Best Dispersed Camping near Grand Prairie, TX

Dispersed camping near Grand Prairie, Texas includes two primitive sites - Hunter Park in Granbury and Chisholm Trail Park. Both locations offer free camping with minimal amenities on public land. Hunter Park features waterfront camping with open sites in a loop configuration, while Chisholm Trail Park provides more secluded camping along a river. Neither location requires reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Access to these camping areas varies by location. Hunter Park features paved driving areas with easy access for various vehicle types including larger rigs. Chisholm Trail Park offers boat-in and hike-in access options, making it suitable for more adventure-oriented campers. Both parks provide picnic tables and toilet facilities, though they lack hookups, drinking water, and shower amenities. Hunter Park has porta potties when permanent restrooms are closed seasonally. Camping at Chisholm Trail Park costs $10 per night with payment collected via an honor system dropbox at the entrance.

These dispersed camping areas provide different experiences based on their settings. Hunter Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with a pier and lake access. "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick," noted one visitor. The park has limited shade for tent or car camping but provides ample space with good visibility. Chisholm Trail Park offers a more isolated experience with enough trees for hammock camping and flat areas for tents. Visitors appreciate the natural soundscape, with one camper noting you can "fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls." Both locations maintain cell service, with Chisholm Trail Park reported to have two bars of Verizon coverage, allowing visitors to stay connected even in these primitive settings.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Grand Prairie, Texas (2)

    1. Hunter Park

    4 Reviews
    Granbury, TX
    48 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!"

    2. Chisholm Trail Park

    2 Reviews
    Whitney Lake, TX
    45 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 Grand Prairie, TX

6 Photos of 2 Grand Prairie Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grand Prairie, TX

6 Reviews of 2 Grand Prairie 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.

  • 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!!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sean B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Hunter Park

    Right on the water, but meh

    Drove in didn't stay, campsites are right on the water and picnic tables and grill provided. Only a few spots but no privacy and right on top of each other. Good to stay if nowhere else.


Guide to Grand Prairie

Primitive camping near Grand Prairie, Texas offers limited but accessible options within driving distance. The dispersed camping areas in this region typically have minimal facilities, operating on a first-come basis rather than requiring reservations. Summer temperatures often exceed 95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for camping in this area.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Hunter Park provides excellent access for anglers with active fish populations in the lake. "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," notes camper Alejandro G. about Hunter Park.

Nature observation: The riverside location at Chisholm Trail Park creates opportunities for wildlife viewing in a relatively natural setting. According to Kelsi W., campers can "fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls" at Chisholm Trail Park.

Water activities: Both locations offer water access, with Hunter Park featuring a pier and open lake frontage. "A cute little park with lots of picnic tables, a pier, and a huge field... The lake is gorgeous," reports camper Sav.

What campers like

Natural soundscape: Despite proximity to urban areas, campers appreciate the natural ambiance at these locations. Kelsi W. describes camping at Chisholm Trail Park: "Beautiful, great fishing, enough trees to hammock camp, flat spots if you want a tent, safe!"

Convenience to civilization: The accessibility of these locations means forgotten supplies aren't a major concern. Jesse P. notes about Hunter Park: "If you forget something then no worries you are close to the city."

Privacy options: While some sites offer limited privacy, campers can find more secluded spots at certain locations. According to Alejandro G., Chisholm Trail Park offers "secluded primitive camping" that makes for a "nice" experience.

What you should know

Weather considerations: The Texas heat can be intense, particularly during summer months. March visits to Chisholm Trail Park benefit from "perfect weather" according to Kelsi W.

Limited amenities: These dispersed camping locations near Grand Prairie provide basic facilities only. As Jesse P. explains about Hunter Park: "No electricity or water. Bring your own stuff and come prepared."

Cell service availability: Unlike many remote dispersed camping areas, these locations maintain reasonable connectivity. Kelsi W. reports "2 bars with Verizon!" at Chisholm Trail Park, noting they wrote their review "from my hammock!"

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: For family camping, arrive early to secure the most suitable spots. Sean B. observes about Hunter Park that campsites are "right on the water and picnic tables and grill provided. Only a few spots but no privacy and right on top of each other."

Noise factors: Families should be aware of potential noise sources when selecting a campsite. At Chisholm Trail Park, Kelsi W. notes you "can still hear road + train noise and neighborhood dogs."

Recreational options: Multiple activities help keep children engaged at these primitive sites. Alejandro G. describes Chisholm Trail Park as an "amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature."

Tips from RVers

Rig access: Hunter Park accommodates larger vehicles with its design. According to Sav, "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."

Hookup planning: No utilities are available at these locations, so RVers must arrive self-contained. Jesse P. advises Hunter Park visitors: "The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there. Plenty of light, maybe too much if you're a dark sky's person."

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts facilities at these locations. Winter visitors should note what Sav observed: "The bathrooms were closed but they supplied a porta potty and the nearest gas station is only about two minutes away."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Grand Prairie, Texas?

Chisholm Trail Park offers dispersed camping options near Grand Prairie with sites available for $10/night using an honor system dropbox at the entrance. This secluded park features primitive camping with no reservations required - simply find an open spot upon arrival. The park is situated along a river, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Beyond camping, visitors can enjoy hiking, picnics, volleyball, and various nature activities. The park offers a more natural experience with the pleasant sounds of crickets, jumping fish, and occasional coyote howls at night. Each spot has adequate space, making this an ideal location for a peaceful dispersed camping experience.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping near Grand Prairie?

Dispersed camping regulations around Grand Prairie typically follow standard primitive camping guidelines. At parks like Hunter and Chisholm Trail, camping is generally first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Some areas maintain an honor system for fee collection ($10/night at some locations), so bring exact cash. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Campfires may be restricted depending on seasonal conditions and park rules. Most sites have limited facilities - expect no hookups, electricity, or running water. Quiet hours are likely enforced, especially in parks close to residential areas. For specific regulations, check posted signs at each location or contact Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation before your trip, as rules may change seasonally.

Are there any free camping spots around Grand Prairie, Texas?

Yes, Hunter Park offers free camping near Grand Prairie, Texas. This waterfront park provides first-come, first-served camping with no designated sites - simply camp where you prefer. The park features picnic tables, grills, and fishing opportunities. While the permanent restrooms are sometimes closed, porta potties are typically available. The park is well-lit and has some tree cover for shade. No hookups are provided, so be prepared for primitive camping without electricity or water. Despite being free, the area is well-maintained and relatively quiet considering its proximity to urban areas.