Camp County, Texas Tax Sales: A Friendly Guide for Investors

Investing in county tax sales can be a good way to grow your money. Unlike some other ways of real estate investing, buying tax liens or deeds lets you earn good returns while helping local governments get unpaid taxes. 

In this piece, we’ll talk about how Camp County, Texas runs its tax sales. You’ll learn what you need to know about the process, and why this small but busy county might be interesting for you.

We will break down the information into sections and answer common questions that investors have.

Brief overview of Camp County’s tax sale system

Camp County has a system for selling properties that haven’t paid taxes. When people don’t pay their taxes, the county can take their property and sell it at a public auction. Investors buy the deed to the property, not just a lien. Former owners can get back their property if they pay the owed taxes and a penalty. That’s why these properties can sell for good prices.

In Texas, tax sales happen on the first Tuesday of every month, and Camp County follows this rule. The sheriff’s sale is held on the South Steps of the Camp County Courthouse at 126 Church Street, Pittsburg, TX. It starts at 1:30 PM and is between 10 AM and 4 PM. Bidders need to pay in cash. The sheriff gives the deed to the highest bidder. If no one bids above the minimum, the county might keep the property.

Important details at a glance

Here is a concise table summarising the key facts about Camp County’s tax sales. This table helps you quickly find the most important information, including sale date, registration, and redemption period.

DetailDescription
Tax sale typeTax deed (sheriff’s sale)
Typical sale dateFirst Tuesday of each month
Time of auction1:30 PM (CST/CDT)
Registration required?Yes
Registration periodTypically opens 30 minutes prior to sale and closes at sale time
Sale locationSouth Steps, Camp County Courthouse, 126 Church Street, Pittsburg, TX
Redemption period6 months for non‑homestead property; 2 years for homestead or agriculture
Bid procedureOral bidding starting at the minimum (judgment amount or appraised value)
Deposit requirementPayment in full at the sale (cash or cashier’s check)
Contact for more infoCamp County Tax Assessor–Collector – 115 North Avenue, Suite B, Pittsburg, TX 75686; phone 903‑856‑3391; email [email protected]
Updates on upcoming salesCamp Central Appraisal District website ()

Now that you have the key facts, let’s explore why Camp County stands out and what makes its tax sales appealing to investors.

Unique features of Camp County’s tax sales

Camp County is a small place in Texas with lots of natural beauty and a friendly community. It is good for raising animals and growing crops, with many farms around. There are also lakes for fishing and camping.  

The county’s main town is Pittsburg, which has two railroads and highways that connect to bigger cities. This helps people and businesses get around easily. Camp County has a local chicken factory that provides jobs, adding to the economy.

Even with its small size, more people are moving here, which means more houses are needed. The county has fun parks, historic buildings, and community events that bring everyone together, making it a nice place to live or invest in property.

Why Camp County is ideal for tax deed investors

Investors look for areas where the potential returns outweigh the risks. Camp County offers several advantages:

  1. Consistent demand and economic diversity – The local economy isn’t reliant on one sector; agriculture, manufacturing and timber diversify risk. Population growth supports housing demand.
  2. Manageable competition – Smaller counties often attract fewer bidders, increasing your chance to win desirable properties at favourable prices.
  3. High returns with low risk – If the property is redeemed, the investor receives the bid amount plus a premium set by state law. For homestead properties redeemed in the first year, the premium is 25%; if redeemed in the second year, it rises to 50%. For non‑homestead properties, the redemption period is 180 days with a 25% premium. These returns compare favourably to many other investments and are secured by real estate.
  4. Open to all investors – Texas auctions allow non‑residents and even foreign investors to participate. You simply need to register and provide immediate payment.

When are Camp County tax sales held?

The sales occur on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM (Central Time). If a holiday falls on the first Tuesday, the auction may move to the next business day. Because the schedule is consistent statewide, you can plan your calendar around these sales.

How does the auction process work?

  • Arrive at the courthouse steps prior to 1:30 PM and register with the sheriff’s representatives. Bring valid identification and cash or a cashier’s check.
  • The sheriff or auctioneer will read the list of properties and announce the minimum bid, which is generally the lower of the total judgment amount or the appraised value.
  • Bidders raise offers orally; bids cannot go below the minimum. The highest bidder wins and must pay immediately.
  • The sheriff issues a Sheriff’s Deed. This deed conveys the county’s interest but may not guarantee title; you should research property records beforehand.

