Campgrounds near Alvord, Texas center around the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands, offering a mix of developed sites and free dispersed camping options. Black Creek Lake provides a popular recreation area with tent and RV sites, while the LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 area features numerous primitive camping locations. The region includes both public land camping with minimal amenities and established campgrounds with hookups such as A Plus RV Park within Alvord city limits. Most sites accommodate tents, while some locations like Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground support both tent and RV camping.
Road conditions throughout the LBJ Grasslands vary significantly, with some areas requiring careful navigation on gravel roads that may develop washouts after rainfall. "Remote dispersed camping with good distance between sites. Download maps before getting here as cell service is not the best," noted one visitor about the Forest Road 904 area. The primitive camping areas typically have no amenities, while improved camping at Black Creek Lake offers restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased snake activity in tall grass areas, making maintained campsites preferable during warmer months. Gates to certain areas may occasionally be closed, limiting access to some camping zones.
The camping experience in this region frequently includes wildlife encounters and lakeside views. Several visitors mentioned seeing deer, armadillos, and various birds while staying at dispersed sites. Black Creek Lake campsites receive positive reviews for their waterfront locations, with one camper describing "beautiful views with sunset behind the lake." Weekends tend to bring more visitors, particularly to the improved camping areas and fishing spots. The primitive side of Black Creek Lake typically attracts those seeking more seclusion, though it may have more overgrown areas. Many campers appreciate the relative proximity to towns like Decatur for supplies while still enjoying a rural camping experience that feels removed from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
"Great camping for north central Texas. The sites are a good distance between them. You can drive along the roads and look for them. We spotted 22 sites, there may be more."
"Great area that was remote, but easy to get to with few others around. Found a site with beautiful views, but previous visitors left behind debris - if you use, please practice pack in/out principals!"
$10 / night
"Nestled in North Central Texas, the LBJ Grasslands is one of several locations in the state named for former President Lyndon B Johnson."
"While the area boasts many RV parks, campgrounds are unfortunately less common - especially those that offer a real opportunity to get outside of the metroplex."
$5 - $10 / night
"It’s free and close to DFW. There’s cattle roaming around and a lot of stocked ponds to fish in and some hiking through the different areas."
"Ground is kind of hard to drive a stake into. No water or restrooms that we saw but I know wherever the group site is there is supposedly a restroom."
$10 - $25 / night
"Texas doesn't have an abundance of lakes compared to other states, but Lake Bridgeport is as good a lake as you'll find in north Texas for boating, swimming, canoeing or setting up camp."
"I have not stayed here at night but I have gone to enjoy the day with friends who were and I really enjoyed the site on Bridgeport Lake."
"A lot of people, depending the on the lakes level will also use this side for swimming."
"small RV park on the lake, quiet and shaded"
"We enjoyed our overnight stay near the trailhead."
"The site we found it big, nobody around and has a fire pit! We are in a class c"
"We had our own private access to the lake that was secluded by trees at our site. Picnic table and fire ring. The tent only sites was basically a big field with a parking lot nearby."
"Caution- Google Maps has no idea where the entrance to this campground is. Entry was very easy and the Ranger on duty was extremely helpful."
$25 - $40 / night
"I have seen this place a million times living in the community nearby and never thought to check to see if they all tent campers."
"Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn’t want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night."
"We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. "
$25 - $40 / night
"I would like to give fishing a try in the adjacent lake"
"Lovely lake and fishing and very friendly staff. The food at the restaurant is very reasonably priced and delicious. We camped at Matilda's Lakeside Store & RV Park in a travel trailer."
GuideNice park. Could use some updates. Especially the shower houses. Park layout and lake access is great. Several sites are water adjacent. Staff is all very friendly and helpful.
ScoutThe site is not easily accessible. Maybe they are doing work in the area???
TravelerLovely campground, not very tight to maneuver around. Mostly seasonal people and you may need to go on a waiting list. The bonus is being able to wash your RV here.
GuideBuckle up for a long review! 😂 I stayed at Hidden Cove Park in February for 1 night with 2 kids; and I’d give it a solid 4/5. I would go back for sure.
Overall, this spot is really nice. The campsites are clean, spacious, and you’ve got plenty to choose from. Being close to the lake is a big plus — you can walk right down and fish along the banks, and the view is just calm and peaceful. Although the strong wind prevented any real fishing.
The setup is convenient too. Water spigot right at the site, table already there, bathrooms close by and decently clean. Trash dumpster is near the bathrooms so you do t have to haul your trash out.
Now Here’s the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5…
Privacy is the biggest downside. Campsites are pretty close together, so you’re definitely gonna see and hear your neighbors. I had some loud neighbors and had to ask them to turn the music down. Then at 12:01 AM… same folks fired up an electric saw to cut firewood which for sure messed up my rest. 🤦🏾♂️
Not really the park’s fault, but the layout doesn’t give you much separation, so your experience kinda depends on who’s around you. Just hope you get quiet neighbors.
I gotta mention the price for those wondering. It’s $25/night (which is actually good for the amenities you’re getting), but parking is an additional $20. I don’t understand that but OK. With all the fees, my total was $70. Plus $5-6 firewood. Just an FYI.
Another thing — since the parking lot is close, you’ll see headlights shining through at night when cars pass. Not a dealbreaker, just something to know.
On the flip side, the closeness to the parking lot is actually clutch. I could literally see my car through the trees, and it was only like a 2–3 minute walk. Made it super easy to haul stuff. I even blew up my air mattresses at the car and just carried them over.
I also liked the concrete driveway and sidewalks — my daughter was out there skating, which was a cool unexpected bonus.
No bugs at all while I was there, which was a win. It was too windy to fish, but the kids still had a great time. They’ve got a basketball court, volleyball area, and a hiking trail (didn’t hit it this time).
The restaurant was closed — not a big deal, but would’ve been nice. They do sell firewood at the front for a good price though, which is convenient.
And honestly, one of the best parts… it’s only like 15 minutes from home, but it feels like a world away. That alone makes it a great little reset spot.
This is a GREAT place for first-time campers, and families, or even solo trips if you just want to get away for a bit.
GuideI stayed at Wild Plum campsite #124 at Isle du Bois and honestly… 5/5. I’d definitely go back.
The overall vibe was solid. The campsite itself was clean, spacious, and felt semi-private. You can see and hear neighbors a bit, but it’s not crowded or on top of each other. Just know it’s not fully secluded. The lake view was really nice, and there are several little fishing spots around the Wild Plum area. Plus, plenty of trails nearby if you want to get out and walk.
Each site out there has its own little vibe depending on where it sits, but they’re all pretty roomy and well laid out.
A couple things to be aware of…
The walk from the parking lot to the campsite is no joke. It’s gravel, rocks, and some incline. If you’re bringing a lot of gear, you’ll definitely want a cart. I didn’t expect that part.
The toilet situation… yeah, I didn’t use it. It’s a primitive setup with no plumbing, and it was pretty rough. That said, it’s expected for this type of campsite. If you need a better option, you can go up to the pier — those bathrooms have actual plumbing and are way cleaner.
No showers or water at the site either. There is a water spigot near the pier if you need to refill, and you’ll have to drive your trash up to the dumpsters.
Weather-wise, it was super windy when I went (early March), and campsites closer to the water definitely catch that wind. Also, not a lot of shade since the trees didn’t have leaves yet, so keep that in mind depending on the time of year.
On the positive side, I saw a lot of deer in the mornings, which was a really nice touch. No bugs during my stay (I did use a fogger), and the overall environment was peaceful. The park staff was also super duper friendly and helpful, which always makes the experience better.
Also worth noting — there are stores not too far from the park (like Dollar General), which came in clutch. I actually had to grab some super glue to fix a hole in my air mattress, so it’s good knowing you’re not too far from supplies if something goes wrong.
I went solo, and it was honestly the perfect little reset—quiet, scenic, and just enough nature without being too rough.
Good for solo campers, couples, or even families if you’re cool with primitive camping.
TravelerI had a nice a quiet campsite The site I stayed at was very large.
ScoutFree for up to 14 days! Find a spot and park! The site we found it big, nobody around and has a fire pit! We are in a class c
ScoutGreat sites close to the water.
TravelerFrom calling and asking on good spots with my setup to how clean the bathrooms and showers are (especially for the price), giving this place 5*s!
The LBJ National Grasslands dominate the camping landscape around Alvord, Texas, with over 20,000 acres of public land at elevations ranging from 700-900 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through August, while spring brings wildflower displays across the prairie landscape. Winter camping often features below-freezing overnight temperatures, requiring adequate insulation and cold-weather gear.
Hiking at multiple skill levels: The LBJ National Grasslands features interconnected trails suitable for day hikes. "Remote dispersed. Great camping for north central Texas... Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps," notes Ronald S. about Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife observation: The grasslands support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. "True Dispersed Camping with the added benefit of cell coverage. Spots are very well spaced out... See deer, armadillos, hogs, and birds," explains Tim O. about his experience at Forest Road 904.
