Hey guys, I'm planning on taking a tent to a national forest to take a few days off life and just introspect.

Are there any laws I should know about? Any tips etc.? I can just walk into a forest, pitch a tent anywhere, and spend a few days, right? This is in Texas.

I'm probably gonna take food that can last with me. And ill probably pitch my tent deep inside the forest so I'm undisturbed. The last time I was in this forest though(hiking) I saw a wolf-like figure, could've been a wild dog. Any safety stuff I should know? And what about insects?

Thank you very much if you can answer my questions.