Free Camping in Texas
Discover 11 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Fall, Winter, Spring
Climate
Varies from humid subtropical to desert
Terrain
Forests, Desert
Free Spots
11 locations
Camping Spots (11)
Angelina – Boykin Springs Vicinity
"Free dispersed camping at Angelina – Boykin Springs Vicinity in Texas. Longleaf pine and creeks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Boykin Springs. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Biting insects Arrive early
Big Bend Ranch – River Road Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping at Big Bend Ranch – River Road Pullouts in Texas. Desert canyon benches along Rio Grande with informal pullouts and some level clearings near River Road. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Heat; no shade Arrive early
Black Gap WMA Vicinity (outside closures)
"Free dispersed camping at Black Gap WMA Vicinity (outside closures) in Texas. Chihuahuan Desert backroads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Black Gap. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Permit rules apply Arrive early
Davy Crockett – FR 511 / Forest Trail
"Free dispersed camping at Davy Crockett – FR 511 / Forest Trail in Texas. Pine–hardwood mix and sand roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Neches Corridor. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Soft sand Arrive early
Devils River SNA Public Access Rd
"Free dispersed camping at Devils River SNA Public Access Rd in Texas. Remote canyonlands and river benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Devils River. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Very limited services Arrive early
Guadalupe Mountains – Williams Ranch Road BLM
"Free dispersed camping at Guadalupe Mountains – Williams Ranch Road BLM in Texas. Desert foothills and limestone benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Williams Ranch. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. 4WD; remote Arrive early
Hueco Tanks Vicinity BLM Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Hueco Tanks Vicinity BLM Roads in Texas. Chihuahuan Desert flats and boulders with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Hueco Tanks. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Heat and exposure Arrive early
Lake Meredith NRA – Plum Creek Area
"Free dispersed camping at Lake Meredith NRA – Plum Creek Area in Texas. Canyon benches and lake overlooks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Lake Meredith. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Wind; exposure Arrive early
Sabine – Toledo Bend Shores
"Free dispersed camping at Sabine – Toledo Bend Shores in Texas. Pine forests and lake benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Toledo Bend. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Wind on lake Arrive early
Sam Houston – Kelly and Pipeline Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Sam Houston – Kelly and Pipeline Roads in Texas. Pine forests and bayou creeks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Kelly/Pipeline. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Humid; insects Arrive early
Sam Houston NF – Winters Bayou
"Free dispersed camping around Sam Houston NF Texas. Pine and bayou creeks with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Winters Bayou. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Biting insects; humid Arrive early to claim a legal
Popular Camping Areas
- Sam Houston National Forest
- Angelina National Forest
- Big Bend Area
- Sabine National Forest
Important Regulations
- 14-day camping limits
- Fire restrictions common
- Extreme heat awareness
Permits: Most national forest camping is free
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Texas
Texas offers diverse camping from East Texas pine forests to West Texas desert, with Big Bend area and multiple national forests providing variety.
Best Free Camping Areas in Texas
Texas offers diverse free camping opportunities across forests, desert, mountains, coast, plains. The most popular areas include Sam Houston National Forest, Angelina National Forest, Big Bend Area, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Texas for Camping
The best times for free camping in Texas are during fall, winter, spring. The state's varies from humid subtropical to desert means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Texas Camping Regulations
Before camping in Texas, it's important to understand local regulations. Most national forest camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Texas typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore forests, desert, mountains, coast, plains at your own pace.