Best Dispersed Camping near Saginaw, TX
Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands near Saginaw, Texas, primarily along Forest Road 904 where multiple primitive sites accommodate tent camping and limited RV access. This federally managed public land offers free camping with no reservations required. Another dispersed option in the region includes Hunter Park in Granbury, providing waterfront camping on a first-come basis. Chisholm Trail Park also features primitive camping along the river, operating on an honor system with a $10 nightly fee.
Access roads within the LBJ National Grasslands are primarily hard-packed gravel and generally passable for most vehicles, though some areas may require high-clearance after rain. Most dispersed sites include established fire rings but no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Hunter Park and Chisholm Trail Park provide basic facilities including picnic tables and vault toilets, but still require campers to pack in water. All areas operate under strict pack-in/pack-out principles. Cell service varies considerably, with LBJ Grasslands offering sporadic coverage ranging from 1-3 bars.
The dispersed camping experience in this region balances proximity to urban areas with genuine seclusion. Sites in the LBJ National Grasslands are widely spaced, offering privacy even during busy periods. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting deer, armadillos, and birds throughout the area. Cattle frequently graze near camping areas in the grasslands. The camping areas provide access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities, particularly at the water-adjacent sites. "Very remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them," noted a visitor to the LBJ Grasslands. At Hunter Park, a camper shared: "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick."