How do ya'll camp?

Now that I have my RTT I am going to start camping at least once a month. I am having a hard time finding places to camp. I had a reservation at Chickasaw in OK this weekend but looks like it will be storming bad, so I started looking around and everywhere is booked!!! I also wanted to plan a trip to Colorado Bend, and the earliest date is in July so I went ahead and booked it. Just was wondering if ya'll use the Texas State Parks and Wildlife website as well or if you have any other suggestions? I can't find anything for this weekend.

 

Sub'd for ideas. Sounds like I will be in the same situation as you. What I'm thinking to do (after I break in my tent with boring KOA-type camping) is find some non-technical off-road areas in public land that allow camping in un-designated areas. This way I can get a feel for my vehicles capabilities without having to commit myself to being in a specific spot by a specific time. (New to off-roading in general.)

 

It's not camping if you have to ask to be there.

 

If a park experience is what you are after, often there is an information number that is monitored by the camp host or a coordinator for several of the parks in a designated area. Many parks have a mix of reserved a first come first served spaces. The camp host or coordinator usually has a good read on how his camp will fill up for the weekend. He may tell you that even though all of the reserved spots are "full" he expects to be 3/4s full when adding in the non reserved spots. He may also have a contingent plan for you if you arrive and it is full such as overflow or nearby parks where he knows he has space. You may also find dispersed camping as a backup often next to the official park.

 

For the first couple of times I want to try and stick to a camp ground just get use to "camping" again been staying in a RV for the past couple of years. I have called several of the offices and they have said that they use the TPW website and its in real time so if there is a cancellation it will show online the same time they see it. I would be interested in some off the grid camping in the near future if you have any suggestions.

 

BLM land is easy and usually doesn't require a permit. Just make sure you bring spare gear, comms, and tell someone where you are.

 

Try possom kingDom lake or mineral wells state Park

 

go camping at the campground, explore off the grid sites and then go back.

 

I haven't camped much but I visited Devils State Natural Area last spring break and highly recommend it.

 

Looks like I will be headed to Lake Ouachita state park tomorrow, hope the first RTT experience will be a good one!

 

Very little BLM land in Texas

 

It's weird, as big and as "free" as this state in. There is very little true public land.

 

All great ideas in here.

 

Y'all*.

 

If you're quoting me then no. I meant all.
I know when to use y'all.

 

No not you. The OP and the thread title.

 

https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html

While you might not find federal land close to you, these maps will show you some great back roads, and possibly camp areas.

Start at your location and work out from there, see what you find.

 

How was this place? I havent been but recently went to Lost Pines State Natural Area. It was fun for us adults, but the kids weren't too excited about the long hikes and minimal swimming.

 

Just got back yesterday from camping in Colorado. Texas is miserably hot after being up there for a week.

 

I liked it a lot. Went there before I had my tacoma so exploring in that aspect was extremely limited. Based on memory, the amount of hiking to the water will vary depending on where your camp site is. From my camp site I'd say it was about a 30 minute hike each way. Showers and bathrooms were driving distance. Hot days and cold nights, which took me completely by surprise. That was my first camping trip in years so I'm sure a more advanced camper could take better advantage of the area.