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Best Dispersed Camping near Waco, TX

4 Reviews

Around Waco, dispersed camping spots can be found at the Waco Recreation Area for campers who don't mind going without standard facilities. You'll need to bring everything with you since these primitive sites have no bathrooms or drinking water available. Both Waco City Park Campground and some national forest land in the area allow wild camping, but following Leave No Trace practices is critical when using these spaces. The rules state you must camp at least 200 feet away from any water sources and roads to protect the environment. You can stay up to 14 days in most areas before needing to move on. Many of these backcountry sites have rough access roads that work best with high-clearance vehicles. The local rangers often implement fire bans during dry periods, so check current restrictions before planning to have a campfire during your stay.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Waco, Texas (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Waco, TX

6 Photos of 4 Waco Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Waco, TX

4 Reviews of 4 Waco Campgrounds

  • Kelsi W.
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Camp at the Water!

    $10/night honor system dropbox at entrance. No reservations or anything, just pull up and find a spot.

    Pros- Beautiful, great fishing, enough trees to hammock camp, flat spots if you want a tent, safe! Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and jumping fish, occasional coyote howls. Each spot has its own Ramada and picnic table. I know there are other campers but we are separated by a field and trees, so it feels quite isolated.

    2 bars with Verizon! Wrote this from my hammock!

    Cons- can still hear road + train noise and neighborhood dogs. Some of the brush is pretty spiky. Some trash from past campers (we picked up as we cleaned up our stay, but who knows if it will be back). But really, no major complaints.

    This place is lovely! Perfect weather in March!!

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Chisholm Trail Park

    Great fishing spot

    Secluded primitive camping is nice. Also good fishing right on the river. Amazing place if you enjoy anything from fishing, hiking, picnics, volleyball and nature.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake

    Cool!

    This place is kind of out of the way, around 20/30 mins of driving off of the nearest highway/interstate. The area consists of a medium sized gravel parking lot and grassy areas with covered cement picnic tables as well as a boat ramp at the end. There are trash cans and two bathrooms (holes in the ground with four walls). Be prepared for no toilet paper lol! There are no real established sites, outside of plenty of space to park next to picnic tables and a parking lot. There is enough room to get a big rig to come through, park, and pull around. The gravel/ground is tightly packed with plenty of flat areas for tenting as well. For being so far back, the park is pretty busy. There are people that live out here and people that come out here for 12-6 am hunting/fishing/driving. We weren’t bothered at all, despite being in the way. The park is open 24/7 and doesn’t require a permit or pass of any kind. It’s far enough out of the way that the stars were beautiful, and despite being near a popular-ish waterway it did not smell like dead fish.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake

    Nature everywhere

    When you get to the paved parking lot, take the gate yo the right and follow the road. It does get rough, so be prepared.

Guide to Waco

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Waco, Texas, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Great Fishing Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • For those who enjoy fishing, Chisholm Trail Park offers a secluded setting right on the river, making it an ideal location for casting a line.

Activities While Free Camping Near Waco

  • Hiking and picnicking are popular activities at Soldier’s Bluff, where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings and take advantage of the picnic tables available.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waco, TX?

Free dispersed camping options near Waco are limited but available. Soldier's Bluff offers free camping with water spigots and flush toilets nearby. This small campground provides lake views and covered picnic tables, though it can get crowded during peak seasons so arrive early as sites aren't reservable. Some areas have shade trees to help during hot weather. Be aware that some visitors have reported access issues with locked gates in certain sections, so verify current status before traveling. For additional options within driving distance, consider exploring Corps of Engineers properties around Lake Whitney and Lake Waco, which sometimes offer dispersed camping opportunities.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Waco?

Dispersed camping around Waco typically follows standard regulations. At Chisholm Trail Park, there's a $10/night honor system with a dropbox at the entrance - no reservations required. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays. Pack-in, pack-out rules apply for trash, and campfires may be restricted during dry conditions or burn bans. Most sites limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always check for posted regulations at each specific location, as rules can vary between Corps of Engineers properties, county parks, and other public lands.

Are there any free tent camping sites in the Waco area?

Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake offers tent camping opportunities about 20-30 minutes from the nearest highway. The area features grassy sections with covered cement picnic tables, making it suitable for tent setups. Basic facilities include trash cans and primitive restrooms. The road can get rough in some sections, so prepare accordingly. For a more established option, Limestone Lake Park provides drive-in access for tent campers. When tent camping in this region, especially during summer, look for sites with adequate shade and bring plenty of water, as temperatures can climb into the 90s.

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