Best Tent Camping near Thompsons, TX
Tent campsites in the Thompsons, Texas region offer a mix of established grounds and dispersed beach camping opportunities within driving distance. Tent campers can find options like Follett's Island Beach and Surfside Beach for primitive coastal experiences, while Hollywood Bottom Park provides free tent camping along the Colorado River approximately 25 miles southwest of Thompsons. These areas provide varying levels of facilities depending on whether they are established campgrounds or dispersed camping areas.
Most primitive tent sites near Thompsons require campers to be self-sufficient with minimal amenities available. Follett's Island Beach features hard-packed sand accessible to most vehicles without requiring 4-wheel drive. Sites typically have no designated boundaries, allowing campers to select their preferred spot on the beach. Fires are permitted on beach camping areas when no burn bans are in effect. According to one visitor, "You can have small fires on the beach but only if there isn't a burn ban." Most dispersed areas lack facilities such as potable water, showers, or permanent restrooms, though some beach locations have portable toilets placed periodically along the shore. Trash receptacles are available at some beach locations, but campers should plan to pack out their waste.
Beach tent camping areas provide unique experiences with direct water access and unobstructed views. The compact sand at Follett's Island makes setting up tents relatively straightforward compared to softer beach environments. One camper shared, "Free beach camping, no reservations needed. We went on a weekend in July and had no problem finding space." Privacy levels vary based on seasonal visitation patterns, with weekdays generally offering more seclusion than weekends. Insect activity can be significant, particularly at dusk and dawn, so proper repellent is essential for tent campers. Weather conditions can change rapidly along coastal areas, making proper tent anchoring important. Hollywood Bottom Park offers a different environment with riverside tent camping that attracts paddlers using the Colorado River access point.
