A brief history dive into the grasslands

~Native Americans of the grasslands

The Choctaw and Comanche tribes were the primary native groups that inhabited the land. The Choctaw practiced more of an agricultural way of life, growing and harvesting crops. The Comanche’s were nomadic horseback hunters. Relying mostly on Bison for food, shelter, clothing, tools, and weapons.

~ European Settlers

The Native tribes were eventually forced to Oklahoma which was Indian territory at that time by settlers, and the new farming practices along with a historic drought would eventually lead to the dust bowl.

~ Federal Response

Under the New Deal, the federal government launched an unprecedented program to buy back submarginal, eroded farmland from willing (or bankrupt) sellers.

In 1974 the LBJ grasslands were officially designated as a national grassland. The national grasslands represent one of the largest ecological restoration projects in U.S. history—an attempt to undo the worst mistakes of the Dust Bowl and permanently protect the remaining fragments of the once-vast American prairie. Unlike national parks, they allow grazing, oil and gas extraction, and hunting—reflecting their origins as working landscapes meant to support rural communities while healing the land.

Destination

~ The LBJ Grasslands. Over 20000 acres of public land full of recreational opportunities. From hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and what I come in search of, dispersed truck camping. The grasslands are a patchwork of public lands with sections of private land which can make traversing through difficult at times. However, great campsites can still be found and is a worthwhile place for a quick getaway.

Trails and Route

~ All of the trails are easy gravel county and forest service roads that can be accessed by any vehicle.

~ I covered at least 35 miles of various pockets of the grasslands. I traversed up and down old Decatur road, turning off into different sections. I explored some cool campsites, old pump jacks, and a lake that I attempted to fish. Click the button below for a link to my onX data for this trip (For Members only).

Points of interest

~ The old pump jack. A relic of the past and the ongoing mineral extraction that was apart of the Federal purchase of the dying farm land that was restored to what it is today. You could camp next to it if you want, nice open field and I saw a little fire ring with some charred wood.

Pump Jack Coordinates: 33.3274, -97.61556

~ This campsite is on a mini bluff with a view of a mini tree filled canyon. It’s a cozy spot but the only downside is there is a lot of traffic on the road leading to it.

Campsite Coordinates: 33.30669, -97.6098