Primitive camping near Sherman, Texas offers backcountry experiences along Lake Texoma and nearby wilderness areas. The region features rolling hills with oak and hickory forests typical of the Cross Timbers ecological region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Swimming in the Blue River: The Blue River Camp area provides several swimming opportunities with clear water. "The water was amazing and clean. 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. about Blue River Camp.
Hammock camping: The wooded terrain around Lake Texoma creates ideal conditions for hammock setups. "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," reports Shane W. from 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping.
Waterfall exploration: Hughes Crossing at Blue River Camp features a small waterfall that doubles as a vehicle crossing. "Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming," explains Andi P.
What campers like
Secluded peninsula views: The elevated position of some campsites provides panoramic lake vistas. "It's way up on a wooded peninsula along a spur that overlooks the lake. Birds flock over and it's far enough away from the freeway that it's quiet," describes Kelly G. about Eagle's Roost Campsite.
Boulder formations: The unique geology around Blue River Camp creates natural features for exploration. "We found waterfront campsites along the Blue River, large boulder formations to climb, and beautiful views," shares Andi P.
Training opportunity: The Cross Timbers Trail system offers more challenging terrain than typical North Texas trails. "The trail is more technical than most in the vicinity and is a great place to do a gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions," notes Kelly G.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Access to Blue River Camp requires appropriate documentation. "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," warns lora from Blue River Camp.
Access challenges: Some dispersed camping locations may have access issues. "The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs," reports matt M. about 5 Mile Camp.
Trash management: Pack-out requirements are essential as facilities are limited. "The only downside was the amount of trash that people had left. I think I might make it a new goal to try to carry out at least one or two grocery bags worth of other people's trash," notes Andi P.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday visits: For a more solitary experience with children, consider non-weekend camping. "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river. There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat," recommends Carrie T.
Rope swing activities: Families can find recreational spots along the waterways. "There's a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing," mentions Carrie T. about Blue River Camp.
Fire preparation: Weather changes quickly in North Texas. "Found a long sheet of tent to reflect the heat so had a great time hiking in," shares Shane W. about improvising at 5 Mile Camp before a cold front.
Tips from RVers
Gravel road navigation: RV access requires caution on unpaved routes. "If I had been brave enough to drive my little Mustang down the gravel path that was on the opposite side of the road leading away from the restrooms, I would have found waterfront campsites," explains Andi P., indicating larger vehicles should proceed with caution.
Crossing points: Vehicle fording locations require assessment. "Hughes Crossing! It's a waterfall that you can drive over. I did not attempt this in the mustang, but watched several trucks easily pass over," notes Andi P. regarding Blue River Camp.
Designated RV areas: Some campgrounds have separate sections for recreational vehicles. "There was a gravel road on the opposite side of the parking lot that led to the RV camping and a couple of tent sites along that road," describes Andi P.
