Best Dispersed Camping near Bonham, TX

Dispersed camping near Bonham, Texas centers primarily on the Cross Timbers Trail area along Lake Texoma shores. Two primitive camping areas, 5 Mile Camp and Eagle's Roost, provide free backcountry camping options on Army Corps of Engineers land. These sites require hikers to access them via trail, as both are designated as hike-in or walk-in only locations. The Cross Timbers Trail runs approximately 14 miles point-to-point along the shoreline, with various primitive camping spots positioned along the route. No established facilities or reservations exist at these locations.

Access to these dispersed camping areas requires preparation for fully primitive conditions. Neither location offers drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. The trail to reach these sites is described as technical for the region, making it suitable for experienced hikers. Seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility, particularly during rainy periods when trails can become muddy or impassable. 5 Mile Camp allows alcohol and pets, while fires are permitted at this location. However, recent reports indicate potential access issues with private property signs near the coordinates for 5 Mile Camp. Eagle's Roost Campsite appears to have different rules, with restrictions on fires, pets, and alcohol.

These primitive camping locations provide a remote wilderness experience surprisingly close to civilization. The sites offer Lake Texoma views and natural surroundings away from developed areas. Eagle's Roost in particular sits on a wooded peninsula overlooking the lake via a spur trail. A camper described it as "far enough away from the freeway that it's quiet with the exception of the occasional fishing boat." Another visitor noted that 5 Mile Camp provides an "amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores" but emphasized that visitors should "come prepared, it's fully primitive." The Cross Timbers Trail system serves as good training ground for longer hikes, with one review noting it's "a great place to do a gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions."