Best Dispersed Camping near Bay City, TX

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bay City

40 Reviews of 8 Bay City Campgrounds

• 

  Thomas and James S.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 15, 2024

  Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed

  Gulf Oasis road 4

  Absolutely breathtaking! Parked parallel to the dunes off the packed down sand! 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.

• J

  Joe K.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 30, 2024

  Brazoria Beach

  Easy hard packed sand to drive on

  Drove in on a Monday and love it already. They were combing the beach section I came in on and I picked the first spot that was at least 100 yds away from the only two others that were there. So far so great.

• 

  Coleena and John Diggidy Dog H.

  Scout

  

  May. 8, 2024

  Brazoria Beach

  Great spot during the middle of the week

  Does not have the white sands of South Padre, but not much of a chance of getting stuck unless you really try. Dodge 2wd 1500 pulling 10 ft trailer with no issues getting in and out. Very quite during the week. There is some trash around and that is sad. We picked up every day but still needs help fosterm all. Weekend it get a bit crowed and becouse of the hard pack sand, some people we're going alot faster then the 15 mile an hour speed limit. Weelend also brings vender trucks coming down the beach all the time. We were a bit irritated at 1st but then bought ice-cream LOL  We live in Fort Worth and the trip here is about 200 miles shorter then South Padre so it will be a great place to hit when we dont want to travel that extra 200

• 1

  15116 D.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 4, 2024

  Magnolia Beach

  Rough

  No sand, only rocks. One set of bathrooms was very dirty and the other set were locked. All the best area say no camping.

• 

  Ted S.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Josh M.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 2, 2023

  Follett’s Island Beach

  Amazing experience

  We drove our 32ft class C (with tow dolly attached) on the beach without any issue getting in or out, and we saw multiple 2 wheel drive vehicles drive allllll the way down the beach. The sand is compact basically all the way throughout the entire beach. The weather was cloudy when we were there but the potential for a beautiful sunrise on the beach is there. There weren’t a lot of people on the beach during the week, but the weekend was slammed with all sorts of trucks and cars parked on the beach. Some small businesses drove by selling goods from their vehicles, like ice cream trucks and flags.

  Oh! And you know the scenes in movies where they have a campfire on the beach? But no beach ever allows a campfire? They allow them here!

• 

  Barb N.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 1, 2023

  Brazoria Beach

  Free Beach front camping is the best!

  Hard packed sand. Tide is safely far from the rig. Boondocking and waking up to the ocean sound is amazing. Take a walk with a garbage bag and help pick up liter left by others

• J

  Jack K.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Cultivating Fire L.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 29, 2022

  Follett’s Island Beach

  Quiet spot right on the water

  We camped out on the beach for three days at a few different locations and had no problems other than soft sand at one of the access roads (check before you drive into the sand) Minimal traffic in September and the beach was still cleaned of seaweed and debris daily due to the hurricane and higher tides - but we only had water touch our tires one night. Overall, great spot! Just pick your driving lanes and parking spots carefully without 4x4

• l

  leah

  Scout

  

  Jul. 20, 2022

  Magnolia Beach

  Beaten up

  This is a very beaten up part of a beach, but great for free camping! I would come here again for the camping part, not for a beautiful scenery(there's a factory right over the water on the other side which meant I did not want to swim in this), definitely not for the showers or restroom, but I would to sleep. The showers are absolutely horrendous. I told myself even if they were cold I'd use them, but these don't look to have been used in years and are DIRTY. Same as the bathroom, but those I'd have to use. It's beautiful to wake up to a beach no matter what and the best thing is that you don't need 4x4 to go here. It's hard shell beach, so there's no way you're getting stuck. Me and my friend used the outdoor shower made to wash off sand to rinse our bodies, but I wouldn't do a full wash in it. I also loved the fact that I could go to San Antonio and Houston then come back to the beach! I know it's about 2 hours away, but I definitely do not want to stay in a hot city. The best part about this place is if you keep your windows open at night a very nice breeze will keep you cool.

• 

  Izzy T.

  Ranger

  

  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

• M

  MARK T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 7, 2022

  Magnolia Beach

  Wonderful

  Kind of an off the beaten place but a real gem for Boondocking.

