Best Dispersed Camping near Longview, TX

Free dispersed camping near Longview, Texas includes several lakefront sites with minimal facilities. Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District provides primitive camping along the waterfront with a 7-day stay limit. Lake Quitman West Dam offers free boondocking sites in an open field area with some wooded sections. Lake Winnsboro Park also permits tent camping with basic amenities. These areas represent the primary backcountry camping options in the region, all located on county-managed public lands.

Access to these primitive sites requires proper planning as amenities are limited. Public Ramp 1 features restrooms, water access, and trash disposal, while Lake Quitman West Dam lacks facilities entirely—campers must be self-contained. Most sites are accessible via paved roads, though camping areas themselves may be unpaved. Vehicle registration is required at Public Ramp 1, where local police check in campers upon arrival. Visitors should note that hitchhikers or those without vehicles are not permitted to camp at some locations. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with fires generally allowed at designated areas.

The dispersed camping experience varies across these locations, with each offering different levels of lake access and natural surroundings. Lake Quitman West Dam provides more isolated camping with undesignated sites where "you can park where you can fit" according to one reviewer. Public Ramp 1 receives consistent positive feedback for its lakefront positioning and cleanliness. "Beautiful lake and campground. Mostly level camping spots. Breezy during the day and calm at night," notes one camper. Many sites feature trees suitable for hammocks, and the proximity to water allows for fishing and boating activities. Lake Winnsboro Park is described as "super cute and quiet" with clean portable toilets available for use.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Longview, Texas (4)

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Longview, TX

3 Photos of 4 Longview Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Longview, TX

12 Reviews of 4 Longview Campgrounds


  • Dave G.
    Nov. 15, 2021

    Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District

    A campsite next to a Lake...Free!

    What a beautiful place!  There are dispersed sites throughout the recreation area with clearly marked areas where no camping is allowed.  There are restrooms and water available, as well as dumpsters.  We had great Verizon service!  The local police will stop by to check you in and there is a 14 day stay limit.   When camping here please remember to properly take care of your trash and take a few minute to pick up any trash that maybe in your camping area, to help keep this available for all campers and rec area users.

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2018

    Lake Quitman West Dam

    Primitive

    There is no fee to camp in this area. No reservations are necessary.

    Camp sites are not marked, the county park is basically an open field that is somewhat wooded and permits camping. You can show up and set up camp anywhere you would like. There are flushing toilets, picnic tables, and boat loading areas on both sides of the dam. The grounds do not have actual fire pits, generally people build them as desired. There is phone service but no electric or water hookups. The area is easy to access but there are not any signs that indicate you have arrived where you can camp, mostly locals come out during the summer months. Pets are welcome.

  • Luann K.
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District

    Boondock Free for 10 Days

    I found this location because I needed a free spot for a few days for a medical appointment. It is within about 5 miles of Mount Pleasant, TX. Not far from Walmart, Home Depot, and other shopping and restaurants. It's primitive boondocking, but pretty nice and clean. Psrk next to the Water. Boating, fishing, BBQ, and group camping is allowed. Pet friendly on leash.

  • Lawrence P.
    Jan. 25, 2022

    Lake Quitman West Dam

    Great place to Boondock! FREE!!!

    Wonderful place to do some Boondocking and for FREE! You can park where you can fit and stay as long as you wish. It is run by the county and well taken care of... just do your part to keep it that way. 

    We had no issue parking of rig for a few days and we, along with a couple others, were the only ones there. 

    Make sure to get water and food before setting up, not much close by, so whatever direction you are coming from, get supplies for your duration.

    Have a great time, we did!

