Best Tent Camping near Alice, TX

Tent camping options near Alice, Texas are limited but can be found at a few established campgrounds within driving distance. John J. Sablatura Park, located roughly 55 miles east of Alice near the coast, provides tent sites in a natural setting. Other options include Labonte Park in Corpus Christi and Escondido Ranch near Kingsville, approximately 40 miles southwest of Alice.

Tent campers should note that most sites in this region lack basic amenities. The data indicates that drinking water is not available at any of the three campgrounds, and visitors must bring their own supply. Fire restrictions are common throughout the area, with fires not permitted at John J. Sablatura Park, Labonte Park, or Escondido Ranch. Bathroom facilities are similarly scarce, with none of these campgrounds offering toilets or showers. Reservations are possible at Labonte Park and Escondido Ranch, though availability may vary seasonally.

The tent camping experience in this part of South Texas typically involves exposure to the region's characteristic hot climate and open terrain. Escondido Ranch operates year-round and offers fifty-amp hookups, though other amenities are minimal. Labonte Park in Corpus Christi provides a tent camping option closer to urban conveniences while maintaining a natural setting. All three campgrounds appear to prohibit alcohol, and have restrictions on pets. The limited facilities and sparse shade make proper preparation essential for tent campers visiting the Alice area, particularly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

Best Tent Sites Near Alice, Texas (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Alice, TX

45 Reviews of 3 Alice Campgrounds


  • Mimi B.
    Dec. 1, 2021

    NAS RV Park Corpus Christi

    Nice Mil CG just prepare for stay

    This is our 2nd time staying here.
    This park is aka Shields. Park has 2 sections. Sect A has grass sites. Sect B has concrete pads and a separate area for tents. Each section has a laundry room and shower building. We stayed in B. Sites are wide and level and have full hookups with 30/50 amp. Good water pressure. Sites are all back ins, Big rig friendly and easy to set up. No matter where you park there is a nice view of the Bay.
    I'd give it a 5 star rating but there are a few items that need to be fixed or prepared for. 1st the roads really need to be repaired. Potholes are horrible in some areas. 2nd the picnic tables are so rusted through that many are unusable. 3rd the goat heads or grass burrs are a nightmare especially if you step on one in the middle of the night. Ouch!! LOL If you have dogs (we do) they absolutely can't run in the grass. We bought our pups doggy boots which help some. And this time we brought our leaf blower to blow them off the concrete pad. 4th the winds here can reach 60 mph. Just prepare for it by never leaving awnings out and when bad bring slides in so awning toppers don't get ripped off. (It happened to our neighbors last year) Ants, there are tons of them. I use citronella spray around our leveling gear and tires to deter them from living with us. Lastly if you don't want salt on your rigs don't come here. There are times when its so thick you could use an ice scraper.
    Even with those items we really like it here. You can't beat the location to Padre Island and Port Aransas. The sunsets are amazing and walking the private beach daily is never tiring.

  • Napunani
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Overused and it shows it

    Pros:

    • Super friendly Park Headquarters personnel

    l• Great aluminum floating fishing pier with a covered fish cleaning pavilion

    • Site aluminum picnic table on concert pad under a tree

    • Park entrance gate closed 10 pm to 7 am, but an access code was provided at check-in

    • Toilet/shower clean, but just worn out and desperately needing renovation

    • Great CCC-constructed pavilion

    • 3 bars AT&T cell service

    • Howling coyotes nightly 

    Cons:

    • Overused park that desperately needs some infrastructure improvements

    • Unlevel side-to-side concert site parking pad was in poor condition and barely long enough for 28 ft trailer

    • Septic system cleanout pipe smack in the middle of our campsite causing a tripping hazard

    • Metal fire pit with cooking grate was overflowing with ash upon arrival

    • No vegetation between sites= no privacy from neighbors

    • Constant vehicle traffic through campground loop• Toilets were difficult to flush and clogged easily.

    • Toilet/shower building interior walls crumbling exposing the structure

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Great Camping area

    Great camping area. Pull through camping pads. Clean sites fire ring grill combos. Nice lake clean restrooms. Small town is really close if you need something. T-Mobile phone signal was good, and I had TV reception.

  • Greg S.
    May. 30, 2024

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Labor Day Weekend

    Clean campground, was very windy right off the lake in spot 063. But quick access to the beach and fishing were nice. Picnic table was gross with bird droppings all over it and the concrete pad. Bathrooms were hit or miss. Men’s was clean and usable, women’s was ok but got worse throughout the day and evening and unusable (toilets were clogged) by the evening.

  • Price T.
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Early Spring get away

    Early spring 21 just went and had a blast. Fairly packed now that the state opened up fully. Over all though that time was perfect weather for kayaking and hiking the short trails that this park has. Tent camping is great and the spots are well payed out with plenty of space between them. Shower and bathroom facilities are in decent shape and do the job. Was impressed for havi g never heard of it prior to arrival. Online reservations available to make it easier.

