Top Free Dispersed Camping near Hartley, TX

Looking for dispersed camping near Hartley? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Hartley just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hartley, TX (7)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Hartley

15 Reviews of 7 Hartley Campgrounds


  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomspon Grove Campground
    Jun. 8, 2023

    Thomspon Grove Campground

    Decent Stopover

    Swing by on the way to New Mexico. The surrounding area is all flat grasslands, which don’t do much for me in terms of scenery. Bit boring. However, I would much have preferred to stay here overnight instead of the WalMart I wound up at instead! There is a toilet, picnic tables, and is very quiet and easily accessible. Wouldn’t make a trip to stay here, but would definitely use as a stopover.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Jun. 4, 2023

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    My God, the Mosquitos!

    This is a beautiful park—lovely, with rugged rocky hills. However I’ve never seen mosquitos this bad before. Ever! Might be good during mon-mosquito periods, but otherwise the bloodsuckers will haunt your dream

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Dec. 15, 2022

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Love it!

    Far enough out from the city. Free! Fire pit and pic nic tables. The bathroom seemed pretty nice. Can’t beat it. Very dark out here though! Would definitely visit again. Definitely wouldn’t recommend driving big RV’s past the campsite. Steep unpaved grades. I didn’t travel too far down though.

  • Daisee Mae S.
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Nov. 19, 2022

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Out of The Way Peaceful

    Upon arrival, it is very far out of the way of any towns or amenities. So make sure you bring everything you need for your stay. This is not a one night stop if you’re just driving through.

    The road is fairly nice and paved the whole way out until you reach the camp. No big ruts or pot holes. It turns into sand and loose gravel after entering the campground.

    There are quite a few rules and regulations to stay here, so it says on the board when entering the camp.

    We stayed during hunting season so the length of stay is up to 30 days. Any other time of the year it’s 14 days.

    I checked the local website and there is a fire ban in effect but it could change in the future. So be sure to check if you plan on having a fire.

    Reception sucks. We got one bar where we stayed but towards where people are living out here, it’s a little better.

    There are a couple of holes dug in the ground with a toilet sitting on top. I used it and noticed it was to the top by the rim of the seat full of human waste. Awesome!

    There are a lot of sand burrs that stuck to literally everything when you walk anywhere outside.

    The time of the year we stayed the whole country was experiencing an Arctic blast from the north, so it was quite chilly. That’s not norma here, but it is what it is.

    We didn’t make it down to the Lake so i have no pictures of that.

    Wildlife and traffic are heavy due to it being hunting season. But the traffic wasn’t a bother. Usually early in the morning and late at night.

    Seen a park ranger a few times drive by, that’s the extent of that.

    All n all, very peaceful! We would stay again.

  • Kirsten C.
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    May. 30, 2022

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Gate was closed?? Windy AF

    After a very long drive on a bumpy dirt road after midnight, i arrived at a closed gate that looked half broken down. I ended up camping back down the road a bit in a pull off, and hoping that i didn't wake up to a gun in my face. So windy i could barely sleep

  • Paula P.
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Nov. 21, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Worth the drive!

    This place was fantastic boondocking. I recommend arriving before sunset so as to be able to see but we were able to find a spot in the dark after about 45 mins of driving around.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Oct. 27, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Country Living

    FCFS

    FREE

    This is a pretty good campground especially since it is Free.  You have a stay limt of 14 days and who doesn't need to kick back and just enjoy the simple pleasures of doing nothing.  There is no water but you will have picnic tables with shelters for the tables, fire ring, trash and a pit toilet.  You have a lot of shade around the perimenter of the campground which makes it nice.  There is no electric but who needs it.  You should have plenty of time to hike the grasslands, find a great fishing spot around the lake.  We are looking forward to a return trip to spend more time around the lake.  Hunting is another reason to check this place out.

    LNT

    tRAVEL SAFE.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Oct. 26, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Trail Ride

    FCFS

    FREE 

    Horse corral with hitching post, pit toilet, trash, some covered picnic tables, and fire ring. This is a very open site and would be great for a trail ride. There are a lot of trees for shade but It can get hot in the summer. The road into the campground does deteriorate the further in you go. It is also VERY dusty This area is located south of the lake off of State Highway 136. You will find large cottonwood trees that provide shade. The Mullinaw Creek area features the expanded Mullinaw Trails System. 

