Dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands near Lewisville, Texas, with several free primitive camping areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The grasslands include multiple dispersed sites, particularly along Forest Road 904, where campers can find primitive camping spots without designated facilities. These public lands permit off-grid camping in established pull-off areas scattered throughout the grasslands, approximately 30-45 minutes from Lewisville.
Access roads within the LBJ National Grasslands vary in condition, with most being hard-packed gravel that remains navigable for standard vehicles, though some sections may become difficult after rain. Many visitors recommend scouting locations before bringing large rigs, as turnaround space is limited in certain areas. Sites typically feature primitive fire rings but no other amenities. Campers must bring their own water, pack out all trash, and follow leave-no-trace principles. Cell service is generally available but varies in strength across the grasslands. No permits are required for overnight stays.
The dispersed camping areas provide scenic views across the rolling grasslands with widely spaced sites offering privacy. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, armadillos, and various bird species. Cattle frequently graze throughout the area, adding to the rural experience. The grasslands remain relatively uncrowded, with many visitors noting the peaceful environment. One camper described the area as "remote, quiet, simple beauty. Easy access, cool area. Worth checking out for a low profile weekender or hike." Another noted that "spots are very well spaced out. Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires."
"Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more."
"Remote, quiet, simple beauty. Easy access, cool area. Worth checking out for a low profile weekender or hike."
"We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. "
"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."
"Not to far off the beaten path but just far enough. I wouldn’t bring anything towed or longer than a B van since there are some major ruts no no trespassing signs"
"There are lots of open areas that are flat for you to camp out overnight. The road coming in is gravel, but in great shape. We parked in the shade and it’s quite pleasant outside."
ScoutIts beautiful. The bathrooms were closed, due to being out of order. The camp sites and view were fantastic. Management reimbursed me for our stay due to the bathrooms.
GuideWas 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). 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 from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus. Will make a note to use this stop en route out of the central part of the state going west for future trips.
ScoutRemote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more. Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best. No bathrooms, water, etc. Pack in/pack out. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps. Only saw 3 other cameras while we were here. Great hiking.
TravelerDO NOT COME HERE ALOT OF HARASSMENT ALOT OF PEOPLE MESSING WITH U TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE DONT GO
GuideThis was my first experience boondocking. Absolutely loved the location! Not too far from town if you need something. There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient! There are cattle on the property which was really nice to watch! It did get rather windy but I was on top of the hill. Live and learn.
TravelerTrue Dispersed Camping with the added benefit of cell coverage. Spots are very well spaced out. Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires. See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds. Bring a shovel and TP! About a half hour to town with all amenities.
GuideNo bathrooms but there are some at tadra and black creek. There is also water available at those campsite but it’s not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system.
GuideGreat area that was remote, but easy to get to with few others around. Found a site with beautiful views, but previous visitors left behind debris - if you use, please practice pack in/out principals!
GuideRoads to campsite are well maintained gravel, fire rings, and good views. Was in a roof top tent but had no problem with wind noise, good cell service.
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands offers free dispersed camping on public land approximately 30-45 minutes from Lewisville, Texas. This 20,250-acre managed landscape features rolling terrain with elevation changes between 700-1,000 feet, creating distinct ecosystems throughout the grasslands. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer temperatures often exceeding 95°F and winter occasionally bringing freezing temperatures and frost.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Visitors to LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping can observe diverse wildlife including deer, armadillos, wild hogs and various bird species. One camper noted, "See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds" throughout the grasslands area.
Hiking trails: The grasslands feature several hiking paths through varied terrain, making it suitable for different skill levels. As one visitor at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Great hiking. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more. Download maps before getting here."
Fishing access: Small ponds throughout the grasslands provide fishing opportunities. Campers report, "Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires," which doubles as a fishing spot for those with proper Texas fishing licenses.
Secluded atmosphere: The widely spaced camping areas provide considerable privacy. A recent visitor commented, "Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them."
Stargazing conditions: The dark skies away from city lights make this area excellent for astronomy. One camper at Dead Pump Jack advised, "Not too far off the beaten path but just far enough," which creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing.
Easy accessibility: Despite the remote feel, most sites remain accessible for standard vehicles. "Roads to campsite are well maintained gravel, fire rings, and good views," reported one camper, making this a convenient option for free camping near Lewisville.
No facilities available: These grasslands have no restrooms, potable water, or trash services. A camper explained, "No bathrooms but there are some at tadra and black creek. There is also water available at those campsite but it's not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system."
Pack-in, pack-out required: Visitors must bring all supplies and remove all waste. One frustrated camper noted, "Great area that was remote, but easy to get to with few others around. Found a site with beautiful views, but previous visitors left behind debris - if you use, please practice pack in/out principals!"
Cell service varies: While service exists throughout much of the grasslands, signal strength fluctuates by location and carrier. According to visitor reports, "AT&T coverage was fairly good here, generally varying between 1-3 Bars of LTE service, with speeds up to 4.5 MB/s."
Download maps beforehand: The area has limited signage and cell reception can be spotty. One family recommended, "Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps."
Scout sites during daylight: Finding suitable camping spots is easier during daylight hours. A visitor suggested, "If you have a tow vehicle, drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite, as turning around with a large rig is only practical in a couple of locations."
Bring activities: There are no developed recreational facilities, so pack games and activities. Families report enjoying wildlife watching as one camper described, "Awesome trip with the pup! Most areas have rock campfires setups that people have made. Very remote so bring what you need."
Size limitations: Large rigs face challenges on some forest roads. An RVer cautioned, "I wouldn't bring anything towed or longer than a B van since there are some major ruts."
Water planning: No water hookups or potable water sources exist on site. One RVer shared, "There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient!"
Parking considerations: Finding level spots requires advance planning. According to an experienced RV camper, "We parked our 36' Class A on the side of FR 904, just inside the gate, unhooked our Cherokee and went to scope out the area. There were a number of established and very widely spaced campsites along the FR, each with a fire pit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lewisville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lewisville, TX is LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lewisville, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Lewisville, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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