Southwest Cheap or Free in Texas

[Bob Thompson]

My current list part "A". Insert your own normal disclaimers.....check, verify, etc.
TEXAS
A must see is: http://www.wildtexas.com/ Extensive listing of Texas parks, including COE parks. There are many corps of engineers COE lakes in Texas and each lake usually has numerous campgrounds. Check w/ the Visitor Center , usually near the dam of the lake, for many campgrounds which are unadvertised but free!
Abilene Campground @ Abilene State Park $4-9


ABILENE: Seabee City Park. From I-20, take FM-600 N about 3.2 mi; turn right (E) at entrance on Seabee Park Rd. 4 sites on Lake Fort Phantom Hill. Picnic tables w/ shelters, grills, toilets, boat ramp. 48-hr limit.

ABILENE: Johnson City Park. From I-20, take FM-600 N 6.6 mi, FM-1082 0.6 mi E. On Lake Fort Phantom Hill. 5 sites, 48-hr limit. Flush toilets. No water. Fishing, boat ramp. Free.

Amistad National Rec Area San Pedro Campground - $4 , Spur 406 Campground - $4, 277 North Campground - $4

Angelina NF (near Lufkin, Tx) Caney Creek Campground - $6.00, Governors Landing Campground - $4, Sandy Creek Campground - $6.00, Townsend Park Campground - $4.00 , Boykin Springs campground - $6.00

Bardwell LakeCOE(Ennis, south of Dallas about 50 miles)Campsites w/ Elec. & w/o Elec.. Also, Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Sanitary Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, and Visitor Center. See LoveCOEPark. From US-75/287, take SR-34 S 3.5 mi, local rd SE 2.5 mi. On Bardwell Lake. 20 sites. 14-day limit. Open Mar-Oct. Pit toilets, grills, lake swimming, boat ramp. Free.

BeltonLake COE (60 miles north of Austin) Winkler park just north of White Flint Park on hwy. 36 to Gatesville, 9 miles northwest of Temple. Winkler Campground charges $8 per day. White Flint Park is located at west end of hwy. 36 bridge over Lake Belton. Its fees are $18 per day. White Flint has13 sites w/ fire rings, elec, water, tables, and shelters. Nicely spaced out. Sites back up to the lake.

Belton: (60 miles north of Austin) Stillhouse Hollow COE Park. From I-35, take US-190 W 4 mi, local rd S 2 mi. On StillhouseLake. 38 sites. 14-day limit. Flush & pit toilets, showers, shelters, grills, lake swimming, fishing, boat ramp. Free.

Big Bend NP Chisos Basin Campground 5,400 Feet $8 Cottonwood Campground 1,900 Feet $8 31 day limit , Rio Grande Village Campground 1,850 Feet $8,

Big Spring Campground Big Spring State Park Elev. 2,810 Feet , fees vary

BIG SPRING Comanche Trail City Park. From I-20, take US-87 S 3.6 mi. Pads only. Water, dump, swim pool, golf, tennis, playground, pavilion, hike, bike, nature trails. 3-day limit. $3/day.

BORGER - N.E. of Amarillo. S. edge of town, E. side of SH-207. Huber City Park has 10 spaces w/ 30-amp electric & water, chemical toilets, dump. Free. 3 day limit. Exercise track, playground, picnic areas. Supermarket, restaurants, fuel nearby.

BROWNWOOD - Picnic area on US-84 a couple miles E of Early, N side of hwy. Open and spacious. Easy access for large RVs. Picnic tables and trash barrels.

Caddo & Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands Black Lake Creek Campground - Free, East Lake Crockett Campground - Free , Valley View Group Site West Lake Crockett Campground Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands , Coffee Mill Lake Campground - Free

Brownfield There is a free campground w/ water and electric in the city park. Brownfield is 40 miles southwest of Lubbock on US 62/82.

Canyon 15 miles south of Amarillo on I-27, has a nice campground for $5 a night (honor system). It's on the North end of town within easy walking distance of the University, Wal-Mart, a grocery store and restaurants. Train tracks nearby can be a little noisy, but kids love to watch the trains.

Canyon Lake COE 50 miles north of San Antonio, several campgrounds so there are: Campsites w/ Elec. (about $20), Campsites w/o Elec. ($10), Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Sanitary Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Go to Visitor Info. Center, If you need elec., go to Potters Creek Campground (about $20 per night), its beautiful, well cared for, large spaces.

Cooper Lake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina,


Corpus Christi about MM 16 or 17 on I-37, Labonte park, just as I-37 crosses the Nueces River, named after the Labonte racing brothers. About 20 sites w/ picnic tables and shelters, no hookups, restrooms. Free.

Corpus Christi Padre Island Nat. Seashore You will have to purchase an annual pass to the National Seashore (?$20), and an annual parking permit for Bird Island Basin (?$10) but you can boondock free at Bird Island Basin for up to 14 days in a row. You will need to leave for 24 hours then you can return for another 14 days. I think water is available at visitors center, but not dump station. Pit toilets, windsurfing concession, boat ramp.

Dumas Want to let you know there is a nice gravel (no grass) lot w/ electric hookups west of Dumas on Hwy. 87. It is alongside Texoma City Park. There is water and dump station available. It is city owned and there is no charge. Dumas is in north Texas in the Amarillo area. This is a real convenient and clean park. Texoma City Park has 24 free RV hookups. 1-day limit. Dump, flush toilets. 1st St & Twichell.

EL PASO / LAS CRUCES: LAS CRUCES: BLM Aguirre Spring Campground is located on the east side of Organ Mountains, east of Las Cruces in Dona Ana County. Take U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for 6 miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply. Day pass is $3 and camping is an additional $3.

Gatesville (60 miles west of Temple) Faunt Leroy Park. 7th street S, 2 blocks south of courthouse. On Leon River. 8 sites, water, electric, and dump station. First 2 days free, 14 day limit. Picnic tables, dumpster, guard light, and shade trees. Sign on the main hwy., at the courthouse, points to park. A popular walking area for locals.

Lake Georgetown COE (20 miles north of Austin)Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center

Granger Lake COE (about 25 miles north of Austin to Georgetown, then 20 miles east of Georgetown) Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center

GrapevineLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec.,
Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Sanitary Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

GROESBECK - Limestone Co Public Use Area #2. From SR-164, take FM-937 SE 11.3 mi, FM-3371 E & N 3.6 mi to W side of Lake Limestone. No water. 14-day limit.

Limestone Co Public Use Area #3. From SR-164, take FM-937 SE 11.3 mi, FM-3371 E & N 5 mi to E side of Lake Limestone. No water. 14-day limit. Fishing, boat ramp.

Limestone Co Public Use Area #5. From US-79, take FM-1146 N 6.7 mi, local rd W 1.8 mi to end of dam. On Lake Limestone. No water 14-day limit. Fishing, boat ramp.


Guadalupe Mountains National Park Dog Canyon Campground 6,280 Ft $8, Pine Springs Campground 5,822ft. $ 8

Haskell midway Ft. Worth to Lubbock, City Park Free Campsites: 11-29 Max stay: 14, Road: Paved, Scenery Rating: 3 out of 5, Noise Level: 2 out of 5, Water, Elec., Sewer, Restrooms Open Year Round, Description: 15-25 mostly pull through next to city park w/ walking track, tennis courts, playground, rodeo grounds, baseball and softball fields all nearby. Full hookups. 1 night free. Additional nights $9.00.

HordsCreekLake COE (Coleman, Tx roughly 100 miles west of Waco) Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center

I-10 / I-20 "Y" about 1 mile east of the Y on I-10 there is an overpass over I-10. At the east end of the overpass is a flat area big enough for 6 or 8 rigs. It is far enough back from I-10 that noise isn't a big problem. We've stayed here numerous times because it is convenient. TV reception is mediocre but you can pick up 2 or 3 stations. It is usually cool enough because of its attitude and low humidity that you can sleep w/ the windows open in early summer & late summer.

Iraan, about 60 miles east of Ft.Stockton on Hwy. 190. About 1/2 mile east of the center of town on the north side of the road is Alley Oop Park. They have a small RV area w/ 10 spaces w/ hookups and a dump for $10 per night. We have stayed in the RV park in the past, but now we usually stay inside Alley Oop Park for free, not in the RV park, and use our generator. Sometimes we take on water or use the free dump in the RV park.

