Camping in central TX this coming April 10-12? (Lufkin, Burnet: home, utilities)

[NC_newcomer]

Howdy:

Just returned to TX after a many year absence, and would like to get out tent camping this weekend to get a "TX fix" quickly. Unfortunately it is a three day weekend for many people.

Suggestions, please, in central TX/hill country? As near as I can figure on-line, all the state parks and LCRA parks are totally reserved. Do any have "first come, first served" sites?

Are there rustic campgrounds run by utilities (in NC and CA, where I spent a few years, the electrical companies had great campgrounds!) ? How about Federal /CoE campgrounds?

Thanks! Glad to be home again!

[jtur88]

Try Ratcliff Lake campground, in the Davy Crocket National Forest. From the town of Ratcliff (between Lufkin and Crocket), go about a mile or so west, then turn north at the brown campground sign. Probably won't be anybody at all there,, except maybe a few fishermen, but it might be more popular on weekends with local people. First come first served, probably about $8 per night to camp. Just a parking slot, tent pad and fire ring, with chemical toilets and a water spigot somewhere.

I've had pretty good luck finding free places to camp around Texas Lakes, where public grounds are set up for fishermen. One is near Buchanan Dam, west of Burnet. If you ask locally, like at a convenience store or a bait shop, someone will give you directions.

Texas is very good about allowing camping in any public place, such as fishing access points, but they are not often suitable for tenting.

[NC_newcomer]

Thanks!
Actually, I won't be "tenting" (just used that phrase to distinguish from RVs -- don't need "hook-ups" or ameninties other than a pit toilet). I've built a bunk in my minivan, which makes life a little easier than pitching a tent!

Are there maps of fishing access points?