Best Dispersed Camping near Palestine, TX

4 Stars based on Dispersed / Free Camping w/ a clean pit toilet.
Easily accessible from FSR 511, near the 4C Trail northern trailhead (although some sections are currently closed), clean pit toilets, and nice observation deck overlooking the Neches River.  Used as a hunters' camp during deer season.

Close to Mission Tejas State Park and Ratcliff Lake Recreational Area (showers). 4C Trail southern trailhead is located in Ratcliff Lake RA. I've also accessed the trail from where it crosses FM277 (there is a FS dirt road just south of that crossing on the east side).

I recently did the 4-C trail at Davy Crockett National Forest. The night before I did the hike, I stayed here. There is no cost to stay the night or to park for day use here. It's very peaceful on this side and serves as the north entrance to the 4-C trail. There was on other camper there and they were no bother. I am not 100% on it, but it looked like there's only really two defined area for camping, but it doesn't seem like all that many people go there so you should be able to find a spot. There is a glorified porta potty and no water source, so be prepared for that, but it is primitive after all so you can't be mad about that. Definitely a good choice of place to stay if you on doing the 4-C, especially in a single day, so you can get started early.

My boyfriend and I stayed one night (were planning on two but there was a severe cold front when we stayed), and it was AMAZING!! Very secluded. If you take a right, just before you get to the actual “campgrounds” (saw RV spots with pit toilet), there is a drive able trail. We found a spot that had been used before, and it was very secluded and private. There was a creek nearby that we hiked up and down, even found what appeared to be a natural spring feeding the creak. We used the creek as our water supply, and the water was delicious. Lots of cool rocks, and even found a couple snail shells. 10/10 would definitely go again and explore more. The overlook is so pretty, and honestly, this place gave us the perfect camping experience. We were able to fit two vehicles in our spot, and there was a pre-existing fire spot. Lots of downed trees for wood. There is some spots of poison Oak/Ivy to be aware of, but nothing unavoidable and was in one area. It was a blast!

We took our kids and set up camp in a spot tucked away from the main dirt road. The camp site was serene and there was a hiking trail nearby. We car camped with two toddlers and they had a blast.

This park is not as great as other reviews lead you to believe. I'll break it down:

1. They don't allow campfires. As in, none. There are no fire rings. That right there takes it off the list for me.
2. It’s your typical park in a lot and haul stuff to your campsite. Texas really needs to get with the program that car camping is a huge thing.
3. Most of the picnic tables are uncovered. There are some that are and I managed to get one, but if it’s busy they'll be taken quickly.

It is a nice area and a good view of the lake. It’s fairly close to the water but the lake it low so you'd have to jump down a bit in order to get to it currently.

All in all not terrible but the no campfire thing is puzzling. I wouldn't come back. There are better places- Possum Kingdom I'm looking at you.

There's not much to this campground, although it is very beautiful with enormous loblolly pines. This is a primitive campsite. There's no water, no electricity, not bathrooms, etc. Just an area you can use to set up tents or hammocks. We met a nice older fella who said he comes there every day and builds a fire at dusk, stays for a little bit, then leaves.

We bikes from the Ratcliff Recreational Area and we had to cache water.

Dirt road to sites isn’t bad at all. Several places to pull off & camp. T-Mobile getting one baby bar.

3 separate camping areas, large travel trailer accessible. State maintained access roads, and vault toilet.

Really enjoyed this campground. Some beautiful hikes and all but one site people really appear to not leave any trash. The forest service road to get to the campground is pretty level and appears you could get an rv or pull behind through it. Plenty of turn around space at multiple sites. I'd suggest getting here with some daylight to find a site if coming on a weekend. I would suggest getting firewood in Alto(15 minutes away) at Custom Cut Lumber. You can get pine firewood at 20 bucks a pickup load. It's self load but a really great deal.

I spent one night over there we enjoy it me and my dog had some breakfast in the morning stay until about 1 PM and then we win unexplored around, and then enjoy some off roads. I be back.

Crept up the hill in the middle of the night to wake up to a beautiful view!

Great view In mornings and nights 10/10

I’ve been to this campground a few times now during different seasons. It can get a little rowdy and also overgrown in the spring and summer….but it is perfect during a mild winter day. Come during a weekday and you’ll almost surely have the whole place to yourself !

Very peaceful and serene spot.

This place was great! Nice, clean vault toilet, many sites, and rather empty. Any car should be able to make the dirt road in dry to moderately wet conditions, if it's been seriously stormy, I'd avoid without AWD/4WD because the road is dirt/sand.

Love this location everything was so simple nothing extra just simple relaxing camping and beautiful scenery

Beautiful views to wake up too.

Very primitive and off the beaten path, our 02 Mustang was able to handle it. No site numbers just pop the tent wherever. Very quiet and beautiful.

Great view. Just a handful of spots but it was us and one other vehicle. The road up is a little rough. It’s had some washout and needs fixing but keep it slow and drive around the wash out