South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

Welcome to South Beach at Padre Island National Seashore! This dispersed camping area offers a raw and authentic beach camping experience. If you're into fishing, sunbathing, bird watching, or photography, you'll find plenty to keep you busy here. On some evenings, you might even spot deer and coyotes emerging from the sand dunes to feed on seaweed and fish remains.

One of the standout features of this area is its accessibility. You can drive right onto the beach and find your perfect spot to set up camp. Just remember, this is primitive camping, so you'll need to bring your own water, food, and supplies. There are no picnic tables or sewer hookups, but you will find clean chemical toilets near the beach entrance and showers at the visitor's center.

Speaking of the visitor's center, it's a handy spot to stock up on ice and other essentials before heading down the beach. The center also has water, trash bins, and bathrooms. Fires are allowed, so you can dig a hole and enjoy a campfire right on the beach—just make sure to bring your own firewood.

For those who love bird watching and collecting seashells, this place is a paradise. With 63 miles of barrier island sand to explore, you can easily find a secluded spot away from the crowds. And if you're a holder of the "America the Beautiful" pass, camping here is free!

The nearby community of Padre Island offers restaurants and gas stations, and if you need more extensive supplies, Corpus Christi is just a short drive away. So pack your gear, prepare for some sand in your shoes, and get ready to enjoy the natural beauty of the Texas coast.