Junction Exit 456 on I-10 and go south to Schreiner City Park along side a small lake, where camping is free for up to 3 days. The campground is very nice w/ trees and is next to Lake Junction. Swimming in the lake off the dam is great fun and refreshing in late spring, summer, and early fall. You can camp on either side of the lake, but we prefer the west side as the hills channel the wind along the west shore of the lake which means you can camp and sleep fairly comfortably w/ the windows open using a cross breeze. Water is available on the west side of the lake, not sure about the east side. No dump. 3 Day limit. This is a favorite stop when traveling I-10, west of San Antonio 100 miles.

Lake Meredith National Rec Area Blue Creek Bridge Campground - Free Also, Bugbee Campground - Free ALSO, Cedar Canyon Campground - Free Also, Fritch Fortress Campgrou Plum Creek Campground nd - Free Also, Harbor Bay Campground Lake - Free Also, McBride Canyon Campground - Free Also, Mullinaw Campground - Free , Also Sanford-Yake Campground - Free - , Spring Canyon Campground - Free Blue West Campground - Free

LavonLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info Center

LewisvilleLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

Lake Texoma COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

LAMESA: In W Texas N of Big Spring. From US-180, turn S on Bryan to S 9th St. Forrest City Park has 10 sites w/elec & water plus dump. 4-day limit.

Littlefield Waylon Jennings RV Park offers water and 30 amp electric w/ a dump station. Littlefield is 30 miles northwest of Lubbock on US-84. The park is named for country singer Waylon Jennings, born in Littlefield. There is no charge, although there is a box for contributions. Isn't much in Littlefield. Other than fast food places, the restaurants were all closed on the Sunday night .

LUFKIN - Etoile COE Park. From FM-226, take SR-103 W 2.1 mi. On Sam Rayburn Lake. 10 sites. 14-day limit. Pit toilets, picnic shelters, grills.

[Bob Thompson]

Texas part "B"

NavarroMillsLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

NEW BRAUNFELS - Jacobs Creek COE Park. From FM-2673, go NW 1.5 mi, FM-306 NW 3.7 mi, local rd W 0.4 mi. On Canyon Lake. 14-day limit. Dump, vault toilets, cold showers, picnic shelters, grills.

North Park (COE). From FM-2673, go NW 1.5 mi, FM-306 NW 2.3 mi, local rd S 1.1 mi. On Canyon Lake. 14-day limit. Vault toilets, picnic shelters, grills.

O.C.FisherLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center,

Padre Island National Seashore (about 22 miles southeast of Corpus Christi) Malaquite Campground Sea Level $8 Also, North Beach Campground , Sea Level Free No camping limit , also, South Beach Campground Sea Level Free, Bird Island Basin Campground Padre Island National Seashore Sea Level , it is great fun to watch the windsurfers, of which there can be nearly 100 at peak times - Camping is Primitive 14 day limit

PARIS - Lamar Point (COE). From US-82, take US-271 N 3.6 mi, FM-1499 W 5.3 mi, FM-1500 N 4.4 mi. On Pat Mayse Lake. 26 sites. 14-day limit. Pit toilets, grills.

PLEASANTON About 20 miles down I-37 from San Antonio - Gateway Restaurant, I-37 Exit 109, free overnight parking.

JoePoolLake Coe Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina

Lake O' the Pines COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center


PatMayseLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center

ProctorLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center

RayRobertsLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Visitor Info. Center

SamRayburnLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

San Antonio: CalaverasLakeCampsites w/o Elec., Boat ramp, Drinking water, Restrooms, Picnic tables and Shelters. Operated by the San Antonio River Authority, Calaveras Lake is a cooling lake for a San Antonio's power plant. Located 17 miles SE of downtown. Directions: take I-37 SE of town, 1 mile past Loop 410 take the Hwy. 181 exit towards Floresville. Go 7 miles to Loop 1604 turn left onto 1604 go 1 mile, turn left onto Stuart Road go ½ mile to stop sign, turn left into Park entry. Park is 3.5 miles long w/ many grassy sites. Cost is $4 per adult, $2 per child, or $2 per senior for each 24hour stay. For the 2 of us, it was $8 per day. Very quiet and pleasant. To dump, go back to I-37, go south on I-37 about 1.5 miles to Southton Rd. exit, turn east on Southton Rd. On left, Bruenig Lake RV Park charges $5 to dump.

SomervilleLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

SONORA - I-10, 30 mi E of Sonora, take Harrel Rd exit to CR-3130, E on 3130 to River Rd, then left 2.1 mi. County park is a pecan grove on Llano River. No RV size limit.

Stillhouse Hollow Lake COE (about 55 miles north of Austin on I-35)Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Sanitary Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, there are several campgrounds(most underused), so visit the Info. center near dam for more details.

Sabine National Forest Indian Mounds Campground - $4.00, Also, Lakeview Campground - $2.00 , Willow Oak Campground - $2.00 , Ragtown Campground - $5.00 , Red Hill Lake Campground $6.00

Sam Houston National Forest Double Lake Campground - $15 , Kelly's Pond Campground - Free , Stubblefield Lake Campground - $7.00

SheffieldA couple miles off I-10 near Sheffield which is 60 miles east of Fort Stockton. Take exit 343 off I-10 and go 2-3 miles toward Sheffield and there will be a very seldom used rest area on the south side of the hwy.. The rest area sits at the top of a bluff overlooking the valley below. It used to be a scenic view spot on the old road between San Antonio and El Paso, before I-10. No restrooms, but there are picnic shelters and tables and room for about 8-10 RV's and its free! It is a great place to stop for the evening. It is far enough away from I-10 so that is is very quiet.

STEPHENVILLE - City park on HWY-67 going S out of town. Also: County park w/ 8 - 10 shady sites, $10 per night on Hwy. 281.

TEXARCANA - Piney Point COE Park. From 7th & State Line Ave, take US-59 S 12.5 mi, local rd W 0.8 mi. On Lake Wright Patman. 60 sites. 14-day limit. Flush toilets, showers, tables, bathhouse, fishing, boat ramp, scenic views. Open Mar-Oct. Free.

TORNILLO Exit Mile marker 55 about 40 miles east of El Paso on I-10Take the road to Tornillo from I-10 and there is an unofficial camping spot about ¼ mile from I-10 on the east side of the road. It is a construction staging area created when they were rebuilding I-10. We camp here on a regular basis, TV reception is good, and it is far enough from I-10 to be reasonably quiet. Just pick out a nice level spot and enjoy.

VAN HORN: W Texas. From I-10, take exit BUS-80. Chuy's restaurant on N side of 80 has 2 large parking lots & allows O/N parking if asked. Good Mexican food.

Town Bluff Dam/B.A. Steinhagen LakeCOE(south of Nacogdoches/Tyler)Campsites w/Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Center

WacoLakeCOE - MidwayCOEPark. From I-35, take SR-6 NW 5 mi. On Lake Waco. 14-day limit. Pit toilets. Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

WhitneyLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

WrightPatmanLake COE Campsites w/ Elec., Campsites w/o Elec., Showers, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic/Day Use, Launch Ramp, Marina, Visitor Info. Center

ZAVALLA: BOLTON LAKE CAMPGROUND near Zavalla, TX awesome--we didn't want to leave very primitive---but, very FREE!!!

[dscluchfc]

Levelland TX South of town just past the airport is a Chamber of Commerce FREE site with about 10 spaces and a 3 day limit.

[bimi]

I have been to several of these, but I know that the Texas Department of Wildlife actually runs many of the campgrounds. Some, like Ray Roberts, are booked well in advance.

Just as a note on Lake Ray Roberts, if you do go there and have to use your tote tank, the Isle Du Bois campground has a dump site, but it is a very, very long way from the camping areas. I melted my wheels on the tote tank taking it to the dump even though I was going very, very, very slowly. It is just toooooo far for those plastic wheels.

Texas is great, though. A lot of wonderful campgrounds and sites to see.

