Tent camping near Bridgeport, Texas centers around the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, which spans 20,250 acres of mixed-use public land with oak-hickory woodlands and prairie ecosystems. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through August, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for campers. The grassland features multiple small lakes and ponds that attract diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and various bird species.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Black Creek Lake NF Campground offers lake access for anglers with a small boat launch. According to a review, "small RV park on the lake, quiet and shaded" with "small john boats launching especially during spring" making it popular for fishing enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground provides access to several trail systems. One camper noted, "We enjoyed a nice hike in the morning before we headed out" and mentioned the campground connects to multiple hiking and horse trails.
Paddling: Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers kayaking options beyond the Bridgeport area. A visitor mentioned, "You can also spend your day on the water, swimming on the beach, fishing from a pier or exploring the shoreline by kayak" and "there's a little creek you can paddle up off the far left side of the lake."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping provides isolation not typically found near urban areas. A camper shared, "We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while" and "locals who came through talked to us for a while when they were fishing in the lake. They said that they had been coming to this spot for 30+ years and rarely saw anyone else there."
Shady campsites: Black Creek Lake NF Campground offers tree cover that provides relief during hot weather. A reviewer noted "small RV park on the lake, quiet and shaded" making camping more comfortable during Texas heat.
Wildlife viewing: Tent camping at the grasslands provides opportunities to observe native Texas wildlife. Campers at Lake Mineral Wells State Park report seeing "deer, an armadillo, and a rabbit" during their hikes to primitive camping areas, while another camper mentioned hearing "coyotes chattering super close to our tent" at night.
What you should know
Rustic facilities: Most tent campgrounds in the area have limited amenities. At Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground, "The campsites here are pretty primitive. Seems like you can set up just about anywhere. There are two non flushing restroom" and "there is no drinking water here so you will need to bring some in."
Weather considerations: Summer heat affects camping comfort significantly. The shaded areas at Black Creek Lake provide natural cooling, but exposed areas can be uncomfortable during peak summer months.
Access challenges: Meadowmere Park & Campground has restricted entry times. A visitor noted, "Closes to public after 530 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival" - plan accordingly if arriving after hours.
Fee systems: Payment methods vary by location. Black Creek Lake operates on a $2 per night honor system with fire rings and picnic tables at the 14 official sites, while Tadra Point charges "$10 per car fee to be paid at a self serve box."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Little Elm Park includes recreational facilities for children. According to a review, the park has "restrooms and park lights" with "stores nearby" making it convenient for families needing supplies.
Swimming options: Lake access points provide cooling opportunities during hot weather. Sycamore Bend Park is "right on the lake" and "great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc." though one camper warns "it does get a bit crowded."
Safety concerns: Wildlife awareness is important when camping with children. During summer months, rattlesnakes may be present in tall grass areas, so families should stay on maintained trails and cleared camping areas.
Noise levels: Campground selection affects the camping experience. A review of Sycamore Bend Park mentioned it's "very popular with the boy and cub scout troops in the North Dallas Metroplex area. So if you looking for a nice quite place to commune with nature this may not be your cup of tea."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Many forest service roads in the National Grassland are unsuitable for large RVs or trailers. One camper at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping warned, "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot."
Site accessibility: For those with smaller trailers, Tadra Point offers better access. A camper with a travel trailer noted, "We weren't sure about the accessibility to the trailhead road with our 23 foot travel trailer" but "did call the park Ranger and he said the trailhead is a great place to camp and easy to access with a trailer."
Connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the area. One RVer mentioned that at Tadra Point "Our hot spot on our cell phone was slow since we only had a couple bars, but we were able to get our work done."
