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Best Dispersed Camping near New Waverly, TX

5 Reviews

Sam Houston National Forest provides several dispersed camping options near New Waverly, Texas. The forest contains primitive sites like Sand Branch, Kelly's Pond Campground, Four Notch Hunter Camp, and designated areas along the Lone Star Hiking Trail. These sites are situated on U.S. Forest Service land and offer various levels of accessibility. Most locations are drive-in accessible with limited amenities and represent true backcountry camping experiences. Kelly's Pond and portions of the Lone Star Hiking Trail are free to use, while some areas may have seasonal restrictions or specific regulations.

Access roads throughout the forest require careful navigation, particularly after rain when mud can make travel difficult. Four Notch Hunter Camp can be reached by most vehicles, though a camper notes "any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow." Cell service is minimal in most areas. Kelly's Pond has "only 1 bar of service" according to visitor reports. Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities, with few offering toilets or picnic tables. Kelly's Pond provides vault toilets, but water is not available at any of these primitive locations. Campfires are permitted at most sites except Sand Branch and Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A.

The dispersed camping areas provide solitude and natural surroundings typical of East Texas forest terrain. During hunting season, visitors should exercise caution and wear appropriate safety gear. A reviewer of Four Notch Hunter Camp advised "wear blaze orange" when visiting during hunting season. Camping along the Lone Star Hiking Trail requires proper planning as the 130-mile trail has limited suitable camping spots due to dense undergrowth. Trail conditions can be challenging, especially after rainfall. The primitive nature of these sites means bringing all necessary supplies, including water. Some areas show evidence of longer-term campers, particularly at Kelly's Pond where a visitor noted "some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near New Waverly, Texas (5)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Waverly, TX

5 Reviews of 5 New Waverly Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2018

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    A long unforgiving slog through mud.

    My son and I went in mid-November, so your experience will vary depending on time of year.

    The LSHT is the longest hiking trail in the state. It is broken up into sections. We started at Section 1, which is the easternmost portion, hiking east-west. Each section has a trailhead with a parking lot. We hiked all of Section 1 and half of Section 2. Each of the 2 sections was about 8 miles long. The length of the LSHT is about 130 miles.

    Zero amenities. No restrooms. No electricity. No cell coverage. Nada. The LSHT is in the Sam Houston National Forest, about an hour north of Houston. So it’s not a "campground," per se, but you can camp anywhere that’s feasible. We just didn’t find very many feasible places to camp. There is a lot of dense undergrowth along the trail portion we hiked. And mud. Lots and lots of mud. It had been raining a lot in the preceding weeks. I’d call the ranger office and ask about trail conditions and what the weather's been like if I were you. I hope you have a good pair of waterproof boots.

    We found a decent spot about 4 miles in, set up our hammocks, and had a good night's rest. The first day's hike was great - plenty of sunshine, cool but not cold, few mosquitoes. It got cold within a couple hours after sunset. I’m glad I brought my underquilt, sleeping bag, and blanket. I’m also glad I brought an extra pair of warm socks, flannel pajama bottoms, and a sock cap. My hiking clothes were soaked with sweat, so changing out of them was essential for a good night's sleep. Well, I don’t actually sleep on these trips. I doze off and on. Anyway, there were no big surprises during the night. The sound of insects. Leaves and branches falling. Coyotes howling in the distance. But nothing scary or annoying. It was very pleasant.

    The original plan was to hike both sections, so we parked my son's pickup at Trailhead 6 and drove back to Trailhead 1 to park my Jeep and start the hike. The plan was solid as long as we started early in the day and could average 2 miles an hour. But we wound up starting out late in the day and did I mention the mud? There was a lot of mud. And obstacles to cross. And creeks to cross. And mud. And more mud. Lots and lots of mud. So we were only able to do 4 miles before we had to find a place to camp. Otherwise, we'd be hiking in the dark.

    So the morning of day 2, we packed our gear and trudged on as quickly as we could. We had about 12 miles to cover. It seemed doable at the time. But the weather changed. It got considerably cooler and overcast and rainy. It wasn’t constant, and it was never a downpour. But it was 50s and damp. Drizzly. We trudged on for about another 8 miles and decided to leave the trail at Trailhead 4 and hit the pavement, for fear that we'd again run out of daylight somewhere between Trailheads 4 and 6.

    My advice? Do your homework. Read up in the LSHT. Peruse the website http://lonestartrail.org and buy the book. Prepare for a long slog through mud. I’m glad I took a hammock because there weren’t many places suitable for tent camping. Take plenty of water and a water purifier because there is no potable water available on the sections we hiked. Two people in 2 separate vehicles is a must unless you’re a thru-hiker or just want to hike a bit and hike back to your car. It’s mostly flat with no steep ups and downs, rock climbing, or anything like that. But there were quite a few creek crossings that required going down into a gully and up the other side. I did mention the mud, right?

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    Free camping

    Free camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2022

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    LSHT-Sections 1 & 2

    Spent a few days in late July on the trail. Went 22 miles then turned back to Stubblefield Campground to stop. Too hot for an old guy, but it was a very enjoyable, well maintained, and well marked journey. We’ll be back.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    A Nice Slice Of Solitude

    Kelly's Pond was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues.

    It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home, I had been here previously to do some "scouting" if you will, and noticed some of the same campers. They weren't bothering anyone, but if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road.

  • Jasmine P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2023

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Not a campsite

    We showed up in the middle of night. There was a gate that was locked. It is a really pretty place if you can find a campsite somewhere else

Guide to New Waverly

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Waverly, Texas, where nature awaits without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Experience the tranquility of the great outdoors while enjoying the freedom to set up camp in stunning natural settings.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near New Waverly, Texas

  • Always check the accessibility of your chosen spot, as some areas like Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed may have locked gates or limited access at night.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, Sand Branch - Sam Houston National Forest offers no potable water or restrooms, so bring your own supplies.
  • Consider the weather and trail conditions before heading out, especially in muddy areas like the Lone Star Hiking Trail, where rain can make hiking challenging.

Exploring the natural beauty of Sam Houston National Forest

  • The Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed offers a scenic route through the forest, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while hiking.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Kelly's Pond Campground, where you can find solitude and a chance to connect with wildlife.
  • For a more adventurous experience, Four Notch Hunter Camp provides a quiet escape, especially during hunting season when the area is less crowded.

Activities to enjoy while free camping near New Waverly

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive trails available, particularly on the Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed, which spans approximately 130 miles.
  • Fishing and wildlife watching are popular activities at Kelly's Pond Campground, where you can relax by the water and enjoy the serene environment.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A for a chance to explore the less-traveled paths of the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Waverly, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Waverly, TX is Sand Branch - Sam Houston National Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near New Waverly, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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