[Bob Thompson]

Eventually, you will also need this list:
Cheap or Free Dumps Stations in Texas:
Texas
Amarillo………Amarillo 76 Travel Center, I-40 Exit 74
Amarillo………Flying J TravelPlaza, I-40 Exit 76
Anthony………Flying J TravelPlaza, I-10 Exit 0
Carthage……..Carthage RV Campground, NE Loop 59
Dallas…………Flying J TravelPlaza, I-20 Exit 471
GeorgeWest…George West Truck Stop, US 59
Harrold………..Drivers Travelmart #410, Hwy 287
Hillsboro………Love's Travel Stop #231, I-35 Exit 368
Houston………Sunmart #142, Hwy 610
Houston………Trader's Village. 7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy. (south of Hwy. 290)
Huntsville……..Hitchin' Post Truck Terminal, I-45 Exit 118
IowaPark……...Roadside Park, US 287, 1 mile west of town
Kerrville………..I-10 Rest Area, I-10 mm 514 Great place to dump.
Kountze………..Crosby's Exxon, Highway 69
Levelland………City/County Dump, US 385 South
Magnolia……….BeachFire Department
Orange………….Flying J Travel Plaza, I-10 Exit 873
Ozona………….Circle Bar 76 Auto/Truck Plaza, I-10 Exit 372
Palacios……….CityPark 1 block North of the South Bay Boat Ramp
Pecos………….Flying J Travel Plaza, I-20 Exit 42
Pharr…………..Sunmart #170, US 281S
Pleasanton……Bubba's Truck Stop, I-37 Exit 104
Port Arthur..…..Poochies Quick Stop, Hwy 72 & 39th St.
San Antonio…..Flying J TravelPlaza, I-10 Exit 583
San Antonio….BruenigLakeRV, I-37 S, Southton exit, RV park is on left $5
Sonora…………I-10 Rest Stop/Roadside Park
Stephenville…..City park, Belknap St. - Small CG w/ a small nightly fee."
Stockdale………The Texas Cooler, Hwy 123
Terrell…………...Rip Griffin's, I-20 Exit 503
Troy……………...Love's Travel Stop #232, I-35 Exit 306
TyeFlying……… J TravelPlaza, I-20
Victoria………….Big Vic Truck Stop, Port Lavaca Hwy
Vinton…………...Petro Travel Plaza, I-10 Exit 2
Weatherford……Wayside Truck & Travel, I-20 Exit 406
Wickett………….National Truck Stop, I-20 Exit 73

[Bob Thompson]

El Paso, add Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, they have 7 spaces with water and elec. for $5/night on a 1st come 1st served basis. Dump station is located at the far south end of the Casino Parking lot near horse stables. If the hookup up sites are full, you are encouraged to dry camp for free on the paved area just north of the sites with hookups. Directions: From I-10, take exit at mm13 onto Sunland Park Drive and go west 1 mile. The Casino and Racetrack are on left. RV parking is on left as you come in the main entry. Go inside the Casino and sign up and pay for RV spaces w/ hookups at main Security Desk. The Casino closes about 1 AM so it's fairly quiet at night.

[ArtStream]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the up-date!
The Wildtexas site is a great texas resource!

Michael

[tdljazz]

Hi Bob, I live about 60 miles East of El Paso and have 140 acres out in the desert. I thought I would let you know that I have a few spaces available for anyone who would like to spend a little time out in the desert.

I hope this is the appropriate place to post this. You can contact me at:
tdljazz@yahoo.com

God Bless and happy Airstreaming!
Rick Davis (Eutsler)

[Bob Thompson]

Hi Rick, thank you for the kind offer. I'll keep the info pending another trip west. Again, thanks. Bob

[CaddyGrn]

Hello everyone,

Interested in if any of these campgrounds have trees and mountains? I realize Texas is a plains state.... but I would hope somewhere there would be pine trees and mountains? If not, where are the nearest pine trees and mountains near Plano, Texas? Looking for campgrounds that would also accommodate tents as well as trailers.

I have only driven across parts of Texas and it has been quite a few years ago. Just very unfamiliar with the geography and terrain. Would sincerely appreciate any information!

