Austin Campsite

Welcome to the scenic heart of North Texas camping. The Austin Campsite is not a typical public RV park but a specific, designated camping area located within the extensive grounds of the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch (SR2) in Bridgeport, Texas. This property, categorized as a specialized Camping Farm environment, provides a uniquely rugged and expansive outdoor experience. It primarily serves groups and organizations, especially those affiliated with Scouting, offering a genuine wilderness feel across 2,500 acres of scenic cliffs, prairies, and dense forests near Lake Bridgeport.

For Texas locals, the Austin Campsite represents an opportunity for primitive, large-field camping away from urban hustle. It is known for its spacious setting, surrounded by woods, and is utilized by groups seeking a true backcountry experience while still having basic facilities available. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic environment where the focus is on outdoor skill-building and large-group functionality rather than luxury amenities. The atmosphere is friendly, professional, and centered around providing safe, memorable high-adventure experiences in the Texas High Adventure Base area.

This location stands out for its vast, undeveloped natural landscape, contrasting sharply with commercial campgrounds. It embraces the challenging terrain of North Texas, offering a raw, authentic outdoor setting that is highly valued by seasoned campers and groups looking to test their mettle against the elements.

### Location and Accessibility

The Austin Campsite is nestled within the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch, situated near the shores of Lake Bridgeport in Wise County, Texas. The official physical location is listed as: Pvt Rd 1706, Bridgeport, TX 76426, USA.

Accessibility to this campsite is a significant point of note for prospective visitors. While the ranch is located conveniently about an hour west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, providing a great escape for North Texas residents, finding the specific Austin Campsite can be challenging.

• Navigation Warning: Customer reviews strongly advise against relying solely on common navigation apps like Google Maps for the final directions to the Austin Campsite itself. The recommendation is to navigate "the old fashioned way from the entrance," meaning users should follow specific directions provided by the ranch management once they have reached the main entrance area of the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch.
• Road Conditions: The access road to the campsite may be "VERY difficult after heavy rains." Guests are cautioned to park their vehicles in the main Camporee Grounds parking area and exercise extreme caution when attempting equipment drop-offs, especially when the roads are wet.
• Proximity to Lake Bridgeport: The greater ranch property boasts 16 miles of rugged shoreline on the 10,000-acre Lake Bridgeport, which serves as a stunning backdrop and the venue for many of the ranch’s high-adventure aquatic programs.

### Services Offered

As a group-oriented camping farm, the Austin Campsite provides fundamental services necessary for a self-sufficient outdoor trip, focusing on essential facilities while maintaining a primitive feel.

• Basic Sanitation: The campsite provides basic bathroom facilities. Customer reviews mention that the "Bathrooms are basic but clean," indicating a functional level of hygiene is maintained despite the rustic setting. These are typically latrines or simple restroom structures.
• Water: Water is available on the ranch property. However, it is important for campers to verify the water sources for drinking, as some facilities only provide central water access outside of the winter months (November 1st to April 1st). Campers should prepare to bring their own drinking water.
• Fire Pit: A key amenity for group gatherings and cooking, the site features a "Good sized fire pit." Campers must be prepared to furnish their own fire-building material, and all fires must be constantly supervised and contained within the provided ring.
• Large Field Camping Area: The site is described as a spacious field suitable for multiple tents and large group activities, surrounded by woods, which is ideal for Scout units and similar organizations.
• Parking/Access: While vehicles are generally prohibited in the actual campsites, parking is available at the Camporee Grounds parking area. Temporary vehicle access for equipment drop-off is permitted but requires extreme caution, especially in poor weather.
• Primitive Environment: Amenities like electrical hookups, dump stations, and full running water to each campsite are not provided. The campsite supports a primitive, Leave No Trace style of camping.

### Features / Highlights

The Austin Campsite's main highlights are tied directly to its location within the prestigious Sid Richardson Scout Ranch and the unique environment it offers to campers.

• Texas High Adventure Base: The ranch is home to the Texas High Adventure Base, offering unparalleled activities like the Chisholm Trail Adventure, which utilizes pontoon boats to access watersports bases and outposts across Lake Bridgeport. Activities often include ATV trail riding, climbing, tubing, wakeboarding, and more, making this a true destination for active groups.
• Expansive Natural Terrain: The property spans 2,500 acres of varied landscape, including scenic cliffs and rugged shoreline. This varied terrain is perfect for challenging hiking, nature observation, and outdoor skill development.
• Historic Setting: The ranch features an historic 1870's U.S. Cavalry site, a working Blacksmith's Shop, and a museum—elements of the Texas High Adventure Base that blend history with outdoor recreation.
• Group-Friendly Layout: The Austin Campsite is specifically designed as a large, field-style campsite, making it perfect for accommodating large groups, such as Boy Scout troops and youth organizations, with plenty of room for activities and unit structures.
• Unique Challenge: The rugged terrain and challenging access road, while requiring caution, serve as a feature for groups seeking a more demanding and rewarding outdoor experience compared to standard car camping.
• Limited Hammock Space: For hammock enthusiasts, a key feature to note from reviews is the lack of "too many places for a hammock," suggesting a need to rely primarily on ground tents for shelter.

### Contact Information

For the most accurate reservation information, pricing details, and specific driving directions to the Austin Campsite, all inquiries should be directed to the Longhorn Council, which manages the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch.

Campground Name: Austin Campsite (Located at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch)

Address: Pvt Rd 1706, Bridgeport, TX 76426, USA (General Area)

Phone: (817) 231-8537

Mobile Phone: +1 817-231-8537

Primary Organization Contact (Longhorn Council): The main number for the Longhorn Council (817-231-8500) or their dedicated camping email (camping@longhorn.org) should be used for reservations and detailed camp information.

### What is Worth Choosing

The Austin Campsite is the definitive choice for Texans seeking a true, rugged, and large-scale group camping adventure in the North Texas region. What makes it worth choosing is its intentional focus on a primitive, high-challenge, and educational experience, setting it apart from typical commercial campgrounds.

You should choose the Austin Campsite if your priority is seclusion and group functionality. The spacious field environment is ideal for large organizational camping, providing ample space for tents, activities, and a central gathering around the good-sized fire pit. The experience is enhanced by the basic but clean facilities, which ensure fundamental needs are met without sacrificing the rustic feel.

Crucially, choosing this site grants access to the immense recreational resources of the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch, including the spectacular 16 miles of Lake Bridgeport shoreline and the extensive high-adventure program opportunities. This location is a portal to watersports, climbing, and exploring the unique Blackland Prairie and Cross Timbers ecosystem.

However, the biggest reason to choose this site is its unique challenge: it requires and rewards self-reliance, especially concerning vehicle access and navigation. By successfully navigating the terrain and embracing the self-contained nature of the camping, groups forge stronger bonds and gain a deeper appreciation for the rugged beauty of North Texas. For Texans committed to a powerful, impactful outdoor stay focused on group cohesion and adventure, the Austin Campsite provides a high-value, unforgettable backdrop.

Austin Campsite

Pvt Rd 1706, Bridgeport, TX 76426, USA