Corpus Christi Beach Camping
Another great option when it comes to beach camping in Texas!
While there are several campsites along the beach in Corpus Christi, the best ones are found in the Coastal Bend region.
Here you will find nice sandy stretches, dunes, tidal pools and intertidal creatures, and more fun.
Head to Padre Balli County Park in Corpus Christi and you can score fantastic paved campsites right near the beach.
You can make sandcastles, swim in the water, or simply enjoy a relaxing day reading on the sand.
Other popular sites for tent camping near Corpus Christi include those within Padre Island national Seashore and Mustang Island State Park.
Irrespective of where you chose, camping in Corpus Christi Texas is great fun as you can enjoy the city life, see USS Lexington, and other attractions in the city along with a camping trip.
Bolivar Beach Club & Rv Resort
- Location: 796 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, Texas 77650
- RV LIFE Campgrounds: 7.0 average rating
The Bolivar Beach Club & RV Resort is a new and extremely upscale resort in Texas. One of their points of pride is their swimming pool, which is the largest of any RV resort in the country! The resort also grants guests access to 27 miles of Texas beaches, so you can swim in the pool or the ocean.
This resort has a total of 204 sites, so its fairly large. All of these come with full hookups and are big rig friendly. Other amenities include private bathrooms/showers, a laundry facility, a fitness center, a dog park, and a swim-up bar in the pool. This resort is quite new, and additions and upgrades are being added all the time. Its definitely worth a look if you love luxury RVing.
When To Go Camping On The Beach In Texas
Coastal Texas is too hot and humid in the summer.
We personally love beach camping even in the summer since the water is perfect and we prefer to spend the entire day splashing around.
However, if you hate being out in the hot Texan summers the weather on the Texas Coast is perfect for the rest of the year.
Winter camping on the beaches is quite popular.
Winters can get slightly windy on the coast and the water can be too cold to swim for some, but you will still be warmer than the northern states.
Weekends and long holidays are busy times of the year and it will be hard to find a secluded campsite.
If in the national park, you will have to drive further on South Beach to find a really good beach campsite.
On the other hand, if you can go on a weekday, there will be very few people camping on the beach and you will have the entire area to yourself.
Try to time your visit with a full moon night.
The moonlight makes the beach look gorgeous at night and is incredibly romantic.
You can take a hand in hand stroll along the beach with your loved one and sleep under the stars.
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Great Tent Camping At Galveston Island State Park
Last week, for the second straight year, my wife and I camped at the beach-side campsites at Galveston Island State Park on the western side of Galveston Island. We have visited a number of Texas State Parks but this one is our favorite. We dont fish so we prefer the beach-side sites and we have always been able to rent a unit well suited to our needs as tent campers. We always get a campsite with water and electricity and near restroom and shower facilities. Our campsite is close enough to the beach to easily hear the surf at night and the beach is easily accessed via a short path through the dunes. The restrooms and showers are centrally located and are clean and well maintained. Each campsite has a sheltered picnic table and a fire ring for cooking or campfires, all conveniently arranged to facilitate ease of access. The bay side of Galveston Island State Park also has two camping areas as well as a nature center, nature observation areas, fishing and crabbing areas, and hiking and kayaking trails. We have had two wonderful camping experiences at Galveston Island State Park. The Park is also a great place to watch birds and take pictures of them and the surf. The only minor negative I should mention is the presence of grass burrs in the campsites. However, even with grass burrs, Galveston Island State Park is a Texas Treasure and we certainly plan to return
Crystal Beach And The Bolivar Peninsula
Crystal Beach and the Bolivar Peninsula span over 27 miles of beach access. This beautiful option is located in the eastern part of the county of Galveston, Texas.
On Crystal Beach, you can camp directly onshore! Here its an ideal location for tent campers that want to experience the amenities that only the ocean can provide.
Another perk? Beach bonfires are allowed and legal here. You can also bring your pets but once again they must remain leashed. Crystal Beach is very popular so its on the busier side of the spectrum.
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What People Are Saying About Soaring Eagle Hideaway Rv Park
Soaring Eagle Casino is a short distance from the campground and offers free shuttle service from the campground to the casino. Situated on the lake, fishing is allowed with a fishing permit. Park guests are allowed access to the Soaring Eagle Water Park Hotel pool and sauna. Peter, Google Review
Location
- Discounts: Call for details
What Beaches Can You Camp On In Texas
Camping on the beach at Mustang Island Campground in Texas
There are 350 miles of beaches you can camp on in Texas, including some incredible options at Padre Island National Seashore such as North Beach Campground, Yarborough Pass Campground, Malaquite Campground, Bird Island Basin Campground, and South Beach Campground to name only a few! While the Lone Star State has a strong camping culture, not enough people are aware of its beach camping options so close to Houston, San Antonio, Galveston, and Corpus Christi.
