Dispersed-camping regions in Texas

Hand-curated zones inside Texas that concentrate the highest-quality dispersed and free camping. Each region page lists the federal and state managers, named pull-outs, the practical camping season, and the elevation band that controls almost everything else.

October–April · 1,800–5,500 ft

Big Bend Region

Managers: Big Bend Ranch State Park; NPS Big Bend NP backcountry

Areas: River Road West, Casa Piedra Road, Pinto Canyon Road…

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October–April · 700–1,200 ft

Texas National Grasslands

Managers: USFS Caddo & LBJ National Grasslands

Areas: Cottonwood Lake area, Black Creek Lake, TADRA Point…

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October–May · 4,500–8,700 ft

Guadalupe & Davis Mountains

Managers: NPS Guadalupe Mountains NP backcountry; private leased ranches

Areas: Guadalupe backcountry zones, Davis Mountains Preserve (TNC, permit), Fort Davis area state land

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