Top Tent Camping near Bay City, TX
Looking for tent camping near Bay City? Finding a place to camp in Texas with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Bay City campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Bay City, TX (8)
1. Magnolia Beach
20 Reviews•59 Photos•231 SavesBe aware of the tides and high tide line when choosing a beach campsite. Strong winds or storms can significantly elevate tides and create hazardous conditions along the Gulf Coast. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving on sandy beaches. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Follett’s Island Beach
11 Reviews•35 Photos•237 SavesFollett's Island is the 13-mile stretch of public access beach along the Gulf of Mexico that protects Christmas Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway from severe weather, and provides the community with free entertainment and relaxation. