Patricia H.
Scout
ScoutEagle’s Roost Campsite
Private Poperty
It is private property. It is fenced off and no way to the lake. Also, security cameras on the grounds.
Dispersed Camping near Telephone, TX
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Dispersed camping near Telephone, Texas clusters around Lake Texoma's shoreline and nearby public lands. Free primitive sites are available along the Cross Timbers Trail, with options including 5 Mile Camp and Eagle's Roost on Army Corps of Engineers land. Blue River Camp in Oklahoma provides additional dispersed camping approximately 30 miles northeast of Telephone, though this requires a permit. These areas typically offer primitive conditions with minimal development and services.
Access varies significantly between locations. The Cross Timbers Trail sites require hiking or boating in, as they are walk-in or hike-in only with no vehicle access to campsites. Recent reviews indicate access issues at 5 Mile Camp, where "the coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs." Blue River Camp requires either a hunting/fishing license or a wildlife conservation passport ($51 for a 3-day pass). None of these dispersed sites provide drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities. Most areas lack restrooms, though Blue River Camp does have toilet facilities.
These primitive camping locations offer varied experiences based on their terrain and water proximity. The Cross Timbers Trail sites provide "amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores" according to user reviews, with Eagle's Roost particularly noted as being "way up on a wooded peninsula along a spur that overlooks the lake." The trail itself is described as "technical for the region" and "a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma." Blue River Camp features riverside camping with "waterfront campsites along the Blue River, large boulder formations to climb, and beautiful views." Though primitive, these areas provide natural experiences with water access, hiking opportunities, and relative seclusion from developed areas.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Telephone (3)
1. Blue River Camp
"When I arrived at the location to which my GPS directed me, I was a little concerned that there was just a building with bathrooms and three large dumpsters off to the side."
"There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat. There is a huge flashing sign going into the area telling every adult to have a fishing/hunting license."
2. 5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping
"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."
"Amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores. Come prepared it's fully primitive but there are spots all up and down the Cross Timbers Trail you can either boat or backpack too."
3. Eagle’s Roost Campsite
"Cross Timber’s Trail is technical for the region and is a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma."
Drive Time
- 42 min from Sherman, TX
- 1 hr 30 min from Dallas, TX
- 1 hr 58 min from Texarkana, TX
- 2 hrs 16 min from Tyler, TX
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Telephone, TX
7 Photos of 3 Telephone Campgrounds
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Telephone, TX
11 Reviews of 3 Telephone Campgrounds
- Patricia H.Scout
5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping
Private Property
It is private property. There is not a way down to the lake. It’s fenced off and security cameras on the grounds.
- m
matt M.
Traveler5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping
No trespassing and dog warning signs
The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs. After looking at the map, it looks like that’s the only way to get back there, so I’m assuming the homeowner who shares that road put those signs to keep people away.
- AAndi P.
GuideBlue River Camp
Pleasant Surprise!😃
 When I arrived at the location to which my GPS directed me, I was a little concerned that there was just a building with bathrooms and three large dumpsters off to the side.
If I had a 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 along the Blue River, large boulder, formations to climb, and beautiful views.
What I did, though, was continue down the road I had a been on and found a large dirt parking lot. There were fire pits and designated camping set up along one side of the parking lot, which seemed a little weird.
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, so I chose one. The campsite was secluded with several paths that lead down to the river. 
What I found to be the best part of this area was 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.
Not only is there a beautiful little waterfall that also substitutes as a bridge, but the area is perfect for swimming. There is a bit of green algae, but it is otherwise clear and refreshing.
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 so that I can hopefully leave places better than I found them.
- Shane W.Scout
5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping
Hammock or tent
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. Found a long sheet of tent to reflect the heat so had a great time hiking in.
- Ryan H.Guide
5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping
Remote feel close to home
Amazing backcountry feel on Lake Texoma shores. Come prepared it's fully primitive but there are spots all up and down the Cross Timbers Trail you can either boat or backpack too.
