Best Dispersed Camping near Pinehurst, TX
Dispersed camping near Pinehurst, Texas centers primarily around Sam Houston National Forest, which contains several primitive camping areas. Kelly's Pond Campground, Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed, Sand Branch, and Four Notch Hunter Camp all provide free or low-cost options without developed facilities. The forest service manages these sites, which remain largely undeveloped and require self-sufficiency. Camping in these areas follows typical national forest regulations, including the standard 14-day stay limit enforced across most federal public lands.
Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably across the forest. Four Notch Hunter Camp and other hunter camps can be reached via dirt forest roads that may require careful navigation but are generally accessible to standard vehicles when driven slowly. Kelly's Pond offers drive-in access for both tents and RVs, though no hookups or facilities are available. During hunting season, campers should wear blaze orange for safety, particularly at Four Notch Hunter Camp. Cell service throughout the area is limited, with most locations reporting only one bar of coverage or none at all. No drinking water is available at any of these sites.
These primitive areas appeal to campers seeking solitude and minimal amenities. The Lone Star Hiking Trail, Texas's longest hiking path at approximately 130 miles, provides backpacking opportunities but presents challenges including muddy conditions after rain. According to reviews, Kelly's Pond offers "free camping and apart from people," making it ideal for those seeking seclusion. Another camper noted that Four Notch Hunter Camp is "very quiet, except during hunting season." Some sites appear to attract longer-term campers, as one visitor to Kelly's Pond observed: "It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home."
