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Best Dispersed Camping near Fort Worth, TX

19 Reviews

Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands provides the primary dispersed camping options near Fort Worth, with multiple free sites along Forest Road 904 approximately 60 miles northwest of the city. The grasslands feature widely spaced primitive campsites with basic fire rings but no facilities - no water, toilets, or trash service. Roads are generally well-maintained gravel accessible to most vehicles, though some areas become difficult after rain. Several sites offer pull-through options suitable for larger rigs, while others are better suited for tents or smaller vehicles.

Hunter Park in Granbury and Chisholm Trail Park offer alternative dispersed camping locations closer to water bodies. Unlike the grasslands, these parks provide basic amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and trash collection, though Hunter Park charges no fee while Chisholm Trail uses a $10/night honor system. Both locations permit campfires and allow pets. Campers note the convenience of these spots, with one stating, "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. If you forget something then no worries you are close to the city." Cell service remains generally reliable across all dispersed camping areas, an uncommon benefit for off-grid camping.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Fort Worth, Texas (5)

    1. LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 627-5475

    "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."

    "Remote, quiet, simple beauty. Easy access, cool area. Worth checking out for a low profile weekender or hike."

    2. Hunter Park

    4 Reviews
    Granbury, TX
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (817) 573-3212

    "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there."

    "Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be!"

    3. Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    40 miles
    Website

    "We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. "

    "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."

    4. Dead Pump Jack

    1 Review
    Alvord, TX
    41 miles

    "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 no no trespassing signs"

    5. Chisholm Trail Park

    2 Reviews
    Whitney Lake, TX
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 694-3189

    "10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot."

    "Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fort Worth, TX

13 Photos of 5 Fort Worth Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fort Worth, TX

19 Reviews of 5 Fort Worth Campgrounds

  • Jesse P.
    Feb. 13, 2022

    Hunter Park

    Great spot for fishing / boating

    Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there. Plenty of light, maybe to much if you're a dark sky's person but there are nice spots with trees. No electricity or water. Bring your own stuff and come prepared. If you forget something then no worries you are close to the city.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Local area we stumbled upon- TREAT IT WELL

    We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. 

    To give you an idea- we drove a Toyota 4Runner and a small utility trailer with a roof top tent on it. Though this is some room down there, if someone else is there, I would move on. 

    There were some locals who came through and 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. So this is my plea- if you come here, be respectful and clean up after yourself. 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Worked Well for Overnight

    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). Once inside you could tell there’d been recent rain but the wet areas were easily avoided. Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus. Will make a note to use this stop en route out of the central part of the state going west for future trips.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Hunter Park

    Pretty!

    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. Very connected to civilization and it was very well kept. Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be! The fish are active. The lake is gorgeous, but if you are car camping or tent camping, be wary about the fact that there will be little to no shade. Plenty of space for a big rig, and the whole thing is designed in a loop, so no backing out necessary! Plus all driving areas to and from the campsite, as well as in it, are paved.

  • Kelsi W.
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Camp at the Water!

    $10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot.

    Pros- Beautiful, great fishing, enough trees to hammock camp, flat spots if you want a tent, safe! Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls. 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.

    2 bars with Verizon! Wrote this from my hammock!

    Cons- can still hear road + train noise and neighborhood dogs. Some of the brush is pretty spiky. Some trash from past campers (we picked up as we cleaned up our stay, but who knows if it will be back). But really, no major complaints.

    This place is lovely! Perfect weather in March!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping

    Very remote

    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. Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best. No bathrooms, water, etc. Pack in/pack out. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps. Only saw 3 other cameras while we were here. Great hiking.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Hunter Park

    Been coming here for years!

    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.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Great fishing spot

    Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature.

Guide to Fort Worth

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fort Worth, Texas, where nature lovers can enjoy free camping experiences away from the crowds. These spots offer a chance to connect with the outdoors while indulging in activities like fishing, hiking, and simply relaxing in serene surroundings.

Dispersed campers should check out Hunter Park

  • Located in Granbury, Hunter Park offers free camping right by the water, making it a perfect spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
  • This area allows campfires and pets, providing a relaxed atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy nature together.
  • With no designated sites, campers can choose their own spot, ensuring a unique experience each time you visit.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fort Worth, Texas

  • When visiting LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a remote experience with no amenities; pack in everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • Download maps before heading out, as cell service can be spotty in the area, especially when exploring the many dispersed sites available.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping; the area is known for its natural beauty and diverse animal sightings.

Great activities while free camping near Fort Worth

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping areas near Fort Worth?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Fort Worth. Hunter Park offers free waterfront camping with no designated sites (first-come, first-served). The park features picnic tables, a pier, and portable toilets when permanent facilities are closed. Another option is LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping, offering remote dispersed camping with established sites along well-maintained gravel roads. This area provides fire rings and scenic views but no facilities, so be prepared for true pack-in/pack-out camping. Both locations are relatively close to Fort Worth and offer peaceful natural settings for cost-free camping experiences.

Are dogs allowed at free camping sites around Fort Worth?

Dogs are generally permitted at free camping areas around Fort Worth, but specific rules may apply. At Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping, dogs are allowed but should be kept on leash or under voice control as cattle roam the property. The grasslands offer a pet-friendly environment with open spaces for dogs to enjoy. When camping with pets in dispersed areas, always follow Leave No Trace principles by picking up waste and keeping dogs from disturbing wildlife or other campers. Remember that even at free sites, responsible pet ownership is essential, especially in shared natural spaces without designated pet areas or waste facilities.

Is public land available for free camping around Fort Worth?

Yes, public land is available for free camping around Fort Worth, primarily on federally managed lands. The LBJ National Grasslands offer extensive public land for dispersed camping. This USDA Forest Service managed area provides multiple sites along forest service roads where camping is permitted without fees. The grasslands feature beautiful natural surroundings with reasonable privacy between sites. While accessible, some roads may be challenging for large RVs or trailers - high-clearance vehicles are recommended for certain areas. When camping on public lands, always follow dispersed camping regulations including pack-in/pack-out principles and observing fire restrictions. The grasslands are located approximately 60 miles northwest of Fort Worth near Decatur.

What primitive tent camping options exist in the Fort Worth area?

The Fort Worth area offers several primitive tent camping options for those seeking a more rustic experience. Chisholm Trail Park provides secluded primitive camping for just $10/night using an honor system dropbox at the entrance. The park features flat tent spots, trees suitable for hammock camping, and excellent fishing opportunities right on the river. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of nature including crickets and occasional coyote howls. Each spot has its own character, making it ideal for tent campers looking for a natural experience. No reservations are needed; simply arrive and find an available spot. The park balances primitive camping with just enough amenities to stay comfortable.

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