Dispersed camping areas near New Boston, Texas provide access to several lakes in the region. These primitive sites typically sit on open shorelines with limited facilities. Most areas experience hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly above 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. Seasonal flooding may affect access to some sites during heavy rain periods.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Public Ramp 1 offers bank fishing opportunities with convenient access to Lake Bob Sandlin. A visitor notes, "We had great Verizon service!" which allows anglers to stay connected while fishing throughout the day.
Boat launching: Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula provides water access for boaters with simple facilities. One camper mentioned, "Easy to get to and great spots on the late! free!" making it practical for day trips or overnight stays with water vessels.
Bird watching: Morning wildlife viewing rewards campers at Bois D'Arc Lake Wildlife Area. A recent visitor shared their experience: "I awoke to the sound of waterfowl and enjoyed coffee in the lake breeze," highlighting the natural setting perfect for wildlife observation.
What campers like
Spacious setups: Thomas Lake Park offers ample room for multiple tents or camping configurations. One visitor mentioned, "Very quiet area with plenty of space to set up camp. Grass was freshly mowed when I showed up," indicating well-maintained grounds.
Lakefront views: Public Ramp 1 Titus County Freshwater Supply District provides waterfront camping with scenic vistas. A camper described it as having "Beautiful lake front dispersed area. Free!!! Park police will check you in at your site."
Privacy between sites: Camping areas typically offer good separation between visitors. One camper at Public Ramp 1 observed, "When we stayed (in January) we had the place to ourselves," suggesting low off-season usage patterns.
What you should know
Registration requirements: Vehicle registration is mandatory at some locations. One camper reported, "We hitchhiked here and got turned away for not having a vehicle to register with the campground," confirming the strict policy at Public Ramp 1.
Stay limitations: Most free camping areas enforce maximum stay durations. A reviewer clarified that at Public Ramp 1, "Can stay up to 14 days," though another noted, "The sign says tents, RVs, campers, and other vehicles modified for camping are welcome for 7 days."
Limited amenities: Thomas Lake Park lacks basic facilities common to established campgrounds. A visitor confirmed, "There's about a mile long dirt road to get to the campground," while noting no mention of water or restroom facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Pack extra water and sun protection from May through September. Winter evenings can drop below freezing from December through February.
Hammock opportunities: Sites with mature trees allow for hammock setups. A camper at Public Ramp 1 noted, "Beautiful lake and campground. Mostly level camping spots. Breezy during the day and calm at night... Has lots of trees as well for hammocks."
Distance to services: Plan food and supply needs carefully before arrival. A visitor to Public Ramp 1 pointed out the location is "within about 5 miles of Mount Pleasant, TX. Not far from Walmart, Home Depot, and other shopping and restaurants," making it accessible but requiring preparation.
Tips from RVers
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies by location. At Bois D'Arc Lake Wildlife Area, a camper reported, "ATT phone service is very limited. I have 1 bar," indicating potential connectivity challenges.
Ground conditions: Soil can become problematic after rain. Be prepared for potential soft ground. One camper at Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula advised, "Nice trail, be better after a rain. Level 1 for sure."
Waste management: No dumpsters exist at many locations. A camper at Bois D'Arc Lake Wildlife Area observed, "Zero services or amenities. No dumpsters, no water, no restrooms," highlighting the need to pack out all trash and waste.
