Best Dispersed Camping near Bay City, TX

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Bay City. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bay City camping trip.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bay City, Texas (7)

    1. Magnolia Beach

    23 Reviews
    Austwell, TX
    46 miles
    Website

    "Easy access, easy parking on hard packed crushed shell & sand. We parked feet from the ocean, pay attention to high tide and park accordingly."

    "Free camping for all types up to 14 days."

    2. Matagorda Beach Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Matagorda, TX
    27 miles
    Website

    "It’s the Gulf, so the water is yeah…but lots of shells if you are into that, and even surfing back down near beach entrance."

    3. Follett’s Island Beach

    12 Reviews
    Freeport, TX
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 322-0791

    "Free beach camping, No reservations needed! We went on a weekend late July 2021, NO PROBLEM finding space. Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT!"

    "Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for.
    Clean and plenty of room. Good cell services. Not much in the area so pack your pantry in advance."

    4. Brazoria Beach

    5 Reviews
    Freeport, TX
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (979) 864-1541

    "We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV’s there, other camper vans, and tents! There are no hook ups, water, or trash available - pack it in, pack it out, please!"

    "No amenities. Great spot to camp for up to 14 days. Few other campers but plenty spread out. Love this spot."

    5. Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Freeport, TX
    44 miles

    "You can drive right on the beach! Sunsets are amazing but watch out for the bugs at night!"

    6. Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed

    1 Review
    Freeport, TX
    46 miles

    "We’re a good distance from all the houses to avoid any potential issues. No permits required and the signs upon entering the beach make no mention."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bay City, TX

44 Reviews of 7 Bay City Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Follett’s Island Beach

    South was better Beaching!

    Free beach camping, No reservations needed! We went on a weekend late July 2021, NO PROBLEM finding space. Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT! Plan ahead, stores are few and far between. NO amenities, water, showers or hookups of any kind. Tmobile Cell service wasn't the best. Generator usage is allowed, but you barely could hear any due to all the space between campers & the WAVES SOUNDING SO AMAZING! Sunrise was beautiful! I'll go again!

    Pros: Amazing View, Lots of Space, No harassment, Ice Cream & Food Trucks pass throughout the day (if you have a sweet tooth), beach sand is compacted so you shouldn't get stuck, several beach access roads to enter from. Camp fires 🔥 are permitted & I found firewood laying around.

    Cons: North part of island has LOTS of debris, dead trees, branches, etc. No trash cans or porta pottys either (we didn't mind that, but be prepared to take your trash with & have a bucket for your business, lol). A goofball left all their trash scattered when they departed after their 3 hr beach adventure. Most everyone was mindful of leaving things clean. MORE trash cans could help.

  • Joel D.
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Magnolia Beach

    Free boondocking (dry camping) beach

    Located between Port Lavaca and Port O'connor, TX. A mile or so of no-fee camping. No designated sites. Hard packed sand/sea shell surface, with paved access roads. Beach is pretty clean but beach appropriate footware is required. There is a bath house with free lavatories. We were there in August 2019 and March 2020 and the inside showers (4) were locked. There is a free use outside shower. There are picnic tables covered with 4 open sided concrete shelters. There are trash barrels in front of all the shelters. The picinic shelter closest to the rest rooms is wheelchair accessable. No electric, sewer or water sites. This is a very windy place. If you tent camp, low profile strong tents are recommended. I've seen many RVs with generators, PV solar arrays and wind turbines. There are small convience stores and bait and tackle stores nearby. There is a fishing pier towards the Southern part of the beach. A few RV campgrounds in the area. It is kept pretty clean. In the warmer months the crabs like to hide in the bathrooms out of the sun. Don't be alarmed, they stay away from people. Don't miss the Camel memorial at the Southernmost entrance. There is a Geocache in the area.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Brazoria Beach

    Beach boondocking bonanza!

    We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV’s there, other camper vans, and tents! There are no hook ups, water, or trash available - pack it in, pack it out, please! Driving along the sand packed beach was easy. Plenty of space to spread out. Obviously it’s not clear water and white sand beach, but the view is still amazing and listening to the ocean waves is dreamy. There are a few convenience stores nearby, but it’s highly recommended to stop for groceries elsewhere. Cell signal is strong

  • Thomas B.
    Nov. 19, 2020

    Magnolia Beach

    Beach boondocking at it's best!!

    Easy access, easy parking on hard packed crushed shell & sand. We parked feet from the ocean, pay attention to high tide and park accordingly. We were there in mid November so too chilly to swim but still mid 70s so beautiful weather for fishing and hanging out. We caught a huge flounder for dinner. There's a 14 day stay limit although I'm pretty sure there are some who stay longer. Restrooms and showers available- bring your flip flops for the shower! Good place to collect shells and memories ❤️ IG @_GoWanderWithUs

  • Ted S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 11, 2024

    Magnolia Beach

    Boondocking only

    Right by the gulf and on shell and coral covered beach. Free camping for all types up to 14 days.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2022

    Brazoria Beach

    Beach camping

    Great place to park. Pulled in with 23 ft trailer and no problems. No amenities. Great spot to camp for up to 14 days. Few other campers but plenty spread out. Love this spot.

  • Gary N.
    Jan. 20, 2022

    Follett’s Island Beach

    A weekend getaway

    Class B camping. Had beach mostly to ourselves. Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for.
    Clean and plenty of room. Good cell services. Not much in the area so pack your pantry in advance.

  • Doug W.
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Magnolia Beach

    You can't get closer to the water without getting wet.

    Just chill. The place is clean, not much around and free. The beach is made up of shells, not sand, so some sort of protective shoes are needed. That aside, there is not much to do here except to relax. And that is just we wanted.

    When we stayed in early April there were plenty of other campers but at least I haven't been subjected to the sound of generators. It appears everyone is here for the same reason, chill.

    This is dry camping so bring everything you need. Any size rig will fit. Cell service is fair with 2 to 3 bars of Verizon 4g service.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2019

    Magnolia Beach

    Good free beach

    About a mile stretch of beach parking. Free, hard packed shell beach. 15 picnic shades with tables. Outside shower, flush toilets. Can park on beach or by shades. Plenty of trash cans. Very clean. 14 day limit.


Guide to Bay City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bay City, Texas, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature without the hassle of traditional campgrounds. With stunning beach views and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots are perfect for those looking to escape the city.

Dispersed campers should check out Matagorda Beach

  • Experience the unique charm of Matagorda Beach Dispersed Camping, where you can camp right on the sand and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping at the shore.
  • This location allows for campfires, making it ideal for gathering around a bonfire while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
  • Be sure to grab a beach parking permit from a nearby gas station before heading over, as it’s essential for accessing this beautiful area.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bay City, Texas

  • When visiting Brazoria Beach, remember that it’s a great spot for boondocking, but you’ll need to pack in all your supplies since there are no amenities available.
  • The hard-packed sand makes it easy to drive in and out, so you won’t need a 4x4 vehicle to access this well-reviewed beach camping area.
  • Keep an eye out for vendor trucks that occasionally come by on weekends, offering treats like ice cream to enhance your camping experience.

Follett’s Island Beach for dispersed campers

  • Follett’s Island Beach offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a quiet spot right on the water, perfect for primitive camping without the crowds.
  • The compact sand allows for easy access, making it suitable for various vehicle types, so you can enjoy a hassle-free camping experience.
  • With no amenities available, this location is ideal for self-sufficient campers who appreciate the beauty of nature and the sound of the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bay City, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bay City, TX is Magnolia Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bay City, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Bay City, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.