I have made the trip from hwy 16 to hwy 4 many times camping along the way. I have also made several day trips putting in at 16 and paddling up to the dam and down river and back up. I now plan to do a one nighter with the wife to expose her to river camping. Only want to go for one night and do not want to make her paddle more than a couple of miles up river. I know of a great location up river a couple of miles from Rochelle's, but would rather put in and show her the area up by Hwy 16 (the prettiest section in my opinion). I do not recall any good camping spots though withing two miles or so from the 16 bridge. Am I wrong and anyone have a location/suggestion? I know there are campgrounds by the dam, but I would rather take her on and primitive camp on the river so she gets that full experience. Plan to just go a few miles to see the scenery, a little fishing, and then set up camp early to enjoy a nice dinner, campfire, cocktails under the stars, and a little night fishing. Suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Ive seen people camp on that sand bar right before the 1st deep pool. That might be an option.

About four miles down where the river narrows and flows to the left is a nice long sand bar to camp. I dont know if that is too far but the fishing is good and the water is deep. If the south wind is light would be a nice float and paddle

Here is a great report from Dave and a map at the end of his report.

http://texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=160805&hilit=brazos

Funny enough Steve, we ran into Dave on that very trip he reported on. Have done the 19 mile trip several times, looking to do a short trip this time.

YakBonz: There is an island at Daltons bend. It is about 5 miles up river from Rochells and reaches about 12 ft of elevation from the rivers edge. A bit challenging paddling up river but several pools to gather rest. I have overnighted there and fished there. You might consider this as a good one night stop over on a two day trip.

Tight Lines,
M.saxatilis

that was a nice trip. I need to get out there again.

I have camped at the red X for 2 nights....

I wouldn't mind tagging along on one of those trips. Did the 50 miler trip in canoes with our Boy Scout troop a few years ago and that was some hard paddling to get done in just 4.5 days but I would like to do a fish and camp trip sometime.

Dave, my buddies and I plan to do the trip again mid May. Hopefully the Saturday wind won't be as killer this time.

Max, thanks, but I think for the one nighter with the wife will keep it within two miles and will put in at 16. Will check out the sand bar Dave and one other pointed out. Just never remembered it on past trips but I guess wasn't looking for camping spots before that close to put in. Also know of a great spot just two miles up from hwy 4. Nice rock ledge over a deep pool for night fishing and a camp fire, with a great view of the stars. Only draw back is it is mostly flat rock so a cot or air mattress would be required, plus fire wood is scarce due to lack of trees on the island.

I've camped there and paddled back up to 16 the next day.

Let us know how it works out. I might do a short trip like that.