Dispersed camping options exist approximately 60 miles northwest of Fort Worth at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands. This 20,250-acre mixed-grass prairie ecosystem sits at elevations ranging from 700-900 feet and experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing between December and February, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature variations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The grasslands support diverse animal populations including deer, armadillos, wild hogs, and numerous bird species. "[We] see deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds," notes one camper at LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping.
Fishing access: Multiple water bodies near dispersed camping areas provide fishing opportunities. Local spots support active fish populations with convenient access. A visitor to Hunter Park observed: "The fish are active. The lake is gorgeous," while another camper noted it's a "Great spot for fishing / boating."
Night sky viewing: Some areas within the grasslands offer minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. According to a camper at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping: "If you are there in the right time of the year, stay out late and turn off your lights - you'll get a night surprise."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Dispersed camping areas typically offer substantial space between sites, providing privacy not found at developed campgrounds. A recent visitor to LBJ National Grasslands noted: "Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more."
Water proximity: Some dispersed sites allow camping directly adjacent to lakes or rivers. A camper at Chisholm Trail Park shared: "Camp at the Water! Each spot has its own Ramada and picnic table. I know there are other campers but we are separated by a field and trees, so it feels quite isolated."
Convenient access: Several dispersed camping areas remain accessible to standard vehicles despite their remote nature. One camper observed: "Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn't want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night. Taking the Trinity exit north off the loop around Decatur and using the navigation to the LBJ Grasslands to Park Rd 904 access was easy (& scenic)."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack developed amenities. A camper at Dead Pump Jack notes: "Not to far off the beaten path but just far enough. I wouldn't bring anything towed or longer than a B van since there are some major ruts."
Weather considerations: Sites exposed to open prairie can experience significant wind. One camper explained: "It did get rather windy but I was on top of the hill. Live and learn."
Water sources: Potable water availability varies significantly between locations. A visitor to LBJ National Grasslands advised: "No bathrooms but there are some at tadra and black creek. There is also water available at those campsite but it's not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system."
Waste management: Pack-in, pack-out principles apply to all dispersed camping areas. A frustrated camper noted: "Great area that was remote, but easy to get to with few others around. Found a site with beautiful views, but previous visitors left behind debris - if you use, please practice pack in/out principals!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Families should prioritize locations with some shade coverage and flat ground. A review for Hunter Park noted: "A cute little park with lots of picnic tables, a pier, and a huge field. The bathrooms were closed but they supplied a porta potty and the nearest gas station is only about two minutes away."
Activities for children: Natural features provide exploration opportunities. "This is a very nice park, free camping not designated camp sites. Just first come first served camp where you want. Good fishing and kinda quiet for being a campsite," shared one visitor to Hunter Park.
Safety considerations: Areas with cattle grazing require additional awareness with children present. One visitor observed: "Lots of steers grazing around the area and right up to the RV most mornings."
Tips from RVers
Route planning: Large rigs should scout locations before committing to specific sites. An experienced RVer recommended: "If you have a tow vehicle, drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite, as turning around with a large rig is only practical in a couple of locations."
Ideal positioning: Finding level sites with views requires advance planning. "We parked our 36' Class A on the side of FR 904, just inside the gate, unhooked our Cherokee and went to scope out the area. There were a number of established and very widely spaced campsites along the FR, each with a fire pit, though all but a few were occupied on the weekend."
Access challenges: Road conditions affect RV accessibility, particularly after weather events. A visitor noted: "The roads to the area are paved and fairly decent, though the stretch on CR 2461 is quite narrow. Forrest Road 904, where the dispersed camping is located, is hard packed gravel and in fairly good shape."
