Best Dispersed Camping near Little Elm, TX
Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape northwest of Little Elm, Texas, with the LBJ National Grasslands offering the most accessible free camping in the region. Located approximately 30 miles from Little Elm, these grasslands provide primitive sites along Forest Road 904 and throughout the broader grassland area. Campers seeking minimal development and maximum solitude gravitate toward sites like Dead Pump Jack and the various dispersed camping areas scattered throughout the grasslands. For those willing to travel slightly farther north, Lake Texoma offers additional primitive camping at locations such as 5 Mile Camp and Eagle's Roost Campsite, providing lakeside experiences along the Cross Timbers Trail.
Road conditions and vehicle requirements vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. The LBJ National Grasslands feature hard-packed gravel roads that become challenging after rain, with several campers noting the need for higher clearance vehicles. As one visitor observed, "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads." Most sites lack facilities entirely, requiring self-sufficiency for water, waste management, and other essentials. Cell service ranges from adequate to spotty depending on location, with several campers recommending downloading maps before arrival. Weather considerations include strong winds on hilltop sites and seasonal cattle grazing throughout the grasslands.
Campers consistently highlight the spaciousness and privacy of sites in the LBJ National Grasslands. "The sites are a good distance between them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more," noted one visitor. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, armadillos, hogs, and various bird species. Most established sites feature rock fire rings, though visitors must bring their own firewood. Weekend occupancy tends to be higher, with several reviewers mentioning having areas to themselves on weekdays. The proximity to Decatur provides convenient access to supplies, including a water dispensary for refilling containers. The Cross Timbers Trail sites near Lake Texoma offer more technical hiking opportunities but require careful navigation, as some access points have been marked with no trespassing signs by adjacent property owners.
