Dispersed camping opportunities in the Sam Houston National Forest near Leona, Texas offer accessible and cost-effective overnight stays. The forest spans nearly 163,000 acres with elevations ranging from 200-300 feet above sea level. Multiple primitive sites accommodate both tent and limited RV camping across the forest's diverse pine and hardwood ecosystem, where summer temperatures typically exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: During quieter periods at Limestone Lake Park, visitors can observe various water birds and fish. One camper noted, "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."
Fishing access: Several areas provide shoreline fishing access at primitive locations. At Limestone Lake Park, a visitor mentioned, "There are a couple docks you can walk off that are small and can cast a fishing rod," making it suitable for anglers without boats.
Hiking trail exploration: The Lone Star Hiking Trail offers extensive trail sections through varied terrain. According to one hiker, "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."
Boating: Some locations accommodate small watercraft with direct lake access. A camper at Limestone Lake Park observed, "Great spot for boating & fishing too," though visitors should verify boat ramp conditions before arrival.
What campers like
Solitude and seclusion: Many campers value the remote nature of these sites, particularly at Kelly's Pond Campground, where a visitor appreciated "Free camping and apart from people" while noting the limited connectivity with "only 1 bar of service."
Cost savings: The free dispersed camping areas provide economical alternatives to developed campgrounds. One Limestone Lake Park visitor was pleasantly surprised, stating, "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."
Community atmosphere: Despite the remote setting, campers often report friendly encounters. A visitor to Limestone Lake Park mentioned, "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."
Water proximity: Several sites offer direct water access, which campers consistently highlight as a benefit. As one Limestone Lake Park visitor reported, "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)."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have reported GPS inaccuracies. At Limestone Lake Park, one camper warned, "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."
Fire restrictions: Some areas prohibit campfires completely, creating unexpected limitations. A visitor to Limestone Lake Park explained, "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."
Hunting season precautions: During hunting season, extra safety measures are necessary at Four Notch Hunter Camp, where a visitor advised, "Very quiet, except during hunting season (wear blaze orange!!!). Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow."
Limited facilities: Most areas provide minimal or no amenities. A Lone Star Hiking Trail hiker reported, "Zero amenities. No restrooms. No electricity. No cell coverage. Nada," emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency.
Weather impacts: Trail and road conditions can deteriorate quickly after rain. A hiker on Lone Star Hiking Trail described challenging conditions: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection: Insect activity can be significant, particularly near water. A Limestone Lake Park camper advised, "Be prepared for a lot of bugs," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Site selection considerations: Some areas offer covered picnic tables which provide important shade. At Limestone Lake Park, a visitor observed, "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."
Parking logistics: Many sites require unloading equipment away from vehicles. One visitor to Limestone Lake Park noted, "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."
Water access safety: Lake levels fluctuate throughout the year, potentially creating hazardous conditions. A camper at Limestone Lake Park reported, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Unpaved roads require careful navigation for larger vehicles. For those heading to Kelly's Pond Campground, consider that some areas have "individuals have/had made this a more permanent home," according to one visitor who suggested that if this "makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road."
Limited turnaround areas: Several sites have restricted maneuvering space for larger rigs. Limestone Lake Park accommodates some RVs, with a visitor noting, "You can get an RV inside a few of the spots without obscuring entry for other vehicles."
Weather dependency: Road conditions deteriorate quickly after rainfall, particularly for heavier vehicles. When planning free camping near Leona, Texas, verify recent precipitation and contact local ranger stations for current accessibility information.
