occasionally coyotes. De Cordova Bend campers recommend arriving early for shaded spots, as one reviewer observed that "lots of sun and just a little shade" characterize the area. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude, with one camper noting that midweek, only "3 or 4 campsites are occupied" despite busy day-use traffic. Walk-in tent sites at Sycamore Bend Park provide lakeside camping with opportunities for hammocking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.