Best Dispersed Camping near McKinney, TX
Dispersed camping near McKinney, Texas centers primarily around Lake Texoma, where primitive sites can be accessed via the Cross Timbers Trail. The area includes two notable dispersed camping locations: 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping and Eagle's Roost Campsite. These sites are located on Army Corps of Engineers land and require hikers to walk in, as vehicle access is not available. Both locations offer a backcountry experience within reasonable driving distance from McKinney.
Access to these primitive campsites requires preparation for fully self-sufficient camping. Neither location provides drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. 5 Mile Camp allows fires and alcohol, while Eagle's Roost prohibits both. Both sites permit pets at 5 Mile Camp but not at Eagle's Roost. The Cross Timbers Trail is described as technical for the region, making the hike to these campsites moderately challenging. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water, as no amenities or services are available at either location.
The dispersed camping areas near McKinney provide a remote wilderness experience despite their relative proximity to urban areas. The sites along Cross Timbers Trail feature views of Lake Texoma and opportunities for wildlife observation. Recent visitor reports indicate potential access issues at 5 Mile Camp, with one camper noting "The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs." Eagle's Roost receives particularly positive feedback for its scenic location, with a visitor describing it as their "Favorite campsite on entire Cross Timber's Trail" situated "way up on a wooded peninsula along a spur that overlooks the lake."
