Best Dispersed Camping near River Oaks, TX

Dispersed camping near River Oaks, Texas is concentrated primarily in the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands, approximately 45 miles northwest of the town. The National Grasslands provide multiple free primitive camping areas along Forest Road 904 and other forest service roads. Hunter Park, located near Granbury, offers additional dispersed camping with waterfront access. Most sites are unmaintained with minimal development, allowing campers to select their own locations rather than designated spots.

Access to LBJ National Grasslands dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads that may become difficult after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas, particularly for Dead Pump Jack and remote sections of FR 904. Most dispersed sites have no amenities - no potable water, no toilets, and no trash service. Hunter Park provides basic facilities including vault toilets and trash collection. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with established fire rings present at some locations. Cell service is generally available but varies by carrier and exact location.

The LBJ National Grasslands dispersed areas provide secluded camping with opportunities to view wildlife including deer, armadillos, and grazing cattle. Sites are typically well-spaced, offering privacy despite the open terrain. "Remote dispersed camping with good distance between sites. We spotted 22 sites while exploring the forest roads," noted one camper at FR 904. Hunter Park offers a different experience with lakefront camping and fishing opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "Free camping near the water with plenty of space for big rigs and a fishing pier." Pack-in/pack-out principles should be followed, as several reviews mentioned trash left by previous campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near River Oaks, Texas (5)

    1. Hunter Park

    4 Reviews
    Granbury, TX
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (817) 573-3212

    "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there."

    "Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be!"

    2. LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 627-5475

    "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."

    "Remote, quiet, simple beauty. Easy access, cool area. Worth checking out for a low profile weekender or hike."

    3. Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    40 miles
    Website

    "We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. "

    "Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn’t want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night."

    4. Dead Pump Jack

    1 Review
    Alvord, TX
    40 miles

    "Not to 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 no no trespassing signs"

    5. Chisholm Trail Park

    2 Reviews
    Whitney Lake, TX
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 694-3189

    "$10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot."

    "Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near River Oaks, TX

19 Reviews of 5 River Oaks Campgrounds


  • Jesse P.
    Feb. 13, 2022

    Hunter Park

    Great spot for fishing / boating

    Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there. Plenty of light, maybe to much if you're a dark sky's person but there are nice spots with trees. No electricity or water. Bring your own stuff and come prepared. If you forget something then no worries you are close to the city.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Local area we stumbled upon- TREAT IT WELL

    We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. 

    To give you an idea- we drove a Toyota 4Runner and a small utility trailer with a roof top tent on it. Though this is some room down there, if someone else is there, I would move on. 

    There were some locals who came through and talked to us for a while when they were fishing in the lake. They said that they had been coming to this spot for 30+ years and rarely saw anyone else there. So this is my plea- if you come here, be respectful and clean up after yourself. If you are there in the right time of the year, stay out late and turn off your lights- you'll get a night surprise.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Worked Well for Overnight

    Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn’t want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night. Taking the Trinity exit north off the loop around Decatur and using the navigation to the LBJ Grasslands to Park Rd 904 access was easy (& scenic). Once inside you could tell there’d been recent rain but the wet areas were easily avoided. Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus. Will make a note to use this stop en route out of the central part of the state going west for future trips.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Hunter Park

    Pretty!

    A cute little park with lots of picnic tables, a pier, and a huge field. The bathrooms were closed but they supplied a porta potty and the nearest gas station is only about two minutes away. Very connected to civilization and it was very well kept. Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be! The fish are active. The lake is gorgeous, but if you are car camping or tent camping, be wary about the fact that there will be little to no shade. Plenty of space for a big rig, and the whole thing is designed in a loop, so no backing out necessary! Plus all driving areas to and from the campsite, as well as in it, are paved.

  • Kelsi W.
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Camp at the Water!

    $10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot.

    Pros- Beautiful, great fishing, enough trees to hammock camp, flat spots if you want a tent, safe! Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls. Each spot has its own Ramada and picnic table. I know there are other campers but we are separated by a field and trees, so it feels quite isolated.

    2 bars with Verizon! Wrote this from my hammock!

    Cons- can still hear road + train noise and neighborhood dogs. Some of the brush is pretty spiky. Some trash from past campers (we picked up as we cleaned up our stay, but who knows if it will be back). But really, no major complaints.

    This place is lovely! Perfect weather in March!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping

    Very remote

    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. Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best. No bathrooms, water, etc. Pack in/pack out. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps. Only saw 3 other cameras while we were here. Great hiking.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Hunter Park

    Been coming here for years!

    This is a very nice park, free camping not designated camp sites. Just first come first served camp where you want. Good fishing and kinda quiet for being a campsite.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Great fishing spot

    Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature.


Guide to River Oaks

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near River Oaks, Texas, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Hunter Park

  • Hunter Park offers free camping right by the water, making it an ideal spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
  • While it lacks amenities like electricity and water, the nearby city ensures you can easily grab any supplies you might need.
  • The park allows pets and has picnic tables, so you can enjoy a meal outdoors with your furry friends.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near River Oaks, Texas

  • Always pack in your own water and supplies, as places like LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping do not provide any facilities.
  • Be prepared for remote conditions; cell service can be spotty, so downloading maps ahead of time is essential for navigation.
  • Respect the environment by following the pack-in, pack-out principle, ensuring you leave no trace behind.

Great fishing and outdoor activities while free camping near River Oaks

  • Chisholm Trail Park is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts, offering secluded spots along the river.
  • The area is perfect for hiking and picnicking, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various outdoor activities.
  • Wildlife sightings are common, making it a great place for nature lovers to observe local fauna in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near River Oaks, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near River Oaks, TX is Hunter Park with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near River Oaks, TX?

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