From the Piney Woods of East Texas to the Panhandle and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Red River, there are a number of lovely places to go boondocking in Texas. Since it takes over 24 hours to drive from Beaumont to El Paso and takes about 10 hours to drive from Wichita to Brownsville, you will want to take advantage of these Texas boondocking opportunities as you travel across the Lone Star State.
Here are some of our favorite spots for boondocking Texas.
Boondocking Sites in Texas
Boulton Lake Campground
Run by the U.S. Forest Service, Boulton Lake Campground near Zavalla is an ideal spot to go camping in Texas. No hookups are available at this location, but the area is beautiful and there are plenty of ways to keep yourself busy during your visit.
For instance, there are miles of trails to explore around the lake. Additionally, the east side of Boulton Lake is a perfect spot to go fishing.
Fort Anahuac Park
You will adore the waterfront sites at Fort Anahuac Park on the shorelines of Galveston Bay, Located in Anahuac, Texas, this city-owned campground offers dry camping to those who obtain a permit.
Bring your fishing gear to fish from the lighted pier or launch a vessel from the boat ramp. Climb the birding towers to see many types of birds flying over the bay. Watch a game at the baseball and softball fields. Stroll along beautiful nature trails, and look at the historical markers along the way.
Fritch Fortress
Another great spot for boondocking in Texas? Fritch Fortress near Fritch, Texas, may just be the perfect place. Located in Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, this camping spot offers easy access to the lake for fishing and boating.
The entrance to the park contains a free dump station and a place to fill up with water and picnic shelters and grills are available onsite. To top it all off, there is a bathhouse available to campers.
Huber City Park
Unlike many boondocking in Texas sites, you can hook up to electricity when you stay in one of the eight sites at Huber City Park in Borger, Texas. Each stay is limited to 72 hours within seven days. While there are no sewer or water hookups, a free dump station and water are available.
Crystal Beach Campground
Camp on Crystal Beach near Boliver, Texas and enjoy playing in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Choose your site from 27 miles of beachfront camping. There is room for big rigs and the sand is hard packed, so getting stuck is unlikely.
Public showers are available behind the fire station at Crystal Beach, and porta-potties are available on the beach. While the beach has no roads, you can drive on the white sand until you reach your ideal location.
Note: While no permit is needed during the off season, a low cost permit is required during the warm months.
Ray and Donna West Free RV Park
The Muleshoe Heritage Foundation and the City of Muleshoe operate the Ray and Donna West Free RV Park. While the camping spots are on an asphalt parking lot and aren’t all that pretty, you get free electricity, water, and sewer hookups during your stay. A free RV dump station is also nearby, making this spot even more convenient.
Note: Visits are limited to three days, and a donation is welcome.
Grapevine Hills Primitive Roadside Campsites
While there are several places in Big Bend National Park where you can camp for free in a tent, there are also great camping spots for RVers. The Grapevine Hills Primitive Roadside Campsites near Panther Junction, Texas, offer gravel parking pads, including some that are big enough for an RV.
No services are available, and you will need a backcountry camping permit. There are many things to do in this park, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and scenic driving.
Where to Boondock in Texas
- Many free campgrounds in Texas are operated by cities and chambers of commerce.
- Sam Houston National Forest, Sabine National Forest, and Davy Crockett National Forest all offer dry camping in the eastern part of the state.
- Angelina National Forest, Caddo National Grassland, and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland also offer opportunities for Texas boondocking.
- Along the coast you will find beach boondocking in county parks and in Padre Island National Seashore.
- If you head west, there are opportunities near Big Bend National Park.
- Additionally, you will find some BLM land that is suitable for boondocking near Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Texas is a big state with many places that you will want to explore. Pack up your RV and leave soon. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com. There are lots of memories to be made when you go boondocking in Texas, so start your next free camping adventure today.
