Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bend, TX

Looking for the best Bend dispersed camping? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Bend's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bend, TX (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    1. River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    3 Reviews
    55 Photos
    11 Saves

    This is a backcountry wilderness, low-impact, limited footprint camping area. It is not a group camp area. All tents must be in the boundary of the sites, with only four people per site. Camping outside the designated area is prohibited. Campsites are one mile from the Windmill Trailhead, but you can park at any trailhead in the park to customize your hike. The Windmill Backpack Area is five miles from the river and the main campground. No water or toilets are available in this area. No open fires are allowed, but you may use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it properly.

    • Tents

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    2. Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    2 Reviews
    14 Photos
    7 Saves

    This is a backcountry wilderness, low-impact, limited footprint camping area. It is not a group camp area. All tents must be in the boundary of the sites, with only four people per site. Camping outside the designated area is prohibited. Campsites are one mile from the Windmill Trailhead, but you can park at any trailhead in the park to customize your hike. The Windmill Backpack Area is five miles from the river and the main campground. No water or toilets are available in this area. No open fires are allowed, but you may use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it properly.

    • Tents

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

    3. Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

    24 Reviews
    64 Photos
    17 Saves

    Moss Lake (eight sites) and Walnut Springs (12 sites) are a 1 to 3 mile hike over rugged terrain. We charge an excess vehicle fee of $6 per car, per night, for each vehicle over two per campsite. No ash-producing fires are permitted in this area. You may use containerized fuel stoves that can be turned off for cooking. Minors (under 17) who are not camping with a sponsored group must provide a written consent form to stay overnight. No hammocks allowed in primitive camping areas.

    Magical, Mystical, Enchanted Climb the ancient dome for amazing Hill Country views.

    The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!

    Things to Do You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, bird, study nature, geocache and stargaze. (You cannot swim here or ride bikes on the trails.)

    Hiking Explore nearly 11 miles of hiking trails. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.

    All trails close 30 minutes after sunset, except the Loop Trail. The Summit Trail may close in wet weather. Check our trail status here or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed. Rock Climbing Rock climbers must check in at park headquarters. You can pick up route maps there and read the climbing rules. Read through our Climbing Information before you come.

    Pets To protect this Natural Area, pets are only allowed in the designated day-use picnic areas, the campgrounds, and on the Loop Trail (pets are not allowed on any other trail). Don't leave pets unattended, including in vehicles and at campsites, and keep them on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

    Shopping Our park store carries some gift items. You can buy wood for campfires at the park. Please bring your own drinking water, as it is in short supply due to the ongoing drought.

    Get involved Enchanted Rock needs your help! We will match your abilities to our many needs. You might guide a group to the summit, lead a tour of the loop trail, provide information to park visitors, or help maintain park facilities. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.

    Join or donate to the Friends of Enchanted Rock.

    Outfitters and guide services The following guides lead rock climbing tours at Enchanted Rock:

    Austin Ascents, austinascents@gmail.com Outpost Wilderness Adventure, info@owa.com Rock-About Climbing Adventures, Adam@Rock-About.com Texas Climbing Adventures, info@texasclimbingadventures.com Ranger Programs Enjoy a star party or a nature hike led by a park ranger, or contact the park for special tours for your group.

    Check our Events page for upcoming programs. Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Guide and borrow an explorer pack. Email us to schedule a school or youth group tour. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Area Attractions Visit Fredericksburg for a taste of German culture in the Texas Hill Country. There you can shop, dine, visit museums and find outdoor activities. Stop by Llano, known as the “Deer Capital of Texas,” for museums, music and more.

    President Lyndon B. Johnson was born near Johnson City. Learn about this colorful Texan at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Tour the Texas White House and Johnson’s boyhood home. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and the Sauer-Beckmann living history farm are nearby.

    Drive the Peach Loop, one of TPWD’s Great Texas Wildlife Trails. It will lead you to some of the best wildlife observation points in this area.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail

    4. San Gabriel River Trail

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    37 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bend

1 Reviews of 4 Bend Campgrounds


  • Troy W.
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Oct. 1, 2019

    San Gabriel River Trail

    San Gabriel River Trail + Lake

    This is a review of the primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. 

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park attendants that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries. 

    This is prmitive (dispersed) camping. There are no facilities or amenities are these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced. 

    There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock.  I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed. 

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters.

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person.

    Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.



Guide to Bend

Camping near Bend, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities that make it a great getaway. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the well-maintained trails at Inks Lake State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The hiking trails are very well maintained, and there’s plenty of variety in difficulty level/length."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Black Rock Park. A camper shared, "I have also enjoyed fishing. We stayed in our trailer while our kids and grandkids used one of the cabins."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wildlife at Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Unique park with lots of wildlife."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Inks Lake State Park Campground said, "Restrooms and showers are clean and close too!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of the campsites. A reviewer at Big Chief RV Resort remarked, "The campground is clean and quiet. It sits right on the lake."
  • Scenic Views: The beautiful scenery is a big draw. One camper at Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park stated, "The tent sites are spacious with giant oaks for shade."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A family at Big Chief RV Resort enjoyed, "We used Big Chief as our base camp and enjoyed checking out the hill country."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Inks Lake State Park Campground advised, "The Lake is beautiful and the campgrounds are right on the water."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. One visitor at Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park mentioned, "We love going to the observatory at night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Park noted, "Most sites had a nice distance from neighbor sites."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Cedar Bend RV Park said, "The campsite provides level and spacious sites."
  • Plan for Weather: Be ready for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Colorado Bend State Park Campground mentioned, "We had a tornado warning and fierce thunderstorm while there."

Camping around Bend, TX, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bend, TX?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bend, TX is River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Bend, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.