Best Tent Camping near Granbury, TX
Lakes and waterways surrounding Granbury, Texas offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. De Cordova Bend, managed by the Brazos River Authority, provides free tent campsites with a 10-day maximum stay limit. Located directly on the water, this campground features walk-in tent sites and drive-in access. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Lake Mineral Wells State Park's Primitive Area, about 40 miles northwest of Granbury, offers dedicated backcountry tent-only camping accessed via hiking trails.
Tent campsites at De Cordova Bend include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The sites lack drinking water and electrical hookups, making this location ideal for primitive tent camping experiences. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies and prepare for limited facilities. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. During summer months, particularly July and August, the campground frequently reaches capacity. Shade is limited at many sites, with early arrivals securing the few spots beneath mature trees.
Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the tent camping experience in the region. Campers at De Cordova Bend report frequent deer sightings throughout the night. According to reviews, the park remains "very clean" with "lots of wildlife" and offers a "peaceful quick getaway" despite being relatively close to town. At Lake Mineral Wells State Park's primitive area, the hike to tent sites is approximately 2.5 miles with a steep downhill section at the beginning. One visitor noted that "the primitive sites weren't delineated very well," but the area provides excellent seclusion. Campers frequently report hearing coyotes at night, adding to the authentic outdoor experience. The Cross Timbers trail provides the best-maintained access route to these backcountry tent camping sites.
