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Best Dispersed Camping near Denison, TX

8 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Denison, Texas include several primitive sites along Lake Texoma and nearby waterways. The Cross Timbers Trail provides access to 5 Mile Camp and Eagle's Roost Campsite, both offering free primitive camping on Army Corps of Engineers land. Recent visitors report access issues at 5 Mile Camp, with coordinates leading to private property marked with "no trespassing" and "beware of dogs" signs. Alternative access points may be necessary for reaching this site.

Eagle's Roost Campsite sits on a wooded peninsula overlooking Lake Texoma and requires hiking in. According to reviews, this site offers a secluded experience with minimal noise except for occasional fishing boats. The Cross Timbers Trail itself spans 14 miles along Lake Texoma's shoreline and features technical terrain uncommon for the region. Campers should come fully prepared as these sites are completely primitive with no facilities.

Blue River Camp in nearby Oklahoma provides both drive-in and walk-in camping with more amenities than the Texas sites. Visitors must obtain either a hunting/fishing license or a wildlife conservation passport ($51 for a 3-day pass) to legally camp here. The area features waterfront campsites, designated fire pits, and basic toilet facilities. Hughes Crossing, a natural waterfall that doubles as a vehicle crossing, offers swimming opportunities in clear water. Multiple flat, maintained campsites are available along the river, though visitors note varying fishing success. Pack out all trash as litter has been reported as an ongoing issue.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Denison, Texas (3)

    1. 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Gordonville, TX
    17 miles
    Website

    "I stayed in my hammock and buddy in his tent back in Nov 2019. Stopped just before a cold front with rain hit and built a fire."

    "Amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores. Come prepared it's fully primitive but there are spots all up and down the Cross Timbers Trail you can either boat or backpack too."

    2. Eagle’s Roost Campsite

    1 Review
    Gordonville, TX
    18 miles

    "Cross Timber’s Trail is technical for the region and is a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma."

    3. Blue River Camp

    4 Reviews
    Milburn, OK
    39 miles

    " When I arrived at the location to which my GPS directed me, I was a little concerned that there was just a building with bathrooms and three large dumpsters off to the side."

    "There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat. There is a huge flashing sign going into the area telling every adult to have a fishing/hunting license."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Denison, TX

7 Photos of 3 Denison Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Denison, TX

8 Reviews of 3 Denison Campgrounds

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2024

    5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping

    No trespassing and dog warning signs

    The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs. After looking at the map, it looks like that’s the only way to get back there, so I’m assuming the homeowner who shares that road put those signs to keep people away.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Blue River Camp

    Pleasant Surprise!😃

     When I arrived at the location to which my GPS directed me, I was a little concerned that there was just a building with bathrooms and three large dumpsters off to the side.

    If I had a been brave enough to drive my little Mustang down the gravel path that was on the opposite side of the road leading away from the restrooms, I would have found waterfront campsites along the Blue River, large boulder, formations to climb, and beautiful views.

    What I did, though, was continue down the road I had a been on and found a large dirt parking lot. There were fire pits and designated camping set up along one side of the parking lot, which seemed a little weird.

    There was a gravel road on the opposite side of the parking lot that led to the RV camping and a couple of tent sites along that road, so I chose one. The campsite was secluded with several paths that lead down to the river. 

    What I found to be the best part of this area was Hughes Crossing! It’s a waterfall that you can drive over. I did not attempt this in the mustang, but watched several trucks easily pass over.

    Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming. There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing.

    The only downside was the amount of trash that people had left. I think I might make it a new goal to try to carry out at least one or two grocery bags worth of other people’s trash so that I can hopefully leave places better than I found them.

  • Shane W.
    Mar. 10, 2021

    5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping

    Hammock or tent

    Good spot. I stayed in my hammock and buddy in his tent back in Nov 2019. Stopped just before a cold front with rain hit and built a fire. Found a long sheet of tent to reflect the heat so had a great time hiking in.

  • Ryan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2020

    5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping

    Remote feel close to home

    Amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores. Come prepared it's fully primitive but there are spots all up and down the Cross Timbers Trail you can either boat or backpack too.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2021

    Eagle’s Roost Campsite

    Favorite campsite on entire Cross Timber’s Trail

    Cross Timber’s Trail is technical for the region and is a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma. It’s on army Corps Of Engineers Land and there are many free walk/hike in first come first serve campsites. But this is my favorite!!!! It’s way up on a wooded peninsula along a spur that overlooks the lake. Birds flock over and it’s far enough away from the freeway that it’s quiet (with the exception of the occasional fishing boat). The trail is more technical than most in the vicinity and is a great place to do a gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions.

  • Carrie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Blue River Camp

    Beautiful river

    The water was amazing and clean. We went on a Tuesday so there wasn’t any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river. There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat. There is a huge flashing sign going into the area telling every adult to have a fishing/hunting license. The fishing however is not good. We stayed for 3 days and fished the whole time with no luck. There’s a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2024

    Blue River Camp

    Not free camping

    To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2024

    Blue River Camp

    Camping on the Blue River

    Gorgeous.

Guide to Denison

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Denison, Texas, where nature lovers can enjoy a serene escape without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Denison, Texas

  • Always check for local regulations and access points before heading out; for instance, 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping is accessible via hike-in and walk-in routes, making it essential to plan your approach.

Enjoying the backcountry experience while free camping near Denison

  • For those seeking a remote feel, Eagle’s Roost Campsite offers a wooded peninsula overlooking Lake Texoma, providing a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

Fishing and exploring the Blue River while dispersed camping

  • If you're looking for a scenic spot with water activities, Blue River Camp features beautiful riverfront campsites perfect for swimming and exploring, although fishing may not yield great results.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Denison, TX is 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

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

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