LBJ Grasslands

Welcome to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, affectionately known by locals as the LBJ Grasslands. Situated conveniently near Decatur, Texas, this expansive area of federally managed land offers Texans a genuine escape into the open country, providing a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. If you're looking for an authentic, self-reliant camping experience combined with miles of open space for recreation, the LBJ Grasslands should be at the top of your list.

The LBJ Grasslands encompass over 20,000 acres, dedicated to a "multiple-use" policy that balances conservation, grazing for cattle, and public recreation. It is part of the larger National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, administered by the U.S. Forest Service. This designation means visitors can enjoy a raw, primitive outdoor environment that is significantly different from a typical state park or private campground. For many, it's the sheer scale of the landscape—the "scrub land that extends for miles on end," as one visitor described it—that makes this destination so appealing. It's a place where you can truly "run away from civilization" and reconnect with nature.

The primary camping experience here is primitive and dispersed camping, which emphasizes a self-sufficient approach, perfect for seasoned Texas adventurers. While there are a few developed areas like TADRA Point and Black Creek Lake, the majority of the land welcomes responsible, dispersed camping, which is often free of charge. This means sites are generally not pre-reserved, are spaced far apart for privacy, and rarely include amenities like electricity or running water. This focus on self-reliance is a key part of the LBJ Grasslands’ unique charm.

### Location and Accessibility

The LBJ Grasslands are located in the northern part of Wise and Montague counties, making it an accessible day trip or weekend getaway for millions of Texans. It is approximately an hour's drive northwest of Fort Worth and about an hour and a half from Dallas, placing it within easy reach of the DFW Metroplex.

The main office for the Caddo/Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands is located conveniently near Decatur, which serves as the gateway to the area. Access to the various sections of the Grassland can be fragmented, as it comprises numerous unconnected parcels intermingled with private property. This unique layout means there isn't one single main "entrance," but rather multiple access points via county and forest service roads.

While the main roads leading to the general area are typically paved, the internal Forest Service roads are often hard-packed dirt and gravel. Visitors should exercise caution, especially when pulling large trailers, as some roads can be narrow. Given the expansive nature of the Grasslands, it is highly recommended to use GPS and have a physical map or an offline map of the area, as cell service can be spotty in the more remote sections.

### Services Offered

The LBJ Grasslands emphasizes a minimal-amenity, "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy, promoting Leave No Trace principles. While the experience is primarily primitive, key services and facilities are available at designated spots like TADRA Point and Black Creek Lake.

• Camping Fees: Most dispersed and primitive camping throughout the Grasslands is free. Small camping fees may apply for developed recreation areas like Black Creek Lake and Valley View Group Use Campground.
• Types of Sites: Dispersed tent sites and primitive camping areas are available across the Grasslands. Developed areas like TADRA Point and Black Creek Lake offer defined pull-through and walk-in sites.
• Equestrian Facilities: TADRA Point is a key trailhead camping facility, offering parking that can accommodate horse trailers and direct access to the multi-use trail system, catering specifically to horseback riders.
• Restrooms: Basic vault toilets are available at designated recreation sites such as TADRA Point and Black Creek Lake. Note that most dispersed camping areas do not have restroom facilities.
• Parking: On-site parking is available. At some developed trailheads like TADRA Point, a small parking fee or day-use pass may be required.
• Payments: Camping fees and day-use passes, where applicable, may require cash depending on the specific location and whether an office is open.
• Accessibility: There is a developed boat ramp and an accessible fishing bridge at the Black Creek Lake Recreation Area.
• Child-Friendly: The general area is good for kids, offering wide open spaces for exploration and kid-friendly hikes.

### Features / Highlights

The real draw of the LBJ Grasslands is the expansive wilderness and the numerous recreational opportunities it affords the North Texas community.

• Extensive Trail System: The Grasslands boast nearly 75 miles of multipurpose trails, primarily running through the Cottonwood Lake vicinity. These wide, open trails are perfect for long-distance activities. One reviewer proudly mentioned completing "22 miles!" on the trails.
• Multi-use Recreation: The trails are shared and actively used for hiking, mountain biking, and especially horseback riding. Equestrians find the area particularly accommodating, with numerous gates and horse-friendly access points.
• Fishing and Water Activities: The Grasslands feature several lakes and ponds, including Black Creek Lake and Cottonwood Lake, which are stocked and offer excellent fishing for crappie, bass, and catfish. Black Creek Lake includes a boat ramp for small watercraft.
• Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Visitors frequently praise the wide-open scenery, including encounters with the grazing cattle that lend a rural, authentic Texas feel to the landscape. The area is home to white-tailed deer, bobcats, various bird species, and beautiful seasonal wildflowers.
• Solitude and Seclusion: Unlike crowded campsites, the dispersed camping model offers a high degree of privacy and seclusion, appealing to those who "want to run away from civilization."
• Dog-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed throughout the Grasslands, making it a great place to explore with your canine companions, provided they are kept under control as per US Forest Service regulations.
• Hunting: Portions of the Grasslands are open for hunting, subject to Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations and seasons. Visitors are advised to check current information and wear bright colors when recreating during hunting season.

### Contact Information

For current conditions, reservations (where applicable), and detailed map information, it is best to contact the Caddo/Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands office.

Address: 1081 Co Rd 2461, Decatur, TX 76234, USA (Note: This address is often used to locate a specific access point, but the official office is nearby).Official Office Address: 1400 US HWY 81/287 Decatur, TX 76234

Office Phone: (940) 627-7176 or (940) 627-5475 (Caddo-LBJ District Office)Mobile Phone: +1 940-627-7176

### What is Worth Choosing

The LBJ Grasslands offer a uniquely rugged and vast North Texas outdoor experience that is increasingly rare to find. For campers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Texas region, it is worth choosing this destination for several key reasons.

First, the opportunity for free, primitive camping is a significant benefit. This allows for a budget-friendly and completely immersive experience in the Texas wild. If you enjoy boondocking or dry camping, the Grasslands are an ideal testing ground for your self-sufficiency skills. The spacious, well-separated campsites—often just established clearings with a makeshift fire ring—provide a level of privacy that developed campgrounds simply cannot match. You get to enjoy the "quiet and secluded" atmosphere mentioned by many of the dedicated campers who frequent the area.

Second, the Grasslands are a haven for equestrians and long-distance trekkers. With nearly 75 miles of trails, this is arguably the premier destination in the area for multi-day horseback riding or extremely long hikes and mountain bike rides. The trail system provides variety, moving through open grassland, scrub, and occasional wooded areas, ensuring the miles remain interesting.

Finally, the LBJ Grasslands offer an accessible wilderness experience just a short drive from one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. You can leave the city lights behind and be under an unobstructed, star-filled Texas sky in just over an hour. It is a place where you can appreciate the wide-open, natural landscape, from the "love the cows, wild flowers" to the peace of an undeveloped campsite. If your goal is to truly disconnect, test your outdoor skills, and explore a massive, beautiful piece of public Texas land, the LBJ Grasslands are the perfect choice.

LBJ Grasslands

1081 Co Rd 2461, Decatur, TX 76234, USA