Happy Trails,

Mrs. Nor Cal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

[Melody Ranch]

Plano is located on one of the Cross Timbers ridges. Ridge lines of treed hills that extend up to toward Kansas. I think they are on Preston Ridge. I can see it from here...I am on the ridge by I-35 N. Cattle drives used them as major landmark guides with significant landmarks along the way as guides..."Pilot Knob", "Pilot Point", 'Pilot bend." etc. Along the Cross Timbers there are significant areas of oak and cottonwood trees. Urban sprawl is wiping the trees out. If you want pines just head East ...North East, East, South East. Not called the Piney Woods for nothing. Look at the Lake Fork area for a close to Plano camp. City of Mineola. You will like it.
Lake Ray Roberts, Johnson Creek Park, just to the north, has everything you asked for. Come visit.
You want Mountains? Very few folks realize that the Mountains by Alpine and Marfa are higher elevation than Denver. Check the temps before heading out there.. Thats a ways from Plano. You Californians will like the area. Its a small College town, remote, near Big Bend, and vineyards. A great place to the South is Garner State Park (Lost Maples). Look up Concan on the Frio. I have lots of other places to talk about...just ask.
I hate to say it, but the best kept secret is the South East corner of Oklahoma. Its not too far from Plano either.... a few hours.
Remember Texas...
Its further from Brownsville to Amarillo that Amarillo to Minneapolis.
From El Paso, its a shorter drive to the beach in San Diego than to the beach in Galveston. Its further from one side of Texas to the other that the distance from London to Moscow.

[CaddyGrn]

Wow! Thanks you rock!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

[pjude]

Hi! I will be in the Garland Tx. area next weekend and will need a RV park for the 345. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Will have 2 grandkids tagging along so I do not want a slab in a field.
Pete

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Remember Texas...
Its further from Brownsville to Amarillo that Amarillo to Minneapolis.
From El Paso, its a shorter drive to the beach in San Diego than to the beach in Galveston. Its further from one side of Texas to the other that the distance from London to Moscow.

I lived 9 years in Dalhart, 90 miles north of Amarillo, almost in Colorado. The very top of Texas and home of the XIT Ranch (for you real Texas trivia fans). I once needed a repair part for my cruse control and called DANA Corp. in Chicago. The very helpful operator said, “We have a location in Houston, you could just drive over there and pick one up!” After recovering, I put on my best (acquired {18 years} Texas accent) and said, “Darlin’, I’m as close to you as I am to Houston. It’s 800 miles to Houston.” As it turns out, it was 11,000 to Chicago, so it really was farther. I think you get the idea, Though.

[Bob Thompson]

Recently we tried unsuccessfully to find the Boondocking location listed under Sonora. The roads weren't labeled as my previous post indicated so I have revised the listing. Here is the correct directions to the Sonora Boondocking location:

SONORA - I-10, 30 mi E of Sonora, take Exit 429 “Harrel Rd exit” to County Rd-3130, go E on 3130 about a quarter mile then turn left (north) onto River Rd, then go 2.1 mi. to County park. The park is a pecan grove on Llano River. No RV size limit.

[Bob Thompson]

Major addition to Texas list. This time, it is Cheap or Free camping in the town of Anahuac located about 40 miles east of Houston. We checked out several locations and all parks were nicely manicured with freshly cut grass and trees trimmed. Several parks had free camping, however the ones with hookups charged $10 per night. These are amoung the nicest "free" spaces we've encountered. Most were quiet to extremely quiet! Please add these to your lists:

Anahuac (pronounced “Anna-hack”)(about 40 miles east of Houston): Fort Anahuac County Park is a very nicely manicured park with room for many rigs of any size. Take I-10 exit 810 to SR-563 go S 6 mi. to intersection of Hwy 65, turn right onto Hwy 65 / Miller St., go about ½ mile and turn left onto Main Street. Park is located in the 1500 block of Main, however, you will need to stop at the county courthouse located in the 400 block of Main St. to get free parking permit. See Mrs. Edmonds in the basement of the courthouse for permit. When we were there, no one ever checked to see if we had a camping permit. The park is about ½ mile long and ½ mile wide. There are no “designated” campsites and no hookups. There are water spigots dispersed about the park. Most RV’s park along the bluff at the west edge of the park where good shade trees are available. Flush toilets, picnic tables, fishing, nature trails. Can stay 3 nights for free. Very nice park. At the north edge of the park is a commercial campground if you need hookups.