  • KA M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2024

    Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District

    Fabulous & Free

    Thus is truly a great, free place to camp. It is a several minute drive from Mount Pleasant & you'll think you're going out to the boonies, but keep going! The roads are paved and there are a couple areas to camp with several spots each. When we stayed (in January) we had the place to ourselves. There are 2 nice rest room facilities- one with a pop machine. After a while, the on-site police will come by to check you in (name, driver's license, etc) but ours was very friendly. Must be 21 to stay, and not just in your car. The sign says tents, RVs, campers, and other vehicles modified for camping are welcome for 7 days.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District

    Need a Vehicle

    We hitchhiked here and got turned away for not having a vehicle to register with the campground. The grounds looked nice, but be advised that if you are traveling on foot you will not be permitted to enter.


Guide to Longview

Dispersed camping near Longview, Texas provides budget-friendly overnight options in the Piney Woods region. Sites are located at elevations between 300-400 feet above sea level in a subtropical climate zone that receives approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall. Most rustic camping areas feature sandy soil with pine and hardwood forest coverage, creating natural windbreaks during overnight stays.

What to do

Fishing access points: Lake Quitman West Dam offers multiple spots along the shore where anglers can set up. "Fish jumping! Quiet at night. I was here in March 2022," notes Luann K. about her Lake Quitman West Dam experience.

Boating opportunities: Many sites allow direct water access for smaller watercraft. "You can park where you can fit and stay as long as you wish. It is run by the county and well taken care of," explains Lawrence P. about the shoreline at Lake Quitman.

Supply runs: While sites are rustic, amenities are available nearby. "It is within about 5 miles of Mount Pleasant, TX. Not far from Walmart, Home Depot, and other shopping and restaurants," reports Luann K. regarding the Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District location.

What campers like

Extended stay potential: Some sites allow longer visits without fees. "I stayed down on the lakefront for 7 days. Only 2 campers besides me. Room for many many more," shared Luann K. about the peaceful atmosphere at Lake Quitman West Dam.

Registration process: Local authorities maintain oversight without complicated paperwork. "After a while, the on-site police will come by to check you in (name, driver's license, etc) but ours was very friendly," explains KA M. about the arrival procedure at Public Ramp 1.

Portable facilities: Some areas provide basic restroom access. "This was a great little spot! Free, quiet & clean. There were very clean portopottys for use as well," notes Ashli D. about her experience at Lake Winnsboro Park.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Not all sites welcome walk-in campers. "We hitchhiked here and got turned away for not having a vehicle to register with the campground," cautions Austin M. about Public Ramp 1, indicating all visitors need registered vehicles.

Site selection process: Most areas feature undefined camping zones rather than numbered sites. "Camp sites are not marked, the county park is basically an open field that is somewhat wooded and permits camping. You can show up and set up camp anywhere you would like," explains Vanessa M. about Lake Quitman East Dam.

Water management: Self-contained setups are necessary at most locations. "No bathrooms, so be totally self contained!" advises Luann K. regarding Lake Quitman West Dam's facilities.

Tips for camping with families

Age restrictions: Verify who can stay before arriving. "Must be 21 to stay, and not just in your car. The sign says tents, RVs, campers, and other vehicles modified for camping are welcome for 7 days," advises KA M. about Public Ramp 1 rules.

Bathroom distances: Plan for longer walks to facilities where available. "Restrooms are a bit far, but they are there," notes Robert G. about the amenities at Sandy Beach Park.

Seasonal popularity: Prepare for varying crowd levels throughout the year. "When we stayed (in January) we had the place to ourselves," shared KA M. about winter camping at Public Ramp 1, while noting "mostly locals come out during the summer months."

Tips from RVers

Supply planning: Limited services nearby require advance preparation. "Make sure to get water and food before setting up, not much close by, so whatever direction you are coming from, get supplies for your duration," recommends Lawrence P. about Lake Quitman West Dam.

Alternative hookup solutions: The rustic camping near Longview offers minimal infrastructure. "Boondocking at its finest!" says Boundless W. about the self-sufficient camping experience at Lake Quitman West Dam.

Service availability: Mobile coverage exists in certain areas. "We had great Verizon service!" reports Dave G. about connectivity at Public Ramp 1, allowing campers to stay connected even in these remote settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Longview, TX is Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Longview, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.