Carrie T.ScoutBlue River Camp
Beautiful river
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. There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat. There is a huge flashing sign going into the area telling every adult to have a fishing/hunting license. The fishing however is not good. We stayed for 3 days and fished the whole time with no luck. There’s a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing.
Kelly G.
LegendEagle’s Roost Campsite
Favorite campsite on entire Cross Timber’s Trail
Cross Timber’s Trail is technical for the region and is a 14 mile point to point trail along the shore of Lake Texoma. It’s on army Corps Of Engineers Land and there are many free walk/hike in first come first serve campsites. But this is my favorite!!!! 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 (with the exception of the occasional fishing boat). 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.
Wesley H.GuideBlue River Camp
Very peaceful
Easy access for our class c, very scenic river water falls
Guide to Telephone
Dispersed camping near Telephone, Texas provides backcountry opportunities in the Cross Timbers ecoregion where eastern hardwood forests and western prairies converge. Most primitive sites lack facilities and require self-sufficiency, with temperatures ranging from summer highs around 95°F to winter lows near 30°F. Seasonal flooding can affect access during spring months, particularly at riverside locations.
What to do
Explore Hughes Crossing waterfall: Blue River Camp features a unique drivable waterfall that doubles as a water crossing. "There's a really neat little spot south of the dam with a rope swing," notes camper Carrie T., who also found the swimming areas "amazing and clean" despite moderate algae growth.
Fish for variety: While fishing success varies by season, Blue River Camp waterways offer multiple species. One camper mentioned that despite dedicating three days to fishing, they "fished the whole time with no luck," suggesting anglers should bring backup activities or try different spots along the water.
Train for longer hikes: The Cross Timbers Trail provides terrain suitable for conditioning before mountain expeditions. Kelly G. describes Eagle's Roost Campsite as ideal for "gear shake down and train for those longer through hikes in more mountainous regions" due to its technical trail sections.
What campers like
Secluded peninsulas: Eagle's Roost Campsite occupies a unique geographic position that creates natural isolation. According to Kelly G., "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."
Weekday solitude: Mid-week visits offer significantly reduced crowds at popular primitive sites. One camper at Blue River Camp reported, "We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't any one else there. We did some awesome exploring up and down the river."
Fire-friendly sites: Most primitive camping areas near Telephone permit campfires when no burn bans are in effect. Shane W. recalled camping at 5 Mile Camp where they "stopped just before a cold front with rain hit and built a fire. Found a long sheet of tent to reflect the heat."
What you should know
License requirements: Blue River Camp requires appropriate permits for all visitors. "To enter the grounds you need a hunting/fishing license or a 3-day wildlife conservation passport. The passport is for any activity on the grounds, excluding hunting or fishing and they are $51 currently," explains camper Lora.
Access disputes: Recent visitors report potential access issues to some primitive sites. A 2024 review for 5 Mile Camp states, "The coordinates bring you to what looks like a driveway that has signs for no trespassing and beware of dogs."
Trash concerns: Pack-out discipline varies across sites. One camper at Blue River Camp noted, "The amount of trash that people had left" was significant enough that they made "a new goal to try to carry out at least one or two grocery bags worth of other people's trash."
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain options: Blue River Camp provides level spots suitable for family setups with children. According to recent visitors, "There was so many campsites and they were all well maintained and flat," making tent setup more manageable for groups with younger campers.
Boulder climbing opportunities: Natural features provide built-in activities for kids. One camper noted Blue River Camp has "large boulder formations to climb" along with the riverside camping areas.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can affect comfort, particularly for children. One camper at 5 Mile Camp recalled how they "stopped just before a cold front with rain hit," highlighting the importance of checking forecasts before heading to rustic camping near Telephone, Texas with families.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Most primitive dispersed camping near Telephone requires smaller vehicles. Only Blue River Camp lists "big-rig-friendly" among its features, while other areas explicitly note they cannot accommodate large RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Telephone, TX?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Telephone, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Telephone, TX is Blue River Camp with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Telephone, TX?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Telephone, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Telephone, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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