Boating and fishing: Lake Bridgeport provides recreational water activities near Alvord. "The lake is so pristine and the camping spots are fairly large and ours was right on the water. We could park right next to our spot and put our boat in with the boat ramp that we could see from our spot," reports Desiree G. about Wise County Park.
Trail riding: The grasslands provide designated areas for horseback riding. "This campground is great for hitching up a high line for your ponies and spending the weekend hitting the trails. You'll have to haul water to your site from the water trough," advises Emily T. about the LBJ National Grasslands.
Waterfront access: Multiple camping spots near Alvord offer lakeside camping experiences. "The campground itself is fairly small. We showed up and I think there was about 6 other campsites. We set up about 10' from the water and had a great time. Woke up fished about then walked around the lake through a makeshift trail," shares Michael M. about Black Creek Lake Recreation Area.
Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas provide separation between campers. "Remote dispersed camping with fire rings and good views. Was in a roof top tent but had no problem with wind noise, good cell service," explains Abraham about Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping.
Proximity to supplies: Despite the rural setting, necessary provisions remain accessible. "This was my first experience boondocking. Absolutely loved the location! Not too far from town if you need something. There is also a water dispensary in Decatur which is nice and convenient," notes Jennifer N. about dispersed camping options.
Family-friendly amenities: Some established campgrounds offer facilities for children. "The camp also has a small playground that our kids enjoyed. Nearby there are a few trails that follow the Black Creek," reports David K. about Black Creek Lake Recreation Area.
Water availability varies: Many dispersed sites require bringing your own water. "No bathrooms but there are some at tadra and black creek. There is also water available at those campsite but it's not potable so pack water in or bring a filtration system," advises Mesha P. about Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground.
Navigation challenges: GPS reliability varies throughout the grasslands. "Download maps before getting here. Cell is not the best. No bathrooms, water, etc. Pack in/pack out. Downloadable hiking maps availability on other apps. Only saw 3 other cameras while we were here," suggests Ronald S.
Road conditions: Access roads require careful navigation in some areas. "The roads to the area are paved and fairly decent, though the stretch on CR 2461 is quite narrow. Forrest Road 904, where the dispersed camping is located, is hard packed gravel and in fairly good shape," explains Ray & Terri F.
Weather considerations: The North Texas climate requires preparation. "We arrived late December and it was chilly. Sites with full hook up are limited, but even with annuals are still possible," shares Robert M. about Bay Landing RV Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. "Great for kids - there's a playground and barefootable grassy areas. A few trees suitable for hammocking," notes LaRee S. about Black Creek Lake.
Swimming areas: Lake Bridgeport provides designated swimming zones. "There's bathrooms for those who prefer those amenities and a few playgrounds for the little ones. A roped off swim area is also provided," explains David K. about Wise County Park.
Animal viewing opportunities: The grasslands offer wildlife encounters that interest children. "Cattle roaming around and a lot of stocked ponds to fish in and some hiking through the different areas. Very peaceful and still close to the city if you forget anything," describes Kristi B.
Clean facilities: Some campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. "Super clean, nice wooded area and, of course, the lake--beautiful," reports MalibuDave42 L. about Black Creek Lake.
Leveling requirements: Ground conditions can affect RV stability. "Sites: most were level, grass or gravel. Some have a view of the lake. I sprained my knee and ankle at this park because our site was so unlevel and the mud sunk our jacks a little. Our rig weighs 16,000lbs so the Class As should be careful," warns Laura H. about Bay Landing RV Campground.
Site selection strategy: Forest Road 904 requires scouting before positioning large rigs. "We parked our 36' Class A on the side of FR 904, just inside the gate, unhooked our Cherokee and went to scope out the area... If you have a tow vehicle, drop it just inside the gate, leave your RV and go scope out a suitable campsite, as turning around with a large rig is only practical in a couple of locations," recommends Ray & Terri F.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies throughout camping spots near Alvord. "We were able to work and stream video easily with T-Mobile and AT&T," reports Laura H. about Bay Landing, while other areas may have limited coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Alvord, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Alvord, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Alvord, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Alvord, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alvord, TX is LBJ National Grasslands Forest Road 904 Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alvord, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Alvord, TX.
What parks are near Alvord, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Alvord, TX that allow camping, notably Grapevine Lake and Lewisville Lake.
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