  • Chris S.
    May. 7, 2019

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Nice Easter weekend getaway

    Very large spacious campsite . Restroom and shower located very close by. Camped site 60/61. Beautiful grounds. Lake walking distance . Had a wonderful time

  • Deborah C.
    Jun. 11, 2020

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Lake Corpus Christi state park June-2020

    While the lake is beautiful,the park feels neglected. Our campsite #64 in the catfish cove campground was awful, not sure when they had last mowed, there were stickers/cockle burrs everywhere. We spent time pulling as many of those and high grass as we could,but still got them all in our shoes and socks. The shelter over the picnic table had many bird nests and the picnic table was nasty. The bathrooms were ok, the shower curtains had mold/mildew. We hiked the catfish point trail which had not been maintained. We went through the online process to rent a kayak, had some problems which were easily resolved.

  • M
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park Campground

    Great State Park!

    We enjoyed our one night at Corpus Christi State Park.  As with other state parks, it's a bargain, especially with the State Parks Pass.  We had a nice pull through site with a  view of the lake and the marina.  The covered picnic table was nice and we were able to use the grill to make a great dinner.  The sunset was spectacular. We would return to this quiet and beautiful setting anytime.

  • Austin D.
    Dec. 2, 2021

    Military Park Kingsville Naval Air Station Rocking K RV Park

    Building a new campground

    Lots of full time military/GS/maintenance employees. Sites are backwards with all hookups on door side. Occasionally loud with jet noise when winds are from the N (underneath the downwind). New park is currently in the planning phase.


Guide to Alice

Tent camping near Alice, Texas presents unique challenges due to the region's semi-arid climate and limited public lands. The South Texas terrain features brush country with mesquite, huisache, and prickly pear cacti dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures regularly reach 100°F, while winter nights can drop below 40°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for visitors exploring the area.

What to do

Wildlife watching opportunities: John J. Sablatura Park offers observation areas for spotting local wildlife including white-tailed deer and numerous bird species native to the coastal bend region of Texas.

Fishing excursions: Labonte Park provides access to the Nueces River where campers can fish for bass, catfish and other freshwater species. The park becomes particularly popular during the annual springtime white bass run.

Hunting seasons: Escondido Ranch near Kingsville accommodates hunters during designated seasons with fifty-amp hookups available for base camp setups. The ranch requires advance registration and strict adherence to Texas hunting regulations.

What campers like

Proximity to coastal activities: John J. Sablatura Park serves as an affordable base camp for exploring nearby coastal areas. The park's location provides convenient access to Corpus Christi Bay and Padre Island National Seashore within an hour's drive.

Affordability factors: Labonte Park offers some of the most budget-friendly tent camping options in the region. The reservation system helps secure spots during peak periods, though amenities remain basic.

Open spaces: Escondido Ranch provides expansive camping areas without overcrowding issues common at more developed campgrounds. The open terrain allows for unobstructed night sky viewing for stargazing enthusiasts.

What you should know

Water planning essential: All three main camping areas near Alice require campers to bring their own water supplies. A minimum of one gallon per person per day is recommended, with additional reserves during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 95°F.

Limited shade coverage: The South Texas landscape offers minimal natural shade at most camping locations. Tent campers should bring portable shade structures, particularly at Labonte Park where trees are sparse along camping areas.

Wildlife awareness: The area supports diverse wildlife including javelinas, coyotes, rattlesnakes and scorpions. Proper food storage and regular campsite inspection help minimize unwanted encounters during overnight stays.

Tips for camping with families

Bug protection strategies: Insect repellent with DEET is necessary year-round but especially during warmer months when mosquitoes are prevalent near Labonte Park's riverside campsites. Consider permethrin-treated gear for added protection.

Cooling techniques: For summer tent camping near Alice, bring battery-powered fans, cooling towels, and set up camp before midday heat peaks. The lack of electricity at most sites means alternative cooling methods are essential.

Educational opportunities: John J. Sablatura Park offers interpretive information about local ecosystems that can supplement science education for school-aged children. The park's natural setting provides hands-on learning about South Texas plant and animal adaptations.

Tips from RVers

Generator restrictions: While tent camping is the primary accommodation option near Alice, RVers should note that generator use is restricted at all three main camping areas, requiring alternative power solutions or minimal electricity usage.

Limited hookup options: Escondido Ranch provides fifty-amp hookups but lacks water and sewer connections. RVers report bringing at least 40 gallons of fresh water for weekend stays, as local water sources are unavailable.

Leveling challenges: The terrain throughout the region tends to be uneven. RV campers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks and stabilizers, particularly at Labonte Park where the riverside camping area features variable surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alice, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alice, TX is John J. Sablatura Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Alice, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Alice, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.