Are you looking for an affordable escape that still feels like an adventure? The Brazos River Authority’s (BRA) lakes offer exactly that. From the rugged beauty of Possum Kingdom to the peaceful shores of Granbury and Limestone, nearly all public access areas offer free camping year-round. No reservations, no campsite fees.
Just grab your tent, pick your spot, and settle in by the water.
BRA parks that offer overnight camping include:
Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake is well known as one of the state's most beautiful reservoirs. It is located northwest of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County. With 10 lakeside parks and 7 boat ramps providing access to water recreation, Possum Kingdom Lake also offers some of the state's most beautiful parks, scenic camping and picnic sites, as well as an award-winning hike-and-bike trail system.
- Scenic Cove Campground (21 campsites, 22 covered tables, some with fire pits and grills, accessible restrooms, accessible fishing pier, trailhead)
- North D&D (70 campsites, 36 with a shelter top and slab, 6 RV parking spots, accessible restrooms with showers, designated swim area, playground equipment)
- South D&D (21 campsites, some accessible, 14 tables, fire pits and grills, accessible restrooms, accessible fishing pier, trailhead)
- Bug Beach (10 tent sites with tables, fire pits and grills, accessible restroom, designated swim area, trailhead)
- River Park (10 tent sites with 9 tables, fire pit and grills, accessible restroom, river access, trailhead)
- West Side Park (6 covered shelters with 6 tables, fire pits and grills, accessible restroom, trailhead))
You can learn more about the public-use areas at Possum Kingdom Lake or view an online map of Possum Kingdom Lake.
Lake Granbury
Lake Granbury offers beauty and accessibility without requiring travel outside the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It is located in Hood County, southwest of Fort Worth, on Hwy. 377. The reservoir also features five lakeside parks for camping and picnicking, along with four boat ramps for exploring its more than 100 miles of shoreline.
- Thorp Spring Park (2 picnic tables with cooking grills, accessible restroom)
- Hunter Park (18 picnic tables, some with awnings, 17 cooking grills, accessible restrooms, accessible fishing pier)
- DeCordova Bend Park (21 picnic tables, 8 tables with awnings, 22 cooking grills, accessible restrooms)
You can learn more about the public-use areas at Lake Granbury or view an online map of Lake Granbury.
Lake Limestone
Lake Limestone offers some of the best fishing in Central Texas. It lies 40 miles east of Waco across Limestone, Leon, and Robertson counties. Its flooded timber and abundant aquatic vegetation provide cover for numerous game fish. Lake Limestone also features four parks with primitive camping and picnic facilities, plus four boat ramps for lake access.
- Public Use Area #2 (16 covered picnic tables with grills, port-a-potty, 14-day stay limit)
- Public Use Area #3 (16 covered picnic tables with grills, 1 double-sized pavilion, 14-day stay limit)
- Public Use Area #5 (40 standard-sized picnic tables, 4 double-sized picnic tables, 2 large pavilions, 6 small pavilions, 26 cooking grills, restrooms, 10-day stay limit)
You can learn more about the public-use areas at Lake Limestone or view an online map of Lake Limestone.
BRA parks have campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Staying at one of the sites will give you a true lakeside outdoor experience.
Don’t like to camp? No problem!
If camping is not your thing, you can always head out to a BRA park and plan to spend the day fishing, boating, picnicking, or just lounging beside the water.
Possum Kingdom Lake’s Sandy Beach is open for day use only from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., offering visitors boat ramp access, a designated swim area, restrooms, showers, picnic areas and playgrounds – all free of charge.
Lake Granbury’s Rough Creek Park also offers day-use only amenities from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with free boat ramp access, a courtesy dock, fishing pier, restrooms and picnic areas.
So, the next time you’re longing for a little escape, with wide-open lakeside views and star-filled skies, head to one of our reservoirs for hassle-free fun.