The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Clayton, Texas
Camper submitted image from Thomspon Grove CampgroundView 5 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Clayton, Texas

Thomspon Grove Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Rita Blanca National Grassland, managed by the US Forest Service, includes Thompson Grove Campground, a free dispersed site on the Texas panhandle near Clayton. The setup is minimal by design: a gravel parking lot with vault toilets, picnic tables, and an old corral with a windmill nearby. Cell service is available, which reviewers note as a practical plus for overnight travelers passing through.

Road access is straightforward. Multiple reviewers arrived in SUVs, truck campers, and small trailers without issue, and the campground is listed as big rig friendly. The surrounding landscape is flat, open grassland, which means no shade cover but wide, unobstructed skies overhead. Jay P. puts it plainly: "Sky is gorgeous at night, just look up." Stays of up to 14 days are permitted, and trash service is provided.

Crowd levels run low. Reviewers consistently report arriving to an empty or near-empty site, and the area draws little through traffic. Noise is not a noted concern. The campground works well as a no-cost overnight stop on routes between Texas and New Mexico, and those traveling through the region can cross-reference campgrounds near Rita Blanca National Grassland for additional options. Campers wanting hookups or a more developed setting will find Yucca Flats RV Park & Cabins less than a mile away.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Route 66 Road Trip

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: Amarillo, TX to Kingman

Amarillo to Kingman: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsThomspon Grove Campground is located in Texas near Clayton

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

36.41510879 N
102.8058172 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 20 users
    Last on 9/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 9/10/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 20 users
    Last on 9/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 9/10/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Thomspon Grove Campground needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Texas Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Thomspon Grove Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
17%
0%
17%
16%

3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this quiet, secluded spot as an ideal overnight boondocking location with basic facilities like toilets and picnic tables. Several guests observed easy access and gorgeous night skies, though some found the flat grassland scenery unremarkable.

Reviewed Feb. 28, 2025

Quiet and secluded

I thought it was a great overnight spot. It's really just a gravel parking lot with bathrooms. Easy to get here and great stars. There are picnic tables. I have cell service. I was the only one here in my truck camper.

Siteparked next to fence
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2025

Nice quiet spot to rest

Easy enough to get in and out of with an SUV and small camper.

Great for boondocking a night, much prefer this to save a buck over a Walmart parking lot.

Sky is gorgeous at night, just look up.

I'll probably utilize this spot again in the future.

SiteNo sites, picnic area
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2023

Decent Stopover

Swing by on the way to New Mexico. The surrounding area is all flat grasslands, which don’t do much for me in terms of scenery. Bit boring. However, I would much have preferred to stay here overnight instead of the WalMart I wound up at instead! There is a toilet, picnic tables, and is very quiet and easily accessible. Wouldn’t make a trip to stay here, but would definitely use as a stopover.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 29, 2023

National forest picnic area

Very quiet, very secluded. Great picnic tables, has toilets an old corral with windmill. Can stay up to 14 days

SiteNA
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Thomspon Grove Campground by melinda S., May 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Thomspon Grove Campground by melinda S., May 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Thomspon Grove Campground by melinda S., May 29, 2023
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a reservation at Thompson Grove Campground?

No reservations are needed for Thompson Grove Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This free boondocking site allows stays up to 14 days. Simply arrive and select an available spot. During off-peak seasons, you'll likely find plenty of space, with some visitors reporting they were the only ones at the campground. For the most current information about availability or policies, check with the managing agency before your trip.

What amenities are available at Thompson Grove Campground?

Thompson Grove Campground offers basic amenities ideal for self-sufficient campers. The site includes vault toilets, picnic tables, and an old corral with a windmill. It's essentially a gravel parking area designed for overnight stays. The campground is quite minimal but functional for those who prefer boondocking. There are no water hookups, electrical connections, or dump stations available, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies.

What are the camping fees at Thompson Grove Campground?

Thompson Grove Campground is a free camping area with no fees required. Campers appreciate it as an economical alternative to paid campgrounds or parking lots, with many noting they prefer saving money by staying here rather than at commercial locations. The campground allows stays up to 14 days at no cost. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a quiet place to spend the night without any camping expenses.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Thompson Grove Campground?

Thompson Grove Campground offers limited recreational activities but excels as a stargazing destination with gorgeous night skies. The campground is surrounded by flat grasslands, which provide open views but minimal terrain variety for hiking. It functions primarily as an overnight stopping point rather than a recreational destination. Visitors might enjoy having picnics at the provided tables or exploring the old corral with windmill on the property. For those seeking more diverse recreational opportunities, consider exploring beyond the immediate campground area.

Keep Exploring