Best Dispersed Camping near Hartley, TX
Dispersed camping around Hartley, Texas centers primarily on Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, where several free primitive camping areas provide opportunities for tent and limited RV camping. McBride Canyon, Chimney Hollow, and Mullinaw Creek Camp feature basic amenities with varying access conditions. These sites are typically 30-60 minutes from Hartley, scattered across the rugged terrain surrounding Lake Meredith's shores and canyons.
Most access roads to these dispersed sites transition from paved to dirt or gravel, with conditions deteriorating the further into the recreation area you travel. Many campers report high clearance vehicles are advisable, particularly after rain when dirt roads become difficult to navigate. Sites have a 14-day stay limit during regular season, extending to 30 days during hunting season. Facilities are minimal, with most areas offering pit toilets and trash collection but no drinking water. Fire restrictions are common, with bans frequently in effect depending on conditions.
The camping experience varies considerably across the Lake Meredith area. McBride Canyon provides more sheltered sites with cottonwood trees offering limited shade, while areas like Chimney Hollow are more exposed with "very open area that is more like a pasture." Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds and small mammals, though summer brings mosquitoes that can be problematic. Wind is frequently mentioned as a significant factor in the camping experience. Thompson Grove Campground, located further northwest, functions more as a picnic area with overnight camping permitted, offering "a great overnight spot" according to reviews, though one camper noted it's "really just a gravel parking lot with bathrooms."
