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Best Dispersed Camping near Whitney Lake

6 Reviews

Soldier's Bluff offers free primitive camping along Whitney Lake with water spigots and flush toilets available. The area provides shaded sites under tree canopies, though spaces can be limited and close together. According to one visitor, "campground is grassy and covered with shade tree canopies," but another noted it can be "very overcrowded." Vehicle entry is restricted after 10:00 p.m., and the area sometimes floods during heavy rain. Highway noise and spillway sirens are common when lake levels rise.

Chisholm Trail Park and Hunter Park provide additional dispersed camping options near Whitney Lake. Chisholm Trail Park operates on a $10/night honor system with no reservations required. A review mentioned, "Each spot has its own Ramada and picnic table," making it suitable for hammock camping and tents. Hunter Park offers free lakeside camping with picnic tables and grills, though sites lack privacy and shade. Both parks provide good fishing access, with Hunter Park featuring a fishing pier and paved access roads suitable for larger vehicles. Neither location offers hookups or potable water, so campers should arrive prepared with supplies.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Whitney Lake (3)

    1. Soldier’s Bluff

    7 Reviews
    Whitney, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 694-3189

    "There are water spigots scattered through the park and a flush toilet nearby. Not very many sites though, so arrive early as they’re not reservable."

    "To get your vehicle in you must arrive before 10:00 p.m. otherwise, you just park on the outside and walk your stuff in, then wait till the morning. Nice cliffs, nice bathrooms, some highway noise."

    2. Chisholm Trail Park

    2 Reviews
    Whitney Lake, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 694-3189

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

    3. Hunter Park

    4 Reviews
    Granbury, TX
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (817) 573-3212

    "Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there."

    "Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Whitney Lake

8 Photos of 3 Whitney Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whitney Lake

6 Reviews of 3 Whitney Lake Campgrounds

  • Jesse P.
    Feb. 13, 2022

    Hunter Park

    Great spot for fishing / boating

    Free camping near the water. Can't beat that with a stick. We came in February and it was cold that night. The restrooms were closed but they had some porta potties out there. Plenty of light, maybe to much if you're a dark sky's person but there are nice spots with trees. No electricity or water. Bring your own stuff and come prepared. If you forget something then no worries you are close to the city.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Hunter Park

    Pretty!

    A cute little park with lots of picnic tables, a pier, and a huge field. The bathrooms were closed but they supplied a porta potty and the nearest gas station is only about two minutes away. Very connected to civilization and it was very well kept. Lots of people seemed to know about it, there were around 15 people who camped there last night and ten or so cars that came through for the fishing pier. If you’re a fisher, this is the place to be! The fish are active. The lake is gorgeous, but if you are car camping or tent camping, be wary about the fact that there will be little to no shade. Plenty of space for a big rig, and the whole thing is designed in a loop, so no backing out necessary! Plus all driving areas to and from the campsite, as well as in it, are paved.

  • Kelsi W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Alejandro G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Hunter Park

    Been coming here for years!

    This is a very nice park, free camping not designated camp sites. Just first come first served camp where you want. Good fishing and kinda quiet for being a campsite.

  • Sean B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Hunter Park

    Right on the water, but meh

    Drove in didn't stay, campsites are right on the water and picnic tables and grill provided. Only a few spots but no privacy and right on top of each other. Good to stay if nowhere else.

Guide to Whitney Lake

Dispersed camping near Whitney Lake in Texas offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of setting up camp in less conventional spots. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can find the perfect place to unwind and explore.

Dispersed campers should check out Soldier’s Bluff

  • Soldier’s Bluff is known for its free camping options, making it an attractive choice for those looking to save money while enjoying the outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Whitney Lake in Texas

  • Arriving early is essential, especially at places like Chisholm Trail Park, where sites are not reservable and can fill up quickly due to their popularity.

Great fishing spots for dispersed campers

  • If fishing is your passion, Hunter Park is a fantastic choice, offering free camping right by the water, perfect for casting a line and enjoying the serene surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map of dispersed camping areas at Lake Whitney?

There are no specific maps dedicated solely to dispersed camping at Lake Whitney mentioned in the reviews. Soldier's Bluff is located near Whitney dam and across from the Corps of Engineers headquarters, which may provide maps upon request. For the most accurate camping information, check with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office that manages Lake Whitney, as they maintain official maps showing all designated camping areas around the lake.

Where can I find free camping at Lake Whitney?

Hunter Park offers free camping near the water at Lake Whitney. This is a first-come, first-served area with no designated sites, allowing you to camp where you prefer. The park features picnic tables, a pier, and a large field. While it can get busy during peak times, the waterfront location makes it a popular choice for anglers and those seeking no-cost camping options.

What amenities are available at Whitney Lake dispersed camping areas?

Chisholm Trail Park offers basic amenities for $10/night (honor system dropbox). The area features flat camping spots suitable for tents, trees for hammocks, and excellent fishing access. While amenities are limited, the natural setting is the main attraction. Other dispersed areas around Whitney Lake typically provide picnic tables, fire rings or grills, and vault toilets or porta-potties. Water spigots may be available at some locations, though availability varies seasonally. Most areas lack electricity, shower facilities, or RV hookups.

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