LBJ National Grasslands provides free camping near North Richland Hills, Texas, approximately 35 miles northwest of the city. This 20,250-acre protected area features rolling terrain with elevations ranging between 700-900 feet. The grasslands experience hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezing nights. Camping areas are distributed across the property with multiple access points, including several well-maintained gravel roads beyond Forest Road 904.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The grasslands offer excellent opportunities to spot native Texas wildlife. "See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds," notes one visitor at LBJ National Grasslands. Early morning and evening hours provide the best viewing conditions.
Fishing at nearby ponds: Several small ponds throughout the grasslands are stocked with fish. "Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires," mentions a camper who found the accessible water sources convenient for multiple purposes.
Hiking trails exploration: The grasslands contain unmarked paths and designated trails for day hiking. "Great hiking. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps," writes Ronald S., who recommends preparing maps in advance since cell service can be spotty in some areas.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between camping areas. "Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more," reports Ronald S. at LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904.
Sunset views: Several camping spots offer elevated vistas ideal for watching sunsets. One visitor to Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping describes "a pretty great vista view from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus."
Quiet atmosphere: The remote nature creates a peaceful camping experience. "Awesome trip with the pup! Most areas have rock campfires setups that people have made. Very remote so bring what you need. Very quiet you won't hear anyone besides the wildlife at night!" notes Griffin K.
What you should know
No amenities available: This is true dispersed camping requiring complete self-sufficiency. "No bathrooms but there are some at tadra and black creek. There is also water available at those campsite but it's not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system," advises Mesha P., highlighting where limited facilities can be found outside the main camping area.
Access considerations: Road conditions vary throughout the grasslands. At Dead Pump Jack, a camper notes: "Not too far off the beaten path but just far enough. I wouldn't bring anything towed or longer than a B van since there are some major ruts."
Varying experiences: While most campers report positive stays, experiences can differ. One camper reported harassment issues, indicating that site selection and timing may influence the experience. Weekends tend to see more visitors than weekdays.
Town access: Decatur provides the closest supplies. "About a half hour to town with all amenities," mentions a reviewer. "There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient!" adds another camper who appreciated having town services within reasonable driving distance.
Tips for camping with families
Site scouting recommendations: Families should arrive with daylight hours remaining to find suitable sites. "Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best," recommends Ronald S., emphasizing the importance of preparation when bringing children to remote areas.
Nearby alternatives for beginners: For families seeking more amenities, Hunter Park offers an entry-level dispersed camping experience. "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick... Plenty of light, maybe too much if you're a dark sky's person but there are nice spots with trees," notes Jesse P.
Wildlife education opportunities: The grassland ecosystem provides teaching moments for children. "We saw lots of steers grazing around the area and right up to the RV most mornings," mentions one camper, describing encounters that can fascinate young visitors.
Tips from RVers
Rig size limitations: Large RVs face challenges on some grassland roads. "If you have a tow vehicle, drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite, as turning around with a large rig is only practical in a couple of locations," advises Ray & Terri F. at LBJ National Grasslands.
Connectivity information: RVers requiring internet connectivity report varied results. "AT&T coverage was fairly good here, generally varying between 1-3 Bars of LTE service, with speeds up to 4.5 MB/s," notes one RVer who maintained reasonable connections during their stay.
Wind exposure considerations: Some elevated sites experience strong winds. "It did get rather windy but I was on top of the hill. Live and learn," shares Jennifer N., suggesting RVers might prefer lower-elevation camping spots for more protection from the elements.