What returns can investors expect?

Because Texas uses a redemption-deed structure, your return depends on whether the former owner redeems the property. For homestead or agricultural properties, the owner has up to two years after the deed is recorded to redeem by paying the purchase price plus 25% in the first year or 50% in the second yea. For non-homestead properties, the redemption period is 180 days with a 25% premium. If the owner does not redeem, you keep the property free and clear of the tax lien and can choose to sell or hold it.

Can foreign investors participate?

Yes. Texas law does not restrict participation based on residency. Investors from outside the state or the country can register and bid. However, you must either attend in person or appoint a representative to bid on your behalf, and you must provide immediate payment in U.S. funds.

Camp County Courthouse Texas

Understanding the due diligence process

Proper research reduces risk. Here’s what due diligence involves:

  1. Property inspection – Visit the property or review aerial imagery. Ensure you know the location; sale notices sometimes provide only legal descriptions, so confirm you’re bidding on the right parcel.
  2. Title search – Check for other liens or encumbrances. A sheriff’s deed does not necessarily clear mortgages, HOA liens or IRS liens; these may survive the sale. Consult a title company if you are unsure.
  3. Market analysis – Estimate the property’s market value, potential rental income or resale value. Compare your projected return to the redemption premium.

Skipping these steps could result in acquiring a property with environmental problems, access issues or encumbrances. In the 2020 notice, the county explicitly advises bidders to verify the property’s location and warns that deeds are delivered “WITHOUT WARRANTY”. Failure to research could leave you with a non‑buildable lot or one requiring costly repairs.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) deeds

Sometimes properties offered at auction do not receive any bids and are “struck off” to the county. Many Texas counties allow investors to buy these properties directly from the county at a later date, sometimes called “over-the-counter.” You pay the minimum bid and any administrative fees. While the process may involve less competition, you still need to perform due diligence and verify that the property suits your goals. Check with the Camp County Tax Assessor–Collector’s office for a list of available OTC properties.

Economic and tax advantages

Texas has no state income tax, and property taxes fund county services. Camp County’s property tax rates are relatively moderate compared to large urban counties. The county’s location near major highways and railroads provides easy access to larger markets while maintaining rural charm. Combined with the steady agricultural and manufacturing base, the area offers stability for investors.

Real estate market overview

Because Camp County is small, its real estate market is less volatile than metropolitan areas. Properties often consist of single‑family homes, farmland or timber tracts. Demand remains steady, and values have grown with the population. The relatively low entry costs at tax sales mean investors can acquire land at a fraction of market value.

Conclusion

Camp County’s tax deed auctions offer an appealing combination of high returns and manageable risk. The county’s small size means less competition, while its diverse economy and population growth support property values. Remember to conduct thorough due diligence, understand redemption rights and plan your finances before bidding. With careful research, investing in Camp County tax deeds can be a rewarding strategy.

Pro tips

  • Bring multiple payment options – Cashiers’ checks in various denominations make it easier to pay the exact amount if you win.
  • Arrive early – Registration may close at 1:30 PM; arriving at least 30 minutes early ensures you can ask questions and review last‑minute changes.
  • Network with officials – Establishing rapport with the tax assessor’s staff can help you get updates on OTC properties or upcoming sales.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if the owner redeems the property?

If redeemed, you receive the purchase price plus the statutory premium (25–50% depending on property type and redemption period). You must be repaid before the owner can reclaim the property.

Are there other costs besides the bid amount?

Yes. Buyers may owe recording fees, document preparation fees and possibly property maintenance costs during the redemption period. Always ask the sheriff’s office for a breakdown.

Can I bid on behalf of someone else?

Generally yes, but you should provide a notarized power of attorney authorizing you to act for them. Confirm with the county clerk.

Where can I find lists of available properties?

The Camp Central Appraisal District posts notices on its website. Local newspapers and the county clerk’s office also publish sale lists.

Useful links

Need a hand?

Looking to get into tax sales in Camp County? Explore our Auction Calendar today to see what’s available. Our free resources are a great way to learn how it all works. Still have questions? Book a call with an expert and get clarity on how to take the next step with confidence.

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

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