• J

  John C.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 11, 2022

  Magnolia Beach

  Great location

  Plenty of space water is very calm not much noise especially at night definitely would go back Free 👍

• N

  NickFromTexas

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 10, 2022

  Matagorda Beach Dispersed Camping

  Matagorda Beach Camping

  This is camping in the sand on Matagorda Beach.

  No accommodations. Will need 4 x 4 to get out and down the beach.

  Be sure to get a beach parking permit from the gas station before crossing the bridge, costs $10.

  Plenty of driftwood to gather for huge bonfires that we do every time we go.

  Very secluded, usually no one passes by if you down far enough.

  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.

  Just a great spot to go get away from it all and camp in the sand and make a huge bonfire.

• B

  Ben

  Guide

  

  Jan. 30, 2022

  Magnolia Beach

  Very busy on weekends

  Beautiful views, but the weekends get very busy. I stayed the full 2 weeks and loved my time there! Free bathrooms and showers if you are willing to brave the cold water. No warm water - But it’s free! Definitely glad I stayed.

• D

  Donald W.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 26, 2022

  Magnolia Beach

  Dry camp beach

  Great setting on the beach with water at your back door. Site is ground seashells (hardpacked) for a great road surface to drive on and park your rig. There are shower/ bath houses at the east end of the camping area. Did I mention that it is FREE?!

• 

  Gary N.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• S

  Stefan H.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 29, 2021

  Follett’s Island Beach

  Great free beach camping spot

  Free beach camping between access 3 and 5. Stayed here end of December. Nice temperatures and great view on the gulf. A lot of space. Some campers but a lot privacy. Sand is not soft so no 4x4 required. You have to he self sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf.

• 

  Mitchell M.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 26, 2021

  Follett’s Island Beach

  100 Ft from Water

  Very nice strip of beach. Very easy to access regardless of car type you have, won’t get stuck in sand. This is a 13 mile Long Beach, so amenities may be far and few. Didn’t have any at the spot I stayed. There are multiple beach access points and you can drive right on and drive where you need to get privacy. There was no trash where I stayed and no debris. There is a sand and grass barrier between the beach and the main road. Water is about 100-150 feet from top of beach. Being November, the temperature was mild and there weren’t that many bugs nor people. Lots of gas stations and stores along the way. No need to pay or get permit besides a $2 toll when coming from the East through Galveston.

• 

  Woodring’s On T.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 22, 2021

  Magnolia Beach

  Awesome free camping

  We have been here 3 days and staying 2 more. Have showers and restrooms but we haven't used them. Nice quiet time on the water

• B

  BL E.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• K

  Kassy B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 14, 2021

  Magnolia Beach

  Free Beach Camping

  Amazing water front camping-and it’s free. The town has a store 2 min away for any last minute essentials. Definitely staying here again.

• 

  Lea B.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2021

  Follett’s Island Beach

  Be Ready for the Bugs

  Pros: Loved camping on the beach. No problem on the sand. No problem finding a space even on a busy Sunday afternoon. Water was great!

  Cons: No trash cans in site. The bugs were immune to EVERY form of insect repellent we threw at them.

  That being said. We’d go back.

• 

  Nat&Rach C.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 14, 2021

  Follett’s Island Beach

  Reggie’s first beach

  Fabulous night’s sleep and morning swim and cup of joe! The stars were excellent at night and the sea breeze made for amazing sleeping weather. The morning brought warm sun which allowed for a pleasant frolic in the ocean after waking.

  Plenty of space for privacy, very quiet. Sand is very packed and we had no trouble getting in and out. $2 toll if coming from Galveston, so if you come in from the west, this can be avoided.

• 

  Doug W.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• J

  John H.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 5, 2021

  Follett’s Island Beach

  Free Beach camping

  Parked on beach with nobody else in sight. Hard to beat free camping on the beach.

• 

  Lisa S.

  Ranger

  

  Mar. 20, 2021

  Magnolia Beach

  Authentic Charm & Free Camping

  Magnolia Beach is a mid-nineteenth century beach front community that offers authentic charm because it has not been gentrified. No high říše condos or pretentious sea side mansions, and no casinos or fancy resorts. There is a large inland estuary for birding and an elevated walk way with an observation deck leading into it. An interesting early history of the originál settlement Has been documented on about 20 plaques sited in the area of the estuary walkway.

  There are a number of options for where to park your rig, but all are waterfront and on the beach. The further down the beach side road you drive, the less congested sites become. There are dumpsters but that’s it.