Best Dispersed Camping near Sherman, TX
Dispersed camping options near Sherman, Texas include several primitive sites along Lake Texoma and nearby natural areas. The Cross Timbers Trail provides access to hike-in camping opportunities such as 5 Mile Camp and Eagle's Roost, both located on Army Corps of Engineers land. Blue River Camp in southern Oklahoma, about an hour north of Sherman, offers additional dispersed camping opportunities. These areas provide a more remote camping experience without developed facilities, though site regulations vary by location.
Access to 5 Mile Camp and Eagle's Roost requires hiking in along the Cross Timbers Trail, a 14-mile point-to-point trail running along Lake Texoma's shoreline. Trail conditions can be technical for the region, making these sites suitable for experienced hikers seeking backcountry camping. Recent reports indicate potential access issues at 5 Mile Camp with signs warning of no trespassing. Blue River Camp allows both drive-in and walk-in access, though vehicles may need to navigate gravel roads. A fishing/hunting license or wildlife conservation passport ($51 for a 3-day pass) is required to enter Blue River Camp.
Most dispersed sites in the region are fully primitive with minimal or no amenities. "The Cross Timbers Trail is technical for the region and has many free walk/hike in first come first serve campsites," explains one camper about the Lake Texoma sites. Eagle's Roost stands out as a particularly scenic option, situated on a wooded peninsula with lake views and abundant birdlife. At Blue River Camp, visitors can expect waterfront sites along Blue River with boulder formations and swimming opportunities. The area includes Hughes Crossing, a small waterfall that doubles as a vehicle crossing point. While the region provides a "backcountry feel close to home," campers should be prepared for fully primitive conditions and pack out all trash.
