The Bay City area of Matagorda County offers diverse camping experiences near the Gulf Coast, where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. With mild winter temperatures averaging 60°F and humid summers reaching the 90s, seasonal planning affects comfort. Mosquitoes can be particularly active in coastal camping areas during dawn and dusk, especially after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Matagorda Bay Nature Park, campers can fish directly from their sites along the Colorado River. "Fishing right outside your RV. Walk to the beach or there is access to drive on the beach I would advise a 4wheel drivevehicle," notes Ricky B.
Beach activities: The Gulf beaches are within walking distance of several campgrounds. At Jetty Park, "Close to the beach which made it easy to take a break to allow my toddler to take a nap," mentions Karissa D. The public beach is approximately 5 miles from some camping areas.
Nature exploration: Wildlife viewing and beach combing are popular activities. "Saturday morning 1.5 hour guided Gulf beach walk($5/pp) by Paige and Whitley. Paige knew her stuff as she was pelted continuously with questions and she never missed a beat!" shares one camper about Matagorda Bay Nature Park.
Mini golf: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation options. Crystal E. mentions that Jetty Park has "mini golf and 5 minute walk to beach," making it convenient for families wanting varied activities.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Campsites along the Colorado River provide scenic vistas. "The view to drink coffee to in the morning was priceless," writes Leticia M. about her stay at Jetty Park.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer concrete pads with full hookups. Dan D. notes about Jetty Park, "I set my tent up in the grass and enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the water." Some parks feature oversized concrete pads with picnic tables.
Fishing piers: Several rv parks near Bay City provide fishing access. Napunani mentions "Nice Colorado River fishing piers with fish cleaning tables with freshwater spigot and a super pier over the beach/ocean" at Matagorda Bay Nature Park.
Recreational facilities: Brazoria Lakes RV Resort offers "Stocked fishing lake, swimming pool, game room, gym. Beautiful outdoor kitchens w/tv's," according to Rachel L.
What you should know
Limited shade: Most coastal campgrounds lack tree cover. "There is absolutely no shade at all but other than that it's a beautiful little spot," notes Dan D. about Jetty Park. This makes summer camping challenging without additional shade structures.
Mosquito preparation: Insects can be intense, especially in certain seasons. Debbie J. shares, "Thank goodness we had our Clam screenroom with us, because the mosquitos got really bad at times" at Jetty Park.
Site spacing: At Serendipity Bay RV Resort, Jon L. warns that "Sites are very close together with little room to set up outside between RVs. Very little room to park vehicle once RV is in place and limited space to back in."
Shower facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. Liz P. reported about Lighthouse RV Park, "They are in poor condition and dirty to the point of unsanitary. For $35 a night we expect showers that are useable."
Limited services: Many campgrounds are located in small communities with few amenities. "No grocery stores in Matagorda but there is a Dollar General store," notes one camper, while another mentions "Bay City, 20-minute drive, for the closest Walmart, HEB and other retailers and restaurants."
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity: Choose sites that allow quick returns to camp. "My family and I really enjoyed this park. Every lot has a concrete slab as well as a picnic table area! They don't have a grille area that we saw but there are some at the pavilion," shares Karissa D. about Jetty Park.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature centers with interactive exhibits. Joel B. describes Jetty Park as a "Clean park with nice amenities. Great location. Easy beach access."
Packing essentials: Thorns and prickly plants can be problematic for pets and children. "There are a lot of prickly thorns, so need to be careful walking dogs, as they tend to pick up thorns easily," warns Debbie J.
Weather planning: The area's wind conditions can affect comfort. "Brisk ocean breezes made it impossible to deploy our trailer awning," notes a camper at Matagorda Bay Nature Park.
Tips from RVers
Monthly rates: For extended stays, Travelers Paradise RV Park offers reasonable pricing. Matt B. reports, "Good price, $375 a month+ electric, concrete spots, plenty of shade, wind blocks, very good location."
Accessibility: Most Bay City RV parks accommodate larger rigs. "Park roadways good condition with no speed bumps and easy to maneuver," notes Napunani about Matagorda Bay Nature Park.
Utility connections: Some sites have dual sewer hookups for convenience. "Some sites have two sewer connections," mentions a camper, which provides flexibility in RV positioning.
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential for waterfront spots. "If you book early enough you can reserve a lot right on the water wish is awesome!" recommends Karissa D.
