Rita Blanca National Grassland, managed by the US Forest Service, includes Thompson Grove Boondocking among its free camping options in the Texas Panhandle near Clayton. The site sits well off the beaten path, easy to miss without direct navigation, and draws mostly road-trippers passing through on longer drives. No fee required.
The layout is a gravel rectangle with log barriers, roughly six sites arranged in a row. Picnic tables and grills are distributed across the area, and vault toilets sit on the opposite side of the lot from the parking. The ground is level, and reviewers consistently describe the toilets as clean and well-maintained. No water is available on-site, which is worth noting before arrival. Bugs and flies can be heavy in summer months, and mornings tend to bring significant dew. Cell service is listed as available, which makes the spot more functional for solo travelers.
Most campers use Thompson Grove as a one-night stop. The site works for tents and smaller rigs, though at least one reviewer noted a large rig fitting in, and the gravel access road is manageable in a standard passenger car. As Emily put it, the site is "bare bones but was a good, quiet stop." Trash service is provided, which keeps the area tidy.
Campers wanting hookups can find paid sites at Yucca Flats RV Park & Cabins, located just across the street, or browse campgrounds near Rita Blanca National Grassland for additional options in the region.
Description
Large gravel area approved for RV parking and grassed area for tents. 14 day limit. Elevation: 4,200'. 10 Picnicking units.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsThompson Grove Boondocking is located in Texas near Clayton
Public CampgroundCoordinates
36.415078039314984 N
102.80593863697983 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 9/14/26- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/14/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 9/14/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Thompson Grove Boondocking needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 46 min from Amarillo, TX
- 3 hrs 6 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 45 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 58 min from Santa Fe, NM
