Sexton Pond Dispersed camping area provides a primitive camping alternative near Steinhagen Lake, with sites situated along a hard-packed gravel access road. Located approximately 5 miles from the main lake recreation areas, this free camping zone offers both tent and RV spots without designated sites or amenities. The area features natural surroundings with several established fire rings scattered throughout the wooded location.
What to do
Fishing at dawn and dusk: Anglers visiting Sexton Pond report specific times for optimal fishing success. "They seem to sit dormant at 10pm and 3am for a hour each. No biting," notes visitor Yasmin S. at Sexton Pond Dispersed, who spent nearly two weeks at the location.
Swimming access considerations: The designated swimming areas require some planning to reach. According to Robert W. at Ebenezer Park, "Swimming area is designated but kind of hard to get to," suggesting visitors prepare for less convenient water access than might be expected.
Hurricane recovery hiking: Following significant flooding damage from Hurricane Harvey, Village Creek State Park has fully reopened its trail system. Bradley H. notes, "Hurricane Harvey flooded most of the park in 2017 but now it is completely open. The park is very nice. It is very typical of Texas parks.... awesome!!"
What campers like
Extended solitude: The dispersed camping areas near Steinhagen Lake provide opportunities for longer stays with minimal crowds. At Sexton Pond Dispersed, Jennifer M. found "a nice spot in the trees. There are a few fire pits spread out. We were the only ones here."
Non-powered site privacy: For those seeking a more remote experience than equestrian camping near Steinhagen Lake provides, Village Creek State Park offers secluded non-electric sites. Melanie C. at Village Creek State Park Campground shares, "We enjoyed the privacy of the non powered camp sites. Very nice."
Proximity to Big Thicket: The regional campgrounds provide strategic access to the larger wilderness area. Craig J. notes that Village Creek State Park offers "about 30 mins to Big Thicket visitors center and hike access. There are several nice hikes in the park but many were closed due to a long-leaf pine reforestation project."
What you should know
Site elevation challenges: Some camping sites require extra effort for setup. At Village Creek State Park Campground, Nancy K. warns, "Some of the sites are elevated so if you are tent camping you have to haul up your stuff."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Visitors to free camping areas should come fully prepared. Yasmin S. at Sexton Pond Dispersed advises, "Please clean behind as you found it," highlighting the lack of maintenance services at these locations.
Tent site spacing and access: The standard tent sites at Ebenezer Park require some walking from parking areas. According to Frutsnx.11, "Tent spots are spacious, although most sites do require a decent walk from the car."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal usage planning: For families seeking quieter equestrian camping near Steinhagen Lake, timing matters. Trevor H. at Brookeland / Lake Sam Rayburn KOA suggests, "Probably won't come back unless in off season. But it's good enough."
Water recreation options: Families can enjoy various water activities beyond the equestrian focus. Analia F. reports, "There were tons of people swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. It was a blast, and perfect for the hot weather."
Insect preparation: The wooded areas around Steinhagen Lake require proper protection. "Definitely bring bug spray because there were so many mosquitos near the campground. I left with a few pretty big welts," warns Analia F. at Brookeland campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric cord length: Some sites require extra equipment beyond standard setups. Nancy K. at Village Creek State Park Campground notes, "The site I had needed more that the 50' electric cord that I usually use. Luckly I had another cord so I could get electric to tent."
Dump station access: For RVers staying multiple days, the Village Creek facilities include "dump station nearby with two sides," according to Craig J., making departure day sanitation stops more efficient.
Cellular connectivity considerations: Connected travelers should note varying signal quality. Kevin H. explains, "WiFi sucks but cell signal was adequate (fairly strong with WeBoost)," suggesting signal boosters benefit those needing reliable communications while camping.