Padre Island National Seashore is the worlds largest barrier island. You can explore the coastline, dunes, and tidal flats along the islands 70-mile radius, and get a closer look at its 380 bird species. Areas within the park require a camping permit, which can be found at the kiosks at the entrances.
Many Texas beach campgrounds are primitive and offer very few amenities, however if you prefer camping and glamping near the beach with more amenities such as toilets, showers, and WiFi, be sure to check out the many unique Texas beach camping options on Hipcamp and scroll down to see photos of some of our top picks.
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Jamaica Beach Rv Resortyour Island Paradise
Located just past the beautiful city of Jamaica Beach, we are right across the street from the beach with an unobstructed view of the Galveston Bay area and the Gulf of Mexico. Stop by and take a tour of our resort – we promise you wont be disappointed. Our resort boasts 181 pull through RV sites complete with full hookups, cottages, and more amenities than any other RV Resort in Galveston!
Whether you’re just looking for some time away, or you’re looking for that next family vacation destination, Jamaica Beach RV Resort is right for you. Watch beautiful sunsets, take a stroll on the beach, or indulge in one of over thirty-six amenities we have to offer.
The Resort is only a five-minute walk from the beach. We offer daily, weekly, and monthly stay and we are rated in the top 10% for accomodations worldwide!Come and make your destination, an unforgettable one.
Galveston Island State Park Fees And Amenities
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Daily entrance fees are $5 for adults while children 12 years and younger are free. Your Texas State Parks Pass will take care of any entrance fee plus give you a discount on camping, park store purchases and equipment rentals.
Bayside tent campsites with water are an additional $15 per night plus the daily entrance fee. They come with a picnic table, shade shelter, fire ring with grill, and restrooms with showers are nearby.
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
RV campsites with water and electricity hookups are $20 per night plus the daily entrance fee. These sites are for RV and trailers camping only and come with a picnic table, plus access to close by restrooms with showers.
Campsites are highly sought after in summer months so youre advised to go online and make reservations before heading out.
There is a store within the park where some equipment and goods are available. Fish cleaning stations, and canoe and kayak launch sites are open to public use. Swimming is done at your own risk as there are no lifeguards present.
Where: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
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Mustang Island State Park Camping
Mustang Island State Park is one of the best places to camp on the Texas Coast.
The primitive campsites within the park are all located at the waters edge.
The park has 50 primitive campsites right on the beach in a 1.5 mile area.
The best part of camping on Mustang Island State Park is that this is one of the few places where small beach campfires are allowed.
Thats right, you can roast marshmallows right by your tent and enjoy a romantic night camping on Mustang Island!
Pioneer Rv Beach Resort
Looking for Port Aransas RV Parks on the beach for your camping trip? Then, look no more. Pioneer RV Beach Resort in Port Aransas is one of the premier RV parks to enjoy in Texas.
For luxury beach camping in Texas, Pioneer RV Beach Resort is perfect. It is surrounded by sand dunes and offers an RV parking area in front of a remote beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Pioneer RV Resort, Port Aransas features over 363 full RV hookup sites and 10 cabins that visitors can reserve for their camping trip. They also offer all kinds of amenities here including concrete pads, fish cleaning houses, bathhouses, on-site grocery store, gas, WiFi, game room, swimming pools, hot tubs, and more.
From beachcombing to fishing, there are a lot of activities to enjoy at this RV park in Port Aransas. If you are looking for a comfortable camping trip in Texas, then Pioneer RV Beach Resort is a great choice!
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Times Temperatures And Other Useful Information
Galveston Island State Park is open year round. Wintertime temperatures average about 46 degrees Fahrenheit and Summer temperatures top at about 86 degrees. Due to the popularity of the park, particularly during the busy season from March to October, campsite reservations are highly recommended. Nightly rates apply at all campsites, although weekly and monthly rates are available during the off-season from November through February at some sites. Only eight people and two vehicles are allowed on each campsite. Galveston is subject to tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season from June through November, and the park closes due to predicted weather.
References
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Andy Bowie Park South Padre Island
One of the best South Padre Island beach camping sites to explore, Andy Bowie County Park offers 20 miles of beachfront access for visitors to enjoy.
You need to pay an entrance fee to enter this park and then you can camp anywhere on the beach here. There are full RV hookup sites and tent sites where visitors can set up their camps to spend the night on the beach.
Apart from that, this park also offers many camping amenities such as picnic and BBQ pavilions, food concessions, beach rental concessions, fishing areas, and more. There are many restrooms and showers in the area too that you can access during your stay here.
With beach access, visitors can also go swimming here and make the most of their camping trip in this park. One of the best things about this park is that it offers peace and solitude to the visitors as there are fewer crowds here, especially in the fall season.
So, if you want to enjoy camping on the beach in South Padre Island, then Andy Bowie County Park is a perfect choice.
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South Beach At Padre Island
Another great place for some Texas beach camping, right off the southern tip of Texas, you will find the beautiful secluded South Beach at Padre Island.
This island beach will require a 4WD vehicle to get to unless you choose to camp on the first few miles of the beach.This is a free camping location on the beach which is a bonus cost-effective option!
Sargent Beach Rv Park
- Location: 27466 FM 457, Sargent, Texas 77414
- RV LIFE Campgrounds: 9.3 rating
This park is one of the smallest weve seen, but its perfect for a relaxing getaway to the beach. Sargent Beach RV Park only has 7 RV sites, so youd better book early if you want to stay here! However, this size makes it one of the best beach RV parks in Texas if you just want to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Because it is so small, youre guaranteed to be close to the beach no matter where you set up camp. Their website advertises that youre only 28 steps away from the sand! It also has some nice amenities to consider. Guests can enjoy full hookups, free high-speed internet, laundry facilities, and a boat ramp. This park is also located close to a variety of restaurants and gives visitors a chance to appreciate the nature in the area.
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Magnolia Beach Port Lavaca
Famed as one of the most popular boondocking beaches in Texas, Magnolia Beach is one of a kind and loved by many of those who camp often.
As you drive to Magnolia Beach, you are greeted with over two miles of beach that is made up of hard-packed sand perfect to camp on.
Sites are not numbered, but by simply providing enough space between you and your neighbor you will be good to go.
You can enjoy fishing, swimming, and more during your visit to Magnolia Beach. There are no hookups, but there are bathrooms nearby as well as picnic areas to enjoy.
While visiting Magnolia Beach, you are also sure to find a plethora of unique shells that will keep you and your family occupied for hours as you comb through the sand.
This beach is a great space to set up your own little corner of beachfront property for a few nights to enjoy all the beauty that Texas beach camping has to offer!
Padre Island National Seashore
Photo: Travel Texas
Any conversation about Texas beach camping usually begins with the picturesque settings at Padre Island. The Padre Island National Seashore is a designated national park and is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. The seasonal sea breeze, dark open skies, and near-complete solitude make the park an extremely popular destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Padre Island National Seashore has five camping areas:
The Malaquite Campground offers semi-primitive sites where tent campers are welcome to set up on the beach, while RVs and vehicle campers can do so on the paved parking. This campground has flush toilets, cold-water rinse showers, and picnic tables with shade structures and grills available on the gulf side of the campground.
Bird Island Basin is known throughout the windsurfing world as one of the best flat water sailing sites in the continental United States. Its common to find adventurers from around the world gliding on the water and through the air on any given day at Bird Island Basin. Windsurf equipment and kayak rentals are available at Worldwinds Windsurfing nearby.
South Beach is 60 miles of sand and shore open to tent and RV campers.
A mere 15 miles south of the Malaquite Visitor Center is Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only through the four-wheel-drive area of South Beach, or by boating down the Laguna Madre.
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Padre Island/ Beach Bird Island Basin Campground
Last but not least for some Texas beach camping is Padre Island. This campsite location is a short distance away from the boat ramp on the waters of the Laguna Madre in the beautiful Padre Island.
The available sites will offer amazing activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, boating, bird watching, and fishing in addition to the beautiful ocean. If you plan your trip in the summer you may get lucky enough to participate in the sea turtle hatching releases.
At Beach Bird Island Basin Campground you will find both tent camping and RV sites but this location is dry camping only. This campground runs on a first-come-first-served basis so plan accordingly!
The Best Texas Beach Camping Options At Padre Island National Seashore
1. North Beach Campground: For camping done the ol fashioned way, the completely free North Beach Campground site is a great option. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the site invites tents and RVs to mount up wherever they see fit. During the summer, you might even spot a baby turtle or ten.
2. Yarborough Pass Campground: This isolated campground is free. The catch? You have to work for it. Yarborough Pass can only be accessed through the 4-wheel drive area of South Beach and by boating down the Laguna Madre. The nearest amenities are 12 miles away, so make sure you come prepared for an au naturel experience.
3. Malaquite Campground: Catch the baby sea turtle release and bask in the comforts of available showers and toilets in this semi-primitive location. This campground holds an $8 fee per night and can be paid only in cash or via check.
4. Bird Island Basin Campground: Offering tent and RV camping for $5 per day , The Bird Island Basin Campground is perfect for water-centric activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
5. South Beach Campground: This free primitive site is open to both tents and RVs. It runs along the Gulf of Mexico, from the end of Closed Beach to Mansfield Channel.
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