Is Boondocking Allowed in Big Bend National Park?
Yes and no. Boondocking and dispersed camping is not technically allowed in Big Bend National Park. However, the park does have 64 primitive backcountry “roadside campsites”. These are effectively what most people refer to as “designated dispersed camping”, and for all intents and purposes, these sites give you the same isolation and wilderness-immersion as boondocking. ... Read more
Map of Roadside Campsites at Big Bend National Park
This map of backcountry roadside campsites at Big Bend National Park is based on information published by the National Park Service. It displays the sixty-four (64) designated backcountry campsites for car camping, van camping, and RV camping.
Camping at Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Camping at Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is allowed at the refuge's only campground. It's not free, however, but it's still cheap at just $2.00 per day, and will accommodate all sized rigs from the largest RVs down to motorcycle campers.
LBJ National Grasslands Camping Map, Decatur, TX
Located near Decatur, TX, the US Forest Service-managed LBJ National Grassland is a popular area for free camping. This camping map was compiled based on our visit to the Grassland in November of 2023. We scoped out every boondocking site as well as noted the locations of paid campgrounds. We also noted which gates were kept locked and which dispersed camping areas were blocked off.
Forest Road 147, Huxley, TX
This is a forest road where dispersed camping frequently occurs, though technically, according to Sabine National Forest's motor vehicle use map (see link below), this forest road is not on the list of roads permitted for dispersed camping. Yet, it remains a popular area for tent camping, car camping, and RVs.
Foster Park, San Angelo, TX
This small park located along Spring Creek is operated by Tom Green County as a destination for picnics and camping. Most of the camping is found along the north side of the creek. There are no designated campsites, you just pick out a location and set up camp.
Twin Buttes Equalization Channel
The Equalization Channel refers to a channel of water that connects the two reservoirs at Twin Buttes Recreation Area. There is a service road on the channel's west side, and there are two places were camping is allowed, one at each end of the service road. A permit is required to camp here.
Twin Buttes Marina Park
Twin Buttes Marina Park is the primary boat launch and campground for the reservoir. There are at about a couple dozen picnic tables with trash cans and cooking grills, but dispersed camping is allowed everywhere here. A permit is required to camp here,
