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Best Dispersed Camping near Bertram, TX

4 Reviews

The San Gabriel River Trail near Bertram, Texas offers several primitive camping opportunities along its 26.2-mile route circling Lake Georgetown. Three free dispersed camping areas—San Gabriel River Trail, Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, and Walnut Springs Primitive Campground—are accessible via hike-in or walk-in access only. These sites require backpacking or boating in, with Sawyer Park located approximately 5 miles from both Tejas Campground and Cedar Breaks Campground. Walnut Springs can be accessed by hiking 2 miles from Russell Park or biking 4 miles from Camp Tejas.

These off-grid campsites have minimal amenities, with only Walnut Springs offering picnic tables. All sites allow fires and pets but lack drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. One camper shared, "This is possibly the easiest campground on the Good Water Trail to get to, which may result in there being more people at this site than others." When boondocking here, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, bring sufficient water or a filter for lake water, and be prepared to dig cat holes. Summer conditions can be challenging due to heat and trail exposure, with approximately 60% of the trail lacking shade coverage.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bertram, Texas (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bertram, TX

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bertram, TX

4 Reviews of 3 Bertram Campgrounds

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2019

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    This is a review of the Sawyer Park primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. There are no facilities or amenities are this campsite. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.

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

    The Sawyer Park site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground. This is primitive (dispersed) camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. There is an old latrine at this site, but it is in poor shape and no-one really uses it. Be prepared to dig a cat hole. 

    Many people stay at this site while hiking the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.

    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, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water while hiking - 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.

  • Guillermo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Walnut Springs Primitive Campground

    Tent camping recommended.

    I'm very last minute camping trip on a Sunday evening to Monday morning... There was a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves. Large open area; for fire pits for lamp hangers for picnic tables trees closer the trail and grass sea areas closer to the water. Can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away.

    No amenities; be prepared to dig cat hole, if drinking lake water be prepared to filter and sterilize. This is possibly the easiest campgrounds on the good water trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others. This is the "first come, first serve" campground.

    Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees.

  • Alexandra
    Jan. 13, 2021

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Camped out of the campsite near the lake

    We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents. water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in. Rain started pretty heavily (and being close to the water probably didn’t help with humidity inside the tent) and our rain fly was unwilling to cooperate so we got a bit wet. The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable. Overall great time here even though we weren’t at the official campsite.

Guide to Bertram

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bertram, Texas, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more rugged and authentic outdoor experience. With a variety of locations offering unique landscapes and activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bertram, Texas

  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at places like Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, where amenities are minimal, and you'll need to practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • Always carry enough water, especially when hiking the San Gabriel River Trail, as access to water sources can be limited despite being near the lake.
  • Inform park administrators of your hiking plans when you arrive, as it's a good practice to ensure your safety while exploring the area.

Scenic views and natural beauty for dispersed campers

  • The Walnut Springs Primitive Campground offers stunning views and a large open area, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate picturesque landscapes.
  • Camping along the San Gabriel River Trail provides breathtaking scenery as you hike through forests and grasslands, with opportunities to set up camp in various scenic spots.
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is known for its breathtaking views and unique rock formations, perfect for those looking to combine camping with hiking adventures.

Top activities while free camping near Bertram

  • Hiking the San Gabriel River Trail is a must-do, as it offers a 26.2-mile loop that showcases the area's diverse ecosystems and beautiful landscapes, with several dispersed camping options along the way.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, the proximity to Lake Georgetown allows for a relaxing day by the water after a night spent at Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites.
  • Explore the trails at Colorado Bend State Park, where you can experience both the River Backpack Area and the Windmill Backpack Area, offering unique landscapes and opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bertram, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bertram, TX is Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Bertram, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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