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Best Dispersed Camping near Splendora, TX

5 Reviews

Dispersed camping in Sam Houston National Forest provides several primitive options near Splendora, Texas. Free sites include Sand Branch, Four Notch Hunter Camp, Kelly's Pond Campground, and access points along the Lone Star Hiking Trail. These locations offer varying levels of solitude on public forest land with minimal development. Most sites require self-sufficiency as they lack amenities like running water, established restrooms, or designated fire rings. The area provides backcountry camping opportunities approximately 30-60 minutes from Houston.

Access to many sites requires driving on dirt forest roads that may become difficult during wet conditions. Any standard vehicle should manage Four Notch Hunter Camp's access road when dry, though drivers should proceed slowly. Some areas remain inaccessible during heavy rain periods. Most dispersed sites permit campfires except during seasonal fire bans, and pets are allowed at Kelly's Pond, Four Notch, and along the Lone Star Hiking Trail. Only Kelly's Pond offers basic toilet facilities among the dispersed options. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, with most campers reporting only one bar of service in these remote areas.

These primitive sites provide quiet retreats from urban environments with varying degrees of isolation. Kelly's Pond offers picnic tables and toilet facilities while maintaining a secluded atmosphere. The Lone Star Hiking Trail provides backpacking opportunities with numerous potential campsites along its 130-mile route through the forest. Trail conditions vary significantly by season, with some sections becoming extremely muddy after rainfall. Reviews indicate Four Notch Hunter Camp remains peaceful except during hunting season, when visitors should wear blaze orange for safety. "Very quiet, except during hunting season. Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow." Some sites may have long-term campers, particularly at Kelly's Pond, though reviewers note these individuals "weren't bothering anyone."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Splendora, Texas (5)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Splendora, TX

5 Reviews of 5 Splendora Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2018

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    A long unforgiving slog through mud.

    My son and I went in mid-November, so your experience will vary depending on time of year.

    The LSHT is the longest hiking trail in the state. It is broken up into sections. We started at Section 1, which is the easternmost portion, hiking east-west. Each section has a trailhead with a parking lot. We hiked all of Section 1 and half of Section 2. Each of the 2 sections was about 8 miles long. The length of the LSHT is about 130 miles.

    Zero amenities. No restrooms. No electricity. No cell coverage. Nada. The LSHT is in the Sam Houston National Forest, about an hour north of Houston. So it’s not a "campground," per se, but you can camp anywhere that’s feasible. We just didn’t find very many feasible places to camp. There is a lot of dense undergrowth along the trail portion we hiked. And mud. Lots and lots of mud. It had been raining a lot in the preceding weeks. I’d call the ranger office and ask about trail conditions and what the weather's been like if I were you. I hope you have a good pair of waterproof boots.

    We found a decent spot about 4 miles in, set up our hammocks, and had a good night's rest. The first day's hike was great - plenty of sunshine, cool but not cold, few mosquitoes. It got cold within a couple hours after sunset. I’m glad I brought my underquilt, sleeping bag, and blanket. I’m also glad I brought an extra pair of warm socks, flannel pajama bottoms, and a sock cap. My hiking clothes were soaked with sweat, so changing out of them was essential for a good night's sleep. Well, I don’t actually sleep on these trips. I doze off and on. Anyway, there were no big surprises during the night. The sound of insects. Leaves and branches falling. Coyotes howling in the distance. But nothing scary or annoying. It was very pleasant.

    The original plan was to hike both sections, so we parked my son's pickup at Trailhead 6 and drove back to Trailhead 1 to park my Jeep and start the hike. The plan was solid as long as we started early in the day and could average 2 miles an hour. But we wound up starting out late in the day and did I mention the mud? There was a lot of mud. And obstacles to cross. And creeks to cross. And mud. And more mud. Lots and lots of mud. So we were only able to do 4 miles before we had to find a place to camp. Otherwise, we'd be hiking in the dark.

    So the morning of day 2, we packed our gear and trudged on as quickly as we could. We had about 12 miles to cover. It seemed doable at the time. But the weather changed. It got considerably cooler and overcast and rainy. It wasn’t constant, and it was never a downpour. But it was 50s and damp. Drizzly. We trudged on for about another 8 miles and decided to leave the trail at Trailhead 4 and hit the pavement, for fear that we'd again run out of daylight somewhere between Trailheads 4 and 6.

    My advice? Do your homework. Read up in the LSHT. Peruse the website http://lonestartrail.org and buy the book. Prepare for a long slog through mud. I’m glad I took a hammock because there weren’t many places suitable for tent camping. Take plenty of water and a water purifier because there is no potable water available on the sections we hiked. Two people in 2 separate vehicles is a must unless you’re a thru-hiker or just want to hike a bit and hike back to your car. It’s mostly flat with no steep ups and downs, rock climbing, or anything like that. But there were quite a few creek crossings that required going down into a gully and up the other side. I did mention the mud, right?

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    Free camping

    Free camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2022

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    LSHT-Sections 1 & 2

    Spent a few days in late July on the trail. Went 22 miles then turned back to Stubblefield Campground to stop. Too hot for an old guy, but it was a very enjoyable, well maintained, and well marked journey. We’ll be back.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Kelly's Pond Campground

    A Nice Slice Of Solitude

    Kelly's Pond was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues.

    It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home, I had been here previously to do some "scouting" if you will, and noticed some of the same campers. They weren't bothering anyone, but if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road.

  • Jasmine P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2023

    Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Not a campsite

    We showed up in the middle of night. There was a gate that was locked. It is a really pretty place if you can find a campsite somewhere else

Guide to Splendora

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Splendora, Texas, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tranquil Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A offers a peaceful environment with no permit required, making it an ideal choice for those seeking solitude in nature.
  • For a more lively atmosphere, Kelly's Pond Campground provides a free camping experience where you can enjoy the company of fellow campers while still having your own space.
  • If you're looking for a quiet escape, Four Notch Hunter Camp is a well-reviewed spot that allows pets and features a drive-in access, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Splendora

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Kelly's Pond Campground

  • Kelly's Pond Campground is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where alcohol is allowed, making it a great spot for socializing around the campfire.
  • This location features picnic tables and allows fires, providing a comfortable setting for cooking and enjoying meals outdoors.
  • With no reservations required, you can spontaneously decide to camp at this well-reviewed spot, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Splendora, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Splendora, TX is Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

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

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