Any good overnight scenic off-road camping areas in Central Texas?

I was at big bend a few weeks ago and that was ok, and usually like to go to Colorado to run trails but is there anything good in the Central Texas area that y'all can recommend? I'm looking for overnight camping with nice views for my wife and I. Off-road is a plus.

 

Might want to ask the locals.

 

Palo Duro Canyon is pretty nice. Not really Central Texas I guess, but its definitely worth a drive. Well I guess it's not all off road either.....still worth seeing

 

Ask here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ttc-☆-official.541185/

 

Bad thing about TX is it's mostly private land. You'll generally be looking at state parks with non primitive camping and no 'wheeling in central TX. That said, there's always Wolf Caves Off Road Park near Mason, which has some of the best rock crawling you'll find in any state. It also has plenty of easy to moderate trails, but I wouldn't plan on spending more than a weekend there. Twin Buttes Reservoir outside San Angelo has areas to explore, one area in particular has some moderate to gnarly obstacles, but again, not enough there for more than a weekend, if that. You'll also need a OHV permit to 'wheel TB. People will recommend Hidden Falls ORV Park outside Marble Falls, which might suffice if you're really jonesing, but I personally won't waste my time at that park.

 

Why wouldn't you waste your time at Hidden Falls?

 

Not my kind of 'wheeling, and I see way too many people needlessly damage their rigs there. If loose hill climbs and incised stream beds do it for you, then by all means, enjoy!

 

I imagine there is stupidity everywhere. People can needlessly damage their rig in a mall parking lot. Hidden Falls has trails for all levels of experience. If a trail is too difficult for your level, bypass or don't go on it.

 

Cool. Glad you like it. I'll spend my 'wheeling time at better venues.

 

I'd like to know too. Big Bend is my next item on the list but all camps are booked on the slots im open to go.

 

I've been to hidden Falls on a 4 wheeler and it was ok. I like wheeling with a purpose to go somewhere, not just beating on my truck to beat on it. I appreciate the suggestions.

 

If it's ever open, Escondido Draw ORV Park near Sonora has some cool stuff, but we did mostly hard trails in our Jeep that I wouldn't want to take a full-body Taco through. They also don't seem like they're open too often yet (considering the park has been in development since at least '08).

 

Did you check both the National Park and the State Park?

 

I searched for places within 10hr drive.

National parks only Big Bend has anything worthwhile for me to put in 4H.
State park would be Big Bend Ranch.

Both are fully booked in the time slot Im free (last week of the year)

Edit: Im in Houston

 

The roads to the remote spots in BBRSP are about as challenging as any of the unmaintained roads in the NP; I definitely prefer the SP for camping since there are fewer people than in the NP.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

In central texas, you can create an overland style trip but there is not too many spots that allow "dispersed" camping. There are 2 though that we usually use as the destinations while we cruise dirt backroads all over the hill country. Texas Overland on facebook has 100 maps in their file section with all the dirt roads. Typically west of austin and NW of San Antonio are the best dirt roads. These are partially maintained county roads mostly. You will find some river crossings and stuff too if you look.

Sulphur Springs Camp in Bend, TX https://www.bendtexas.com/
This place has a kick ass 3 mile "primitive" road. We usually drive it all the way to the end and camp there. The Colorado Bend SP is just on the other side of the fence on the Colorado River. This is a kick ass spot that you can pretend you are dispersed camping since there are many spots along the primitive road to camp. But seriously, go to the end and enjoy yourself. Its bad ass out there. Its overland style so bring your own water and facilities. This is in a deep canyon (by texas standcards).

Oxford Ranch campground in Llano County This is just a big chunk of land you can camp on dispersed camping style. Its in a decent location for dirt road trips west of there. its a great place to camp and fun every time ive been.

Then there are places like Wolf Caves, Katemcy, and hidden falls. All have tons of trails some harder than others. You can camp at some of these too but they are the most expensive out of the stuff I have shared above.

Enjoy your stay in Central Texas! Just dont drink the Austin water

 

I've been here since 2000 when ft Hood brought me here and I stayed. I love Colorado bend, especially not having cell reception and The hiking. Bee Caves is nice too,I go down there frequently since a buddy lives right off Hamilton pool road.

 

Oh word! hahahaha

Thats about how long I been here as well. I do wish there was more public land to explore. Its about the only thing that i dont like about Texas. That and the rules for certain plants.

 

I love Colorado due to all the public land you can go explore. I wish Texas had more