Free Camping at Toledo Bend Reservoir, Center, TX

Most of the free camping areas along the shoreline of Toledo Bend Reservoir lies on the Texas side, all within a 30 to 60 minute drive from Center, TX. There's only one free camping area on the Louisiana side, and it's located at the south end, near the dam.

Indian Mounds Campground, Hemphill, TX

This is a developed campground currently offered for free. It is technically on land owned by Sabine National Forest, but all surface management is handled by Sabine River Authority of Texas under a joint-use agreement. Previously, this campground required a fee, but in 2022 it was converted for free for an indefinite period.

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.

Haley’s Ferry Boat Ramp

This is a small boat ramp and recreation area along Forest Road 100, on the north side of Bayou Siepe. It's administered co-jointly with Sabine National Forest and Sabine River Authority of Texas, however rules for the national forest apply here. Aside from the boat ramp, there is a vault toilet, but nothing else.

Spillway Channel Recreation Area

This small recreation area is primarily a boat ramp, but is also an official campground according to the Sabine River Authority of Texas. Even though it's officially in Louisiana, it is co-jointly operated in conjunction with Sabine River Authority of Louisiana. Camping is restricted to self-contained visitors, which we understand to mean vehicles with black tanks and gray tanks.

Tailrace Channel Recreation Area

This small recreation serves primarily as a boat ramp and fishing area, however the Sabine River Authority of Texas says that primitive camping is allowed here, but only for self-contained visitors, which we understand to mean vehicles with their own black and gray tanks. The only amenities here are trash cans.

Bubba Cowser Recreation Area

This small recreation area is largely a boat ramp and some parking for trucks and trailers. However, there are a couple of picnic tables here with trash cans, and there are no signs stating that camping is prohibited. Moreover, the Sabine River Authority of Texas says this recreation area is free.

Swede Johnson Recreation Area

This small campground and boat launch area is operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas. It's a free campground that also happens to be in the North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area and co-jointly managed by Texas Department of Wildlife and Parks. It has covered picnic tables, trash cans, cooking grills, boat ramp, and fishing deck.

Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area

This free campground and picnic area is operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas. It offers numerous picnic tables, cooking grills, a restroom facility, and playground for kids. There's a swimming beach here, and plenty of trash cans. A convenience store is only a mile away,

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Learn the skills of free camping on public lands. Written by veteran boondockers to educate beginners how to find boondocking sites, know the laws and regulations, and how to prepare for off-grid camping.

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