Tent camping near Jacksboro, Texas offers opportunities for primitive overnight stays amid the Cross Timbers ecological region, where post oak and blackjack oak forests meet open grasslands. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing. The LBJ National Grassland covers over 20,000 acres of public land with multiple access points and camping zones.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Lake Mineral Wells State Park's Primitive Area features unique rock formations popular with climbers. "We love the penitentiary hollow trail and the trail that leads to the backpacking camp sites. My husband loves to climb and there are many opportunities to do different types of climbing here. You can repel or boulder at the Penitentiary Hollow trail," notes Sarah J.
Horseback riding trails: The Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground provides equestrian access to extensive trail networks. "Plenty of poles for tying horses and there is water trofts for them but the water looked pretty disgusting. May want to think about bringing several gallons of water," advises Mesha P.
Fishing opportunities: Many local water bodies offer fishing without permits. One visitor at Black Creek Lake noted: "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."
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: The remote locations within Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland provide dark sky viewing. One camper recommends: "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."
Secluded camping spots: Lake Mineral Wells offers solitude for those willing to hike. "After some searching I finally found the perfect hammock trees and settled in for the night. At some point I heard some coyotes but other than that it was very quiet and secluded so I slept like a rock!" shares Charly S.
Lakeside breezes: The natural air circulation near water helps during hot weather periods. Alan H. explains: "The temperature was soaring but a nice breeze off the lake coupled with the shady trees made for a very nice experience."
What you should know
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds require preparation for Texas conditions. "During summer rattlesnakes are around in taller grass so avoid unmaintained areas. Most areas are well kept however there are outlying areas and some primitive trails which I would avoid during these times," notes a visitor to Black Creek Lake NF Campground.
Water access limitations: Most primitive sites require you bring all drinking water. A Tadra Point camper states: "There is no drinking water here so you will need to bring some in."
Payment systems: Sites typically use self-pay systems requiring cash. "Bring cash because the kiosk does not accept cards it is a cash only system with no ATM within 10 miles."
Tips for camping with families
Trail selection guidance: Choose appropriate routes when hiking with children. "We took the designated 'primitive campsites' trail hiking in. The trails were well marked, but pretty overgrown at parts with a TON of spider webs. The next morning we took the Cross Timbers trail back, which despite being a little longer was faster because of how much better maintained it was."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several spots offer animal sightings for children. "I saw some wildlife - deer, an armadillo, and a rabbit. I was carrying a 50 lb pack and stopped often for pics, so it took me about an hour and a half to reach the primitive camping area."
Campsite selection strategy: Find suitable spaces based on family needs. "The campsites are pretty primitive. Seems like you can set up just about anywhere. Not a lot of area to get privacy from other campers as the area is pretty open."
Tips from RVers
Road accessibility concerns: Stonewall Jackson Campground and other areas may have limited RV access. One visitor noted: "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot."
Overnight parking considerations: Some areas work better for quick stays. "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)."
Weather preparation: Seasonal considerations affect accessibility. "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."