    This trail system is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

    NO OFF ROAD VEHICLES ALLOWED. 

    No drinking water 

    LNT 

    BTWYFI

    Travel safe

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chimney Hollow - Lake Meredith NRA
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Chimney Hollow - Lake Meredith NRA

    Free As Ya Wanna Be

    FCFS 

    FREE 

    No drinking water. There is a pit toilet, trash, and plenty of cactus. This is a very open area that is more like a pasture than dispersed camping. It is a great spot if you want to get away from it all. The road in will turn from pavement to dirt. I would be careful during the rainy season. No shade trees which means it is great for solar. There was only one rock fire ring. You might want to have a bit of clearance on your vehicle. 

    LNT 

    Better than when you found it. 

    Travel safe

  • UnnamedAdventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Rosita
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Rosita

    Not safe to camp - ATV site

    This site is actually the River Site ATV trails which appears to be where local people with their dirk bikes and ATV ride the trails. It's right by the river off the hwy, trash is everywhere and it looks like a very unsafe area. Which was confirmed as we were turning around in the lot to get the heck out of there, a game warden pulled up to all the trucks parked under the overpass. Definitely looked like a super sketchy area. Also it's full dirt so don't go down there if it's wet.

    The recreation area is actually about 45-60 mins east of where this pin is on the map.

    We would have taken a picture of the shady location but we were too quick to get the heck out of there.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp
    Jul. 29, 2020

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp

    Simple, no frills, secluded

    This is the perfect place for quiet, secluded tent camping. The sites were spread apart a nice distance, each with a picnic table. Pit toilets centrally located. Grills And fire rings at some (but perhaps not all) of the sites.  The best part of this campground is the quiet. We were the only ones at the campground the weekend of our visit - we literally had the campground to ourselves. Just a short drive/hike further up the canyon on the dirt road for some beautiful views.



Guide to Hartley

Camping near Hartley, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and convenient amenities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore Lake Meredith National Recreation Area: This area is perfect for hiking and enjoying the scenic views. One camper mentioned, “Such a beautiful view of Lake Meredith! Quiet and lovely,” highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  • Visit Texhoma Park Campground: This spot has a playground and a dog park, making it great for families. A reviewer noted, “There's a dog park, a playground for kids or a picnic,” which adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds near Hartley, like Harbor Bay, provide access to the lake for fishing and boating. One visitor shared, “The boat ramp is open and great for 'small' boats,” making it a good spot for water activities.

What campers like:

  • Free Camping Options: Campers appreciate the availability of free sites, especially at places like Texhoma Park. A happy camper said, “FREE!! With power, dump/fill station!! Great little park off the beaten path.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many reviews mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. For instance, a visitor at Corral RV Park stated, “Very clean and safe for a Solo Traveler,” which is a big plus for many campers.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer noted, “The staff were pleasant and helpful,” at Corral RV Park, making the experience more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: If you stay at Texhoma Park Campground, be prepared for train noise. A camper mentioned, “The only downside is the trains that run all hours and blow horns as they pass the intersection right outside the park.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fritch Fortress Campground, have basic facilities. A reviewer said, “The park does have a boat ramp. There are also flushable toilets and showers,” but noted that amenities can be limited.
  • Weather Considerations: The weather can be unpredictable. One camper at McBride Canyon mentioned, “West Texas winds are no joke,” so be prepared for windy conditions.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check for Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Texhoma Park, which has a playground for kids. A family reviewer said, “Perfect for an overnight stop, spots are easy pull through.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Since many campgrounds have open spaces, bringing outdoor games can keep kids entertained. One camper noted, “The sites are essential in a parking lot and have electrical hookups only,” which means you can set up games easily.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: With train noise at some sites, like Texhoma Park, it’s good to have quiet activities planned for the evenings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Corral RV Park offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. A satisfied guest said, “Very nice park. Very level. Clean restrooms and shower.”
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Texhoma Park advised, “These sites do fill up quickly so get in and setup before the late afternoon or early evening.”
  • Check for Dump Stations: Make sure your campground has a dump station. A reviewer at Texhoma Park mentioned, “Dump station and water available plus several dumpsters,” which is essential for RVers.

Camping near Hartley, Texas, has something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. With a mix of free and paid options, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hartley, TX?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hartley, TX is McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp with a 3.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hartley, TX?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Hartley, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.