Well, I wanted to camp for a bit in the next few weeks (several trips..) and, I don't know where to begin. I've been looking for places around South Texas and all I've found is Padre / Mustang Island camping places (which is great, I've done it a few times). I'm just looking for.. more. I perhaps don't know the proper term.. I would like to camp next to my vehicle with no one around, not in designated camping slots next to RV's etc. Anyone know of any good places in South or Central Texas to do that?
Texas camping questions? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter JohnR
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Rockets2000
Space Cadet
Are you looking for places to camp on the beach, next to a lake or river, or out in the woods?
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- #3
Doesn't matter. Just places that aren't in a tiny camping slot next to other people. Out in the woods sounds real good as well. I know this falls under land-use etc.. I don't really care about wheeling to get out there (as in, I'd enjoy it if necessary, but not a requirement).
as I am sure you know, Texas is a pretty big state. How far into "Central Texas" are you thinking? Austin-San Antonio as a Northern most reach?
I grew up in Central Texas (Ft Hood area) and know of a very very cool spot West of Lampasas that is heavily wooded, rite on the Colorado River, has some very cool nature pools, and has some sections that are only passable with 4WD. It is an actual campsite, BUT the owners own 4 or 5 miles of riverfront and the southern most portion is accessable by 4WD vehicles only. Here is their website: Sulphur Springs Camp - Bend, TX - Home
maybe a bit of a drive from Laredo, BUT you did say Central Texas....
I grew up in Central Texas (Ft Hood area) and know of a very very cool spot West of Lampasas that is heavily wooded, rite on the Colorado River, has some very cool nature pools, and has some sections that are only passable with 4WD. It is an actual campsite, BUT the owners own 4 or 5 miles of riverfront and the southern most portion is accessable by 4WD vehicles only. Here is their website: Sulphur Springs Camp - Bend, TX - Home
maybe a bit of a drive from Laredo, BUT you did say Central Texas....
another thought......with all that you hear on the news these days about drug problems on the Texas border is it very safe to jsut head out into the bush and put up a tent in that area?
You may try Pedernales Falls State Park, in between Dripping Springs and Johnson City. No wheelin' but a good place to cool off and IIRC some good hiking trails. Also seems like there is a park out around Kerrville also....
You're fine in that area. You're thinking of the violence along the border, which isn't as bad as the media is hyping it up to be. Don't get me wrong, there are parts I wouldn't wonder into w/out an armed posse in tow. Just follow your basic common sense and the 10 rules for scary movies and you'll be fine
Padre Island National Seashore
I took my 4Runner down there. You have to enter from the north near Corpus. Pretty challenging beach wheeling, especially during a draught. Take some shade that will handle wind, a shovel, some boards to get unstuck, and go to the north side, the road may be officially closed but you might be able make it in an LC. You will be pretty much alone. You will need everything, food, water, shelter, and fuel. My mpg was half. It nearly killed us and we had a blast poking around in the debris, shelling, swimming, and exploring. I hear the fishing is great.
I took my 4Runner down there. You have to enter from the north near Corpus. Pretty challenging beach wheeling, especially during a draught. Take some shade that will handle wind, a shovel, some boards to get unstuck, and go to the north side, the road may be officially closed but you might be able make it in an LC. You will be pretty much alone. You will need everything, food, water, shelter, and fuel. My mpg was half. It nearly killed us and we had a blast poking around in the debris, shelling, swimming, and exploring. I hear the fishing is great.
- Thread starter
- #9
Looks like a place I'd probably go to. I was thinking Austin / Houston as my furthest point, at least until I get the vehicle situated / few mods.
I live in Laredo. This area is pretty bad, but for the most part, you have to be looking for trouble to find it.
How long did it take you to make the trip? That's what I'm really interested in doing. How much food/water/fuel did you take? I've had a blast at exit #2 then take a left on Mustang Island in my diesel, but it was a bit shakey sometimes as heavy as it is. Unfortunately my truck is a reg. cab and I plan on taking my girlfriend, her sister, and her boyfriend out there for a weekend, at least to get a 'feel' for how a locked fjz80 does in the sand on stock sized tires. Before it gets lifted / big tires / etc.. for the Padre Island trip.. or do you think a stock 80 can make the Padre Island trip on 31's?
I know this is a late reply, but you may like Bandera State Natural Area. There is only primitive camping there, and the night sky is as good as Marfa or Big Bend. It is in the southern tip of the hill country, so wait until fall if you are sleeping in a tent.
+1, camped there a few years back, great spot.
Dont forget to check out the old casino up on the bluff by the river. Was rocking back during Prohibition.
It's also one of the few places you can legally camp with your dogs thats a state/fed park.
Cheers,
Mike
Dont forget to check out the old casino up on the bluff by the river. Was rocking back during Prohibition.
It's also one of the few places you can legally camp with your dogs thats a state/fed park.
Cheers,
Mike
Check out the Vanderpool/Lost Maples area as well. One of the most scenic drives in Texas. If you look at most maps of Texas, there will be a dotted scenic route through the Hill Country and this area is part of it. Remote and not a ton of tourists or campers most of the time.
Some places for camping in texas are 1.Big Bend National Park 2.Big Thicket National Preserve 3. Enchanted Rock Natural Area 4.Padre Island National Seashore 5.Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Possum Kingdom lake is nice,Caddo lake, different parts of Texas but worth a trip. MIke
Back when I was still living in Seguin this was a monthly trip for me. Dang I miss fishing the surf!
Is there anywhere in Texas to camp that doesn't charge a nightly fee? 
Or in the US?
Or in the US?
The national forests should be no charge. Stop by the ranger station and they can give you a map and you're on your way.
Bogo
FOOF
All depends on the National Forest. Some have dedicated fancy camp grounds, others they are more primitive. Some of the more primitive ones are free, but that is getting rarer and rarer. Many forests also have isolated free or reserved sites. For the most free camping sites, get the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the national forest you are interested in. They will likely be posted on the web site for that national forest. The MVUM tell you which roads you can drive what types of vehicles along. They also tell you where distributed camping is allowed. Find out the rules and regulations for the forest and the specific zones you are interested in. They vary, but usually is something like up to 300 feet from the road on the west side, and at least 300 feet from water, trails, other campers, etc.. Also sometimes there is minimum distance too. Usually that is 100'. There is also often a maximum stay limit in any one distributed camping zone. I've seen stay limits from 3 days to 2 weeks. You are responsible to know the rules for the national forest and distributed camping zone you are in. With the rules being posted on most National Forest web sites and forest ranger contact numbers being available there is no excuse for not knowing them. I'd say I've had a ranger stop by at least half the times when I've been camped in one more than just over night. Note, there may be temporary restrictions due to events like excessive rains and mud, or due to overly dry conditions too. They may also consider an area to have been used to much so it is off limits for the rest of the year. You need to check in with the rangers office just before using an area.
On my next trip out west I expect I'll be camping over half the time in distributed camping zones. I have a whole bunch of possible places planned out already.
On my next trip out west I expect I'll be camping over half the time in distributed camping zones. I have a whole bunch of possible places planned out already.
