Texas

Learn about camping and boondocking in Texas

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.

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,

Twin Buttes Marina Circle

Twin Buttes Circle refers to the circular road with boat ramp, parking lot, and camping area located off of Twin Buttes Marina Park Road. Camping is allowed here, but with permit only. There are few picnic tables you can camp next to, but you can also camp in your RV in the parking lot.

Falcon County Park

This county park has the dubious reputation of having no time limits on camping, thus you'll find several campers who are staying here indefinitely. Some camps look like homeless encampments with tents and junk laying around, but other "lifers" appear to keep their camp neat and clean.

Boca Chica Beach, Texas

Boca Chica Beach lies near the southern tip of Texas along the shore, at the end of State Highway 4. Ownership of the area is a convoluted mess between Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife, US Fish & Wildlife Service, SpaceX, and a few other land owners representing oil companies.