The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Cleveland, TX

5 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Cleveland, Texas centers around the Sam Houston National Forest, where several primitive sites exist with minimal to no amenities. Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A, Four Notch Hunter Camp, Sand Branch, Kelly's Pond, and sites along the Lone Star Hiking Trail provide free camping opportunities in natural settings. These sites represent true backcountry camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility and few facilities.

Several access points require cautious navigation on unpaved forest roads. Four Notch Hunter Camp is accessible by dirt roads that most vehicles can handle when driven slowly. Kelly's Pond offers free camping with basic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets, while most other sites have no facilities whatsoever. Fire restrictions vary by location and season; fires are permitted at Four Notch, Kelly's Pond, and along the Lone Star Hiking Trail, but prohibited at other sites. Cellular reception is limited throughout the area, with reviews noting "only 1 bar of service" at Kelly's Pond.

The Sam Houston National Forest provides a secluded camping experience with opportunities for hiking, especially along the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which spans approximately 130 miles as the longest hiking trail in Texas. One camper described the trail as "a very enjoyable, well maintained, and well marked journey," though seasonal conditions can significantly impact the experience. Another review warned that during wet periods, hikers may encounter "a long unforgiving slog through mud." Kelly's Pond has been described as "a nice slice of solitude," although campers should note that some visitors appear to stay for extended periods. During hunting season, campers at Four Notch Hunter Camp should wear blaze orange for safety, as one visitor advised to "wear blaze orange!!!" when venturing into the forest.

Map showing campgrounds near Cleveland, TexasExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cleveland, Texas (5)

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Cleveland Contest

Enter to Win

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cleveland, TX

5 Reviews of 5 Cleveland Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2018

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    A long unforgiving slog through mud.

    My son and I went in mid-November, so your experience will vary depending on time of year.

    The LSHT is the longest hiking trail in the state. It is broken up into sections. We started at Section 1, which is the easternmost portion, hiking east-west. Each section has a trailhead with a parking lot. We hiked all of Section 1 and half of Section 2. Each of the 2 sections was about 8 miles long. The length of the LSHT is about 130 miles.

    Zero amenities. No restrooms. No electricity. No cell coverage. Nada. The LSHT is in the Sam Houston National Forest, about an hour north of Houston. So it’s not a "campground," per se, but you can camp anywhere that’s feasible. We just didn’t find very many feasible places to camp. There is a lot of dense undergrowth along the trail portion we hiked. And mud. Lots and lots of mud. It had been raining a lot in the preceding weeks. I’d call the ranger office and ask about trail conditions and what the weather's been like if I were you. I hope you have a good pair of waterproof boots.

    We found a decent spot about 4 miles in, set up our hammocks, and had a good night's rest. The first day's hike was great - plenty of sunshine, cool but not cold, few mosquitoes. It got cold within a couple hours after sunset. I’m glad I brought my underquilt, sleeping bag, and blanket. I’m also glad I brought an extra pair of warm socks, flannel pajama bottoms, and a sock cap. My hiking clothes were soaked with sweat, so changing out of them was essential for a good night's sleep. Well, I don’t actually sleep on these trips. I doze off and on. Anyway, there were no big surprises during the night. The sound of insects. Leaves and branches falling. Coyotes howling in the distance. But nothing scary or annoying. It was very pleasant.

    The original plan was to hike both sections, so we parked my son's pickup at Trailhead 6 and drove back to Trailhead 1 to park my Jeep and start the hike. The plan was solid as long as we started early in the day and could average 2 miles an hour. But we wound up starting out late in the day and did I mention the mud? There was a lot of mud. And obstacles to cross. And creeks to cross. And mud. And more mud. Lots and lots of mud. So we were only able to do 4 miles before we had to find a place to camp. Otherwise, we'd be hiking in the dark.

    So the morning of day 2, we packed our gear and trudged on as quickly as we could. We had about 12 miles to cover. It seemed doable at the time. But the weather changed. It got considerably cooler and overcast and rainy. It wasn’t constant, and it was never a downpour. But it was 50s and damp. Drizzly. We trudged on for about another 8 miles and decided to leave the trail at Trailhead 4 and hit the pavement, for fear that we'd again run out of daylight somewhere between Trailheads 4 and 6.

    My advice? Do your homework. Read up in the LSHT. Peruse the website http://lonestartrail.org and buy the book. Prepare for a long slog through mud. I’m glad I took a hammock because there weren’t many places suitable for tent camping. Take plenty of water and a water purifier because there is no potable water available on the sections we hiked. Two people in 2 separate vehicles is a must unless you’re a thru-hiker or just want to hike a bit and hike back to your car. It’s mostly flat with no steep ups and downs, rock climbing, or anything like that. But there were quite a few creek crossings that required going down into a gully and up the other side. I did mention the mud, right?

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    Free camping

    Free camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2022

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    LSHT-Sections 1 & 2

    Spent a few days in late July on the trail. Went 22 miles then turned back to Stubblefield Campground to stop. Too hot for an old guy, but it was a very enjoyable, well maintained, and well marked journey. We’ll be back.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    A Nice Slice Of Solitude

    Kelly's Pond was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues.

    It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home, I had been here previously to do some "scouting" if you will, and noticed some of the same campers. They weren't bothering anyone, but if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road.

  • Jasmine P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2023

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Not a campsite

    We showed up in the middle of night. There was a gate that was locked. It is a really pretty place if you can find a campsite somewhere else

Guide to Cleveland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cleveland, Texas, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

Dispersed campers should check out Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A

  • Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A is perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat, as it requires no permits and allows for easy drive-in access.
  • Enjoy the freedom of camping without the hassle of reservations, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous trips.
  • The area is known for its natural beauty, providing a great backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

Four Notch Hunter Camp for dispersed campers

  • Located in a tranquil setting, Four Notch Hunter Camp is a well-reviewed option that welcomes pets and allows campfires.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience, as there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, making it a true escape into nature.
  • Visitors recommend wearing blaze orange during hunting season to stay safe while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cleveland, Texas

  • For a truly secluded experience, consider Kelly's Pond Campground, where you can enjoy free camping and the chance to unwind away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Bring your own firewood, as this area does not provide it, but you can enjoy campfires under the stars.
  • Keep in mind that while some campers may have made this area a more permanent home, it still offers a quiet atmosphere for those seeking solitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cleveland, TX is Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Cleveland, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring