Dispersed tent campsites near Bay City, Texas include freshwater river access points along with coastal locations. The region consists mainly of flat coastal plains with elevations rarely exceeding 30 feet above sea level. Most tent camping areas enforce a strict pack-in, pack-out policy for trash, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from May through September.
What to do
Fishing from shore or pier: Hollywood Bottom Park provides free camping with river access for anglers. "Free camping geared towards river use (raft/kayak/canoe). Great rest stop while on the Colorado River. The next access site is 18 miles downstream," notes one Hollywood Bottom Park visitor.
Beach activities for all seasons: Winter beach camping offers different advantages from summer stays. "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. Minimal traffic in September and the beach was still cleaned of seaweed and debris daily due to the hurricane and higher tides," shares a camper at Follett's Island Beach.
Kayaking and water sports: Tidal areas provide multiple launch points for paddlers. "We fished, kayaked, and rode our trikes. Every one there is super friendly and it's fairly quiet," writes a visitor about their beach camping experience.
What campers like
Privacy options: Many coastal sites offer isolation if you're willing to walk or drive further. "Parked on beach with nobody else in sight. Hard to beat free camping on the beach," reports one camper about their experience at Follett's Island Beach.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear coastal nights provide excellent astronomical viewing. "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy," according to a recent visitor at Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping.
Extended stay options: Many coastal sites allow multi-day stays without moving. "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," notes a camper from their tent camping trip.
What you should know
Sand conditions vary significantly: Some beaches are hard-packed while others require careful navigation. "Any vehicle can drive on the upper beach and there is light traffic during the day from beach day users. Late last night, there were kids doing wheelies in their pick ups and a very loud ATV blasted by around 2:00 AM so if this kind of thing keeps you awake you've been forewarned," warns a Follett's Island visitor.
Facility maintenance challenges: County parks typically have basic amenities but may lack regular upkeep. "No sand, only rocks. One set of bathrooms was very dirty and the other set were locked. All the best area say no camping," reports a recent visitor at Magnolia Beach.
Bug preparation essential: Coastal swamps breed mosquitoes, especially in warm months. "Went camping here and got to set up our tents right on the beach. Beautiful place to camp, but don't expect ammenities! Port o potties only, no bathrooms or showers. The biggest problem however, was the mosquitoes! At dusk we had to retreat to our tents immediately or be eaten alive," warns a Bryan Beach camper.
Tips for camping with families
Food options planning: Local dining exists but requires driving. "Lots of good taco options in the town over! We enjoyed Mr. Tacos barbacoa and al pastor tacos," recommends a tent camper from their coastal stay.
Entertainment preparation: Mobile vendors occasionally visit beach areas. "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," notes a visitor about their family camping experience.
Low-cost activity options: Beach camping provides affordable vacation alternatives. "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!" advises a family who visited Follett's Island Beach.
Tips from RVers
Self-sufficiency requirements: Most coastal sites lack hookups or services. "You have to be self sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf," explains an RVer about their beach camping experience.
Sand navigation technique: Even without 4WD, proper driving technique helps avoid getting stuck. "Sand is not soft so no 4x4 required. Free beach camping, No reservations needed!" shares an RV camper about coastal tent sites.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs greatly between locations. "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!" notes a visitor about their tent camping weekend on the Texas coast.
