Best Dispersed Camping near San Augustine, TX

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in several locations near San Augustine, Texas. Sexton Pond Dispersed offers free primitive camping with access for both tents and RVs. The site features hard-packed gravel roads with occasional potholes but remains accessible for most vehicles. Campers report finding established fire pits scattered throughout the wooded area. Upland Island Wilderness Area and Bouton Lake Camp provide additional dispersed camping options in the region, while Angelina River/Hwy 59 Dispersed attracts fishing enthusiasts.

These primitive sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by location; fires are permitted at Sexton Pond and Angelina River sites but prohibited in the Upland Island Wilderness Area. According to reviews, Sexton Pond occasionally offers solitude, with one camper reporting nearly two weeks of privacy interrupted only by occasional fishing groups. The pond reportedly offers good fishing, with fish becoming less active around 10pm and 3am.

Most dispersed camping in this area falls within the Sabine National Forest or Angelina National Forest jurisdictions. These public lands follow standard U.S. Forest Service regulations, including a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Weather conditions vary seasonally; summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Wildlife encounters are common; proper food storage is essential. The Angelina River site is known among locals as a popular fishing spot, particularly for sand bass when in season. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for primitive conditions.