Dispersed camping near Sadler, Texas typically requires proper preparation due to the region's humid subtropical climate with average summer temperatures around 93°F and winter lows near 32°F. The terrain varies from shoreline areas along Lake Texoma to prairie grasslands with elevations ranging from 600-700 feet. Most primitive sites remain open year-round but can become muddy and difficult to access after heavy rainfall periods, particularly in spring.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blue River Camp provides access to Blue River where anglers can find various fishing spots along the shoreline. "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river," notes Carrie T., though she adds that "the fishing however is not good. We stayed for 3 days and fished the whole time with no luck."
Wildlife observation: LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds," reports Tim O. The expansive grassland ecosystem supports diverse animal populations, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Hiking trails: Cross Timbers Trail provides backpacking access to several primitive campsites. "Cross Timber's Trail is technical for the region and is a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma," explains Kelly G. The trail offers various difficulty levels suitable for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips.
Swimming: Several natural swimming areas exist near dispersed campsites. At Blue River Camp, "the area is perfect for swimming. There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing," according to Andi P., who also mentions "a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing."
What campers like
Solitude: The widely spaced campsites at LBJ National Grasslands provide privacy. "Very remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more," writes Ronald S., adding "Only saw 3 other cameras while we were here."
Scenic views: Many sites offer picturesque landscapes. Griffin K. notes about LBJ National Grasslands: "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!"
Cell connectivity: Unlike many remote camping areas, some dispersed sites near Sadler maintain reasonable cell service. "AT&T coverage was fairly good here, generally varying between 1-3 Bars of LTE service, with speeds up to 4.5 MB/s," reports Ray & Terri F. about their stay at LBJ National Grasslands.
Accessibility: Blue River Camp offers sites that are relatively easy to reach. "The water was amazing and clean... There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat," observes Carrie T., making this location suitable for those who want primitive camping without difficult access.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some locations require permits or licenses. At Blue River Camp, "To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently," advises lora.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between sites. At Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, Michelle T. warns, "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."
Site verification: Coordinates for some primitive sites may lead to incorrect locations. For 5 Mile Camp, matt M. reports, "The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs. After looking at the map, it looks like that's the only way to get back there."
Facilities: Most sites lack basic amenities. Mesha P. notes about LBJ National Grasslands: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Hammock camping: Some locations offer suitable trees for hammock setups. Shane W. shares about 5 Mile Camp: "Good spot. I stayed in my hammock and buddy in his tent back in Nov 2019. Stopped just before a cold front with rain hit and built a fire."
Safety considerations: Prepare for wildlife encounters and changing weather patterns. "Live and learn. There are cattle on the property which was really nice to watch! It did get rather windy but I was on top of the hill," cautions Jennifer N. about her experience at LBJ National Grasslands.
Download maps: Cell service can be unreliable in some areas. Ronald S. advises, "Remote dispersed. 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."
Clean-up responsibility: Teach children about leave-no-trace principles. Corey C. observed at LBJ National Grasslands: "Great area that was remote, but easy to get to with few others around. Found a site with beautiful views, but previous visitors left behind debris - if you use, please practice pack in/out principals!"
Tips from RVers
Big rig considerations: Some dispersed areas can accommodate larger vehicles with planning. "We parked our 36' Class A on the side of FR 904, just inside the gate, unhooked our Cherokee and went to scope out the area," explains Ray & Terri F., suggesting to "drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite."
Boondocking preparedness: For off-grid stays, water sources become important. Jennifer N. found during her first boondocking experience at LBJ National Grasslands: "Not too far from town if you need something. There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient!"
Transit camping: Michele A. recommends LBJ Grasslands for travelers passing through: "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."
Secure site selection: Choose locations that provide both privacy and security. "True Dispersed Camping with the added benefit of cell coverage. Spots are very well spaced out. Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires," notes Tim O. about LBJ National Grasslands, adding it's "About a half hour to town with all amenities."
