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Lake Quitman West Dam

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Boaters and anglers find direct lake access at Lake Quitman West Dam, a county-managed dispersed camping area on the shores of Lake Quitman in East Texas. The open field setting accommodates RVs up to 20 feet, tent campers, and van conversions, with campers choosing their own spots throughout the wooded sections near the water.

A main loop road circles the property, allowing vehicles to scout locations or providing a walking route for campers who prefer to stretch their legs. Porta-potties and trash barrels serve the camping area, while picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds. Cell coverage reaches 1-2 bars with AT&T 5G service, sufficient for basic web browsing. The county maintains the grounds year-round at no charge, with no reservations required.

Will P. notes "beautiful views of the water" and mentions being "serenaded by cows" from nearby pastures. The lakefront spots fill first during busy periods, though multiple campers report having the area largely to themselves during off-peak times. Campers build their own fire rings as needed, and the grounds stay reasonably clean despite the informal setup.

Stock up on supplies before arriving, as services are limited in the immediate area. For additional camping options in the region, check out places to camp near West Dam Park.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Lake Quitman West Dam is located in Texas

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located about 4 miles north of Quitman via FM 2966 on Dry Creek.

Coordinates

32.85894430159642 N
95.45916388088119 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 2/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 24 users
    Last on 4/19/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 2/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 24 users
    Last on 4/19/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the free boondocking with flexible site selection in a scenic lakefront setting. Mixed reports on bathroom availability suggest visitors should prepare to be self-contained.

Will P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 4, 2026

Beautiful on water camp spots

Easy to find. Lots of people out here camping. Several car / tent combos, class B rigs, and vans. Was serenaded by cows. There are porta poties and trash barrels around the campsite. Beautiful views of the water. Couldn't hear nearby road. Could fit a small (<20 ft) travel trailer in here. Has a main loop road you can drive around or walk. I saw a couple doing the walk. Pretty clean spot. Could do several days here easily. Att 5G, 1-2 bars. Could surf the Web.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Lake Quitman West Dam by Will P., March 4, 2026
Luann K.
Reviewed Mar. 18, 2022

FREE 7 DAY Camping beautiful scenery

I stayed down on the lakefront for 7 days. Only 2 campers besides me. Room for many many more. Fish jumping! Quiet at night. I was here in March 2022. No bathrooms, so be totally self contained!

Sitenot numbered
Month of VisitMarch
Lawrence P.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2022

Great place to Boondock! FREE!!!

Wonderful place to do some Boondocking and for FREE! You can park where you can fit and stay as long as you wish. It is run by the county and well taken care of... just do your part to keep it that way. 

We had no issue parking of rig for a few days and we, along with a couple others, were the only ones there. 

Make sure to get water and food before setting up, not much close by, so whatever direction you are coming from, get supplies for your duration.

Have a great time, we did!

Month of VisitMarch
Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 25, 2018

Primitive

There is no fee to camp in this area. No reservations are necessary.

Camp sites are not marked, the county park is basically an open field that is somewhat wooded and permits camping. You can show up and set up camp anywhere you would like. There are flushing toilets, picnic tables, and boat loading areas on both sides of the dam. The grounds do not have actual fire pits, generally people build them as desired. There is phone service but no electric or water hookups. The area is easy to access but there are not any signs that indicate you have arrived where you can camp, mostly locals come out during the summer months. Pets are welcome.

  • Review photo of Lake Quitman West Dam by Vanessa M., May 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Lake Quitman West Dam by Vanessa M., May 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Lake Quitman West Dam by Vanessa M., May 25, 2018
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities are available at West Dam Recreation Area on Lake Quitman?

West Dam Recreation Area on Lake Quitman offers excellent fishing opportunities, with visitors reporting fish jumping in the lake. Boating is popular thanks to the available boat launch. The lakefront camping spots provide direct water access for swimming and other water activities. The somewhat wooded, open field setting is perfect for hiking and nature observation. With ample space and minimal crowding, visitors can enjoy peaceful outdoor recreation. The area is particularly quiet at night, making it ideal for stargazing. The large open spaces also accommodate various outdoor games and activities, creating a versatile recreation destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

What amenities are available at Lake Quitman RV Park?

Lake Quitman West Dam is a basic boondocking area with limited amenities. The campground offers flushing toilets and picnic tables, though some areas may not have bathroom facilities (so being self-contained is recommended). There are no hookups available as this is a primitive camping area. The park includes a boat launch for water access. No reservations are required, and camping is free. The area is county-maintained and well-kept, providing an excellent opportunity for those looking for a no-frills camping experience.

How do I get to Lake Quitman from Dallas or Tyler, TX?

Lake Quitman is located in Wood County, Texas. From Dallas, take I-20 east toward Tyler, then connect to Highway 37 north toward Quitman. From Tyler, head north on Highway 69 and then take Highway 37 to reach the lake area. The West Dam Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Lake Quitman. Look for county road signs directing you to the West Dam area. The roads are accessible for vehicles including RVs, though as with any rural destination, it's advisable to have directions downloaded before travel as cell service may be inconsistent in some areas.

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