Best Dispersed Camping in Texas

Half mile stretch at end of access road to left is nice beach with dunes and free dispersed camping. Other sections require permit (on line or in person). Watch tides and weather, but really easy safe beach with big views. There are of course oil tankers visible and so not a pristine natural area. Adjacent to a preserve. Excellent.

4 Stars based on Dispersed / Free Camping w/ a clean pit toilet.
Easily accessible from FSR 511, near the 4C Trail northern trailhead (although some sections are currently closed), clean pit toilets, and nice observation deck overlooking the Neches River.  Used as a hunters' camp during deer season.

Close to Mission Tejas State Park and Ratcliff Lake Recreational Area (showers). 4C Trail southern trailhead is located in Ratcliff Lake RA. I've also accessed the trail from where it crosses FM277 (there is a FS dirt road just south of that crossing on the east side).

Awesome free camping. No cell service.

The roads to the area are paved and fairly decent, though the stretch on CR 2461 is quite narrow. Forrest Road 904, where the dispersed camping is located, is hard packed gravel and in fairly good shape. We parked our 36’ Class A on the side of FR 904, just inside the gate, unhooked our Cherokee and went to scope out the area. There were a number of established and very widely spaced campsites along the FR, each with a fire pit, though all but a few were occupied on the weekend. Several sites were even pull-throughs. We did find a nice pull-through, overlooking the valley to the NW. We had the whole area to our selves on Sunday and Monday. Lots of steers grazing around the area and right up to the RV most mornings. AT&T coverage was fairly good here, generally varying between 1-3 Bars of LTE service, with speeds up to 4.5 MB/s. 

We approached this area, FR 904 and the dispersed camping area, via FM 730 and CR 2461, but there are other routes. If you have a tow vehicle, drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite, as turning around with a large rig is only practical in a couple of locations.

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.

I found this location because I needed a free spot for a few days for a medical appointment. It is within about 5 miles of Mount Pleasant, TX. Not far from Walmart, Home Depot, and other shopping and restaurants. It's primitive boondocking, but pretty nice and clean. Psrk next to the Water. Boating, fishing, BBQ, and group camping is allowed. Pet friendly on leash.

FCFS 

FREE 

No drinking water. There is a pit toilet, trash, and plenty of cactus. This is a very open area that is more like a pasture than dispersed camping. It is a great spot if you want to get away from it all. The road in will turn from pavement to dirt. I would be careful during the rainy season. No shade trees which means it is great for solar. There was only one rock fire ring. You might want to have a bit of clearance on your vehicle. 

LNT 

Better than when you found it. 

Travel safe

True Dispersed Camping with the added benefit of cell coverage. Spots are very well spaced out. Only a mile drive to a pond for water for camp showers and putting out fires. See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds. Bring a shovel and TP! About a half hour to town with all amenities.

Hard packed sand. Tide is safely far from the rig. Boondocking and waking up to the ocean sound is amazing. Take a walk with a garbage bag and help pick up liter left by others

This place was fantastic boondocking. I recommend arriving before sunset so as to be able to see but we were able to find a spot in the dark after about 45 mins of driving around.

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!

This is a review of the Sawyer Park primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. There are no facilities or amenities are this campsite. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.

Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park administers that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

The Sawyer Park site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground. This is primitive (dispersed) camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. There is an old latrine at this site, but it is in poor shape and no-one really uses it. Be prepared to dig a cat hole. 

Many people stay at this site while hiking the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.

In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water while hiking - at least 2 liters. 

The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

This was my first experience boondocking. Absolutely loved the location! Not too far from town if you need something. There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient! There are cattle on the property which was really nice to watch! It did get rather windy but I was on top of the hill. Live and learn.

The Flatts-Bolivar Peninsula or Crystal Beach is all sort of the same thing. There are 27 miles of sand facing the Gulf of Mexico that you are able to drive on and to camp. Make sure you park high enough that you are above the tide line. You will find all sizes and types of rigs. If you are going to camp you will need to obtain a Bolivar Beach Parking Sticker. The sticker is only $10.00. You can purchase by mail with a self addressed envelope with a check or money order to Bolivar Beach Parking Sticker, PO Box 1679, Crystal Beach, TX 71650 or purchase in person at most stores, real estate agencies on Bolivar or Chamber of Commerce. If you have ATV's or golf cart you will need stickers for those. Stickers are good for one calendar year. There are trash cans and some port a pots. You may have a fire. 

Please do not leave trash, take care of the beach and the privilege of free camping on the beach. 

LNT 

BTYFI 

Travel safe