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Best Dispersed Camping near Leona, TX

12 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Sam Houston National Forest is available within an hour's drive of Leona, Texas. The forest offers several primitive camping areas including Limestone Lake Park, Kelly's Pond Campground, and Four Notch Hunter Camp. These free sites are situated on public land with varying levels of accessibility and minimal amenities. Lone Star Hiking Trail provides additional backcountry camping opportunities, with designated spots along its 130-mile route through the national forest. Most sites allow tent and limited RV camping, though facilities are basic or nonexistent.

Access roads to these primitive sites vary considerably in quality and may require careful navigation. Many campgrounds are reached via unpaved or rural roads that can become muddy and difficult to traverse after rainfall. Four Notch Hunter Camp is accessible via dirt roads that most vehicles can handle at slow speeds. Several reviews note GPS location inaccuracies, particularly for Limestone Lake Park, where visitors report the pin location being slightly off. During hunting season, campers at Four Notch should wear blaze orange for safety. Cell service is generally limited throughout the region, with most areas getting only one bar of reception if any.

These remote areas provide a quiet retreat from urban environments, with campsites often situated near water features. One camper described Limestone Lake Park as having "an incredible view" with "lakeside spots" that weren't overly crowded even on weekends. Several sites prohibit campfires, including Limestone Lake Park, where a visitor noted "They don't allow campfires. As in, none. There are no fire rings." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the forest, with coyotes commonly heard at night. According to one visitor to Kelly's Pond, the area provides "free camping and apart from people," highlighting the solitude these sites offer. Bug activity can be significant, particularly near the lakes, with one camper warning to "be prepared for a lot of bugs" at Limestone Lake Park.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Leona, Texas (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Leona, TX

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Leona, TX

12 Reviews of 5 Leona Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2018

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    A long unforgiving slog through mud.

    My son and I went in mid-November, so your experience will vary depending on time of year.

    The LSHT is the longest hiking trail in the state. It is broken up into sections. We started at Section 1, which is the easternmost portion, hiking east-west. Each section has a trailhead with a parking lot. We hiked all of Section 1 and half of Section 2. Each of the 2 sections was about 8 miles long. The length of the LSHT is about 130 miles.

    Zero amenities. No restrooms. No electricity. No cell coverage. Nada. The LSHT is in the Sam Houston National Forest, about an hour north of Houston. So it’s not a "campground," per se, but you can camp anywhere that’s feasible. We just didn’t find very many feasible places to camp. There is a lot of dense undergrowth along the trail portion we hiked. And mud. Lots and lots of mud. It had been raining a lot in the preceding weeks. I’d call the ranger office and ask about trail conditions and what the weather's been like if I were you. I hope you have a good pair of waterproof boots.

    We found a decent spot about 4 miles in, set up our hammocks, and had a good night's rest. The first day's hike was great - plenty of sunshine, cool but not cold, few mosquitoes. It got cold within a couple hours after sunset. I’m glad I brought my underquilt, sleeping bag, and blanket. I’m also glad I brought an extra pair of warm socks, flannel pajama bottoms, and a sock cap. My hiking clothes were soaked with sweat, so changing out of them was essential for a good night's sleep. Well, I don’t actually sleep on these trips. I doze off and on. Anyway, there were no big surprises during the night. The sound of insects. Leaves and branches falling. Coyotes howling in the distance. But nothing scary or annoying. It was very pleasant.

    The original plan was to hike both sections, so we parked my son's pickup at Trailhead 6 and drove back to Trailhead 1 to park my Jeep and start the hike. The plan was solid as long as we started early in the day and could average 2 miles an hour. But we wound up starting out late in the day and did I mention the mud? There was a lot of mud. And obstacles to cross. And creeks to cross. And mud. And more mud. Lots and lots of mud. So we were only able to do 4 miles before we had to find a place to camp. Otherwise, we'd be hiking in the dark.

    So the morning of day 2, we packed our gear and trudged on as quickly as we could. We had about 12 miles to cover. It seemed doable at the time. But the weather changed. It got considerably cooler and overcast and rainy. It wasn’t constant, and it was never a downpour. But it was 50s and damp. Drizzly. We trudged on for about another 8 miles and decided to leave the trail at Trailhead 4 and hit the pavement, for fear that we'd again run out of daylight somewhere between Trailheads 4 and 6.

    My advice? Do your homework. Read up in the LSHT. Peruse the website http://lonestartrail.org and buy the book. Prepare for a long slog through mud. I’m glad I took a hammock because there weren’t many places suitable for tent camping. Take plenty of water and a water purifier because there is no potable water available on the sections we hiked. Two people in 2 separate vehicles is a must unless you’re a thru-hiker or just want to hike a bit and hike back to your car. It’s mostly flat with no steep ups and downs, rock climbing, or anything like that. But there were quite a few creek crossings that required going down into a gully and up the other side. I did mention the mud, right?

