National Forests in Texas

Forest Service1,921,500 acres · USDA Forest Service

Dispersed camping is generally allowed

On national forest and grassland, camping outside developed campgrounds is generally permitted unless an area is posted closed or a local order says otherwise. Stay on existing surfaces, camp away from water and trailheads, and check the forest's current orders before you go — fire restrictions change through the season.

Stay limit14 days in most forests — the exact limit is set per forest and district
In an RVDispersed sites are unimproved: no hookups, no water, no dump station, and access roads are often unsurfaced. Designated wilderness inside the unit is closed to all vehicles.
Rule36 CFR 261.58 — occupancy and use, set by forest order

Rules change with fire season and local order. Checked 2026-08-05. Confirm on the managing office’s official page

Area
3,002 sq mi
Managed by
Forest Service
Campgrounds
21
Longest rig
Not published

Where the land is, and what fits

The official Forest Service boundary with every campground we hold inside it. Tell it how long your rig is and the map keeps only what takes it — public land rarely matches the shape people picture, and neither does what you can actually get into.

No vehicles past these lines

Designated wilderness is closed to every wheeled vehicle, including bicycles. You can walk in and camp; you cannot drive or park a rig inside one.

  • Upland Island Wilderness13,250 acres
  • Indian Mounds Wilderness12,224 acres
  • Turkey Hill Wilderness5,536 acres
  • Little Lake Creek Wilderness3,956 acres
  • Big Slough Wilderness3,521 acres

Byways through this country

Places worth pulling over

Drive to National Forests in Texas the long way

Byway plans the road in, not just the destination — real places along the way, weighted to what you like, with nothing invented.