Dispersed camping options near Pottsboro, Texas offer rustic outdoor experiences along the shores of Lake Texoma and surrounding areas. The region features several primitive camping locations managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and state wildlife agencies. These backcountry sites provide opportunities for overnight stays without developed facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with supplies and waste management.
What to do
Hammock camping along shorelines: 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping offers suitable trees for hammock setups. "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," reports Shane W.
River swimming in clear water: Blue River Camp provides swimming opportunities in transparent waters. "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," notes Carrie T.
Technical hiking trails: Eagle's Roost Campsite offers access to challenging paths. "Cross Timber's Trail is technical for the region and is a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma. 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," explains Kelly G.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Blue River Camp features isolated camping spots along the water. "The campsite was secluded with several paths that lead down to the river," shares Andi P., who appreciated the privacy available even with other campers present.
Flat, maintained camping spots: Sites at Blue River Camp accommodate various camping setups. "There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat," according to Carrie T., noting the abundance of suitable terrain.
Unique natural features: The area includes unusual water crossings. "What I found to be the best part of this area was Hughes Crossing! It's a waterfall that you can drive over. Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming," explains Andi P.
What you should know
Permit requirements: 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping and other dispersed sites in the region have specific entry regulations. At Blue River Camp, "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," advises Lora.
Access challenges: Some locations have unclear or disputed entry points. "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," reports Matt M. about 5 Mile Camp.
Litter issues: Visitors should practice leave-no-trace principles. "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," states Andi P.
Tips for camping with families
Midweek visits for solitude: Timing affects crowding levels at rustic camping areas near Pottsboro. "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river," mentions Carrie T., highlighting the benefits of weekday camping.
Water recreation opportunities: Blue River Camp offers family-friendly water activities. "There's a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing," notes Carrie T.
Weather preparation: Temperature changes can be significant. Shane W. recalls camping at 5 Mile Camp: "Stopped just before a cold front with rain hit and built a fire," demonstrating the importance of monitoring weather forecasts.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance considerations: Certain areas have rough terrain. At Blue River Camp, Wesley H. notes there is "Easy access for our class c, very scenic river water falls," indicating accessibility for smaller motorhomes.
Parking lot camping options: Some areas offer alternative vehicle-accessible sites. "There were fire pits and designated camping set up along one side of the parking lot, which seemed a little weird," describes Andi P., showing unconventional but functional camping spots exist for vehicle-based campers.
Test sites for bigger adventures: The primitive nature of rustic camping near Pottsboro provides preparation opportunities. Kelly G. describes Eagle's Roost Campsite as "a great place to do a gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions," making it valuable for testing equipment before extended trips.