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 31, 2025

    Limestone Lake Park

    Not as great as people make it out

    This park is not as great as other reviews lead you to believe. I'll break it down:

    1. They don't allow campfires. As in, none. There are no fire rings. That right there takes it off the list for me.
    2. It’s your typical park in a lot and haul stuff to your campsite. Texas really needs to get with the program that car camping is a huge thing.
    3. Most of the picnic tables are uncovered. There are some that are and I managed to get one, but if it’s busy they'll be taken quickly.

    It is a nice area and a good view of the lake. It’s fairly close to the water but the lake it low so you'd have to jump down a bit in order to get to it currently.

    All in all not terrible but the no campfire thing is puzzling. I wouldn't come back. There are better places- Possum Kingdom I'm looking at you.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    Limestone Lake Park

    Update review

    First off the name and pin don’t seem quite right. It is called Limestone Lake Park. The road to the pin is gated. No worries though on the other side of the road is an awesome camping area. It looks way too fancy to be free camping but it is. I had a lakeside spot and had the place all to myself on a weekday. This place seems pretty remote, so mostly local folks would be my guess. Waze took me right here when I put the name in. There is decent Verizon service here too.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    Free camping

    Free camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend.

  • S
    Mar. 30, 2021

    Limestone Lake Park

    Perfect Spot by the Lake

    I'm surprised no one else has reviewed this place yet, it is awesome! Other than the occasional local on their boats making noise, this place was pretty serene. The drive to the location is very rural once you exit 45. Many nice folks in the community here were waving at me when I drove by.

    I decided to stay here because it was free and I did not feel like driving further to Dallas. There are porta potties available stocked with toilet paper. There are 3 or 4 small roads to take once you get inside, which lead you towards the lake. You can get an RV inside a few of the spots without obscuring entry for other vehicles. There is one large patio for events and has seating for about 25 people.

    There are fish in the lake, one foot long dead floating bass was right in front of me. Plenty of smaller fish dancing on the water. There are areas to bbq as well. A couple docks you can walk off that are small and can cast a fishing rod.

    The place was decently busy for a hidden gem, though I was the only person on my side of the area. I was there on a Saturday so perhaps during the week it is more quiet.

    This was one of my favorite places I've stayed at in Texas so far (haven't been to a lot of locations so far in the state) and would definitely return again with better preparation and additional family members and friends.

  • J
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Limestone Lake Park

    Spectacular location

    WARNING! if you use Get Directions & Google Maps on this page, it likely will route you to the wrong location.

    The correct access point is from the SouthEast, via the town of Marquez. From the four way stop in Marquez, head North about a quarter mile and then make a left on 1146 just before D&D Hardware. It’s easy after that.

    That said, I just arrived and my jaw dropped, it’s so breathtaking.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Limestone Lake Park

    Wonderful

    Very nice and secluded plenty of campsites all primitive with shelters grills and fishing all out wonderful place

  • Jinoo J.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2024

    Limestone Lake Park

    Beautiful lakeside spots!

    Got in around 11pm on a Friday night and there were plenty of spots open. Woke up to an incredible view and more people around (but still not too crowded). Great spot for boating & fishing too.

  • Greg C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Limestone Lake Park

    Beautiful lake area but buggy

    As another mentioned the pin is off a bit. Basically turn right instead of left at the end. Had a nice spot overlooking the lake. Not crowded at the time I was there. Be prepared for a lot of bugs.

Guide to Leona

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Leona, Texas, where nature meets tranquility. With several well-reviewed spots, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful escape while taking advantage of the area's natural resources.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Leona, Texas

  • Many areas, like Limestone Lake Park, offer free camping options, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; facilities such as showers and water hookups are often unavailable, so plan accordingly.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as popular locations can fill up quickly.

Boating and fishing opportunities for dispersed campers

  • Limestone Lake Park is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy boating and fishing, with plenty of lakeside spots available.
  • The serene environment allows for peaceful fishing experiences, with various fish species present in the lake.
  • Bring your own boat or kayak, as the area is accessible by boat-in, drive-in, or walk-in, providing flexibility for your adventure.

Activities to enjoy while free camping near Leona

  • Hiking enthusiasts can explore the nearby Lone Star Hiking Trail, which offers a well-maintained path through beautiful scenery, perfect for a day of trekking.
  • For those seeking solitude, Kelly's Pond Campground provides a quiet atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature.
  • Wildlife watching is abundant in these areas, with opportunities to spot various birds and other animals, enhancing your outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Leona, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Leona, TX is Limestone Lake Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Leona, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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