Anahuac (about 40 miles east of Houston): White Memorial County Park. From I-10 (around mm 814) take exit SR-61 S 0.1 mi. and turn right, park will be on left. 7 sites w/ elec $10 per night. 14-day limit. Flush toilets, picnic shelters, fishing, nature trails. Payment for camping is made in Anahuac at Mrs. Edmonds office in the basement at the county courthouse. To find the courthouse, take SR-61 south 4 miles to intersection of Hwy. 65. turn right onto Hwy 65 and proceed into Anahuac. Stay on Hwy. 65 which becomes Miller St. until you come to Main Street and turn left. Go S on Main St. about 4 blocks and courthouse is on right.

Anahuac: Double Bayou County Park. From I-10, take SR-61 S 4 mi, continue straight on FM-562 S 7 mi, at Eagle Ferry Rd turn W 0.5 mi. to park on left. 10-day limit. Camping is free. Park where you like, there are no designated campsites. Flush toilets, ball field, fishing.


Anahuac: James H. Robbins Memorial County Park. From I-10, take SR-61 S 4 mi, FM-562 S 22 mi, Smith Point Rd S 1 mi, Hawkins Camp Rd NW 1.6 mi. On Galveston & East Bays. 14-day limit. Flush toilets, boat ramp, scenic views. No water. Free.

[Bob Thompson]

Hi All, We've just completed a trip through Texas so I have updates:

Additional information:
BROWNFIELD: Free CG w/ water & elec. in Coleman park. Brownfield is 40 mi. southwest of Lubbock on US 62/82. It is FREE but there is a voluntary contribution box if you are so inclined. The RV park is located on the east side of Hwy 385 near the south edge of town. There are about 10 spaces, some with shade trees. It is mostly a gravel parking lot, but it is a welcome sight after a day of traveling. Nice people, too!

Add:
DALHART / HARTLEY: There is a nice spaceous Rest Area along Hwy 385 about 13 miles south of Dalhart or 1 mile north of Hartley. It is located on the east side of Hwy 385 and there is parking far enough back from the highway to be reasonably quiet for overnighting.

Add
KERRVILLE: I-10 Rest Area about 5 miles east of Kerrville. This is one of the few Rest Areas where we might overnight. The RV loop is surprisingly un-used and quiet especially at night. Water is available. It is fairly easy to find a level spot and TV reception is tolerable. Also, there is a nice clean dump station located at the east side of the Rest Area.

Add:
LAMESA: Free RV Park with about 10 spaces w/ water & dump station. We haven't stayed here but passing by it looked well maintained. Some shade trees. Located on the east side of Hwy 137 at the south edge of town.

Add:
LEVELLAND: Free RV Park with water and electric w/ a dump station. We haven't stayed here but passing by it looked well manicured and clean. Some shade trees for the rig. Located on the east side of Hwy 385 at the south edge of town.

Additional information:
LITTLEFIELD: Waylon Jennings RV Park offers water and 30 amp electric w/ a dump station. Littlefield is 30 miles northwest of Lubbock on US-84/Hwy 385. The park is named for singer Waylon Jennings, born in Littlefield. No charge, but there is a box for voluntary contributions. The nice looking park is located on the east side of Hwy 385 at the south edge of town.

[Drivingforu]

We live just north of Dallas and we have made the Beavers Bend State Park area Beavers Bend Resort Park in southeast our second home. The first time we went we were amazed at the difference in the surroundings compared to just a few miles to the south. There are plenty of spots in the park, but also many cabins to park at as well. We had luck with http://www.beaversbendlogcabins.com but I know there are many more in the area. It is truely one of the best areas to go RVing.

[Bob Thompson]

After many hours of transcribing I've come up with a Google Map for Cheap or Free Campgrounds in Texas. The link provided below is for a map with ONLY the locations shown. If you want access to the map with complete information then you can get that access thru 2 methods. I am willing to swap my completed map of Texas for completed maps of other states. For example, if you have a Florida map, I'd be glad to swap my Texas for your Florida.

If you don't have something to swap, then I'm willing to sell access to my map for $5 payable via Paypal. You send me the $5 and I send you the correct access link for a map with all the necessary info filled in. PM me for more info.

Here is the hookup to my map with locations only (see above for completed info on maps): Texas Cheap or Free CG's - Google Maps

If you want to see how the completed map info looks click on the point just east of San Antonio, Calaveras Lake.

[Boondocker]

Thats neat Bob! How is it I spend so much time at Padre and we still haven't met? Anyway, this is another leap forward to your great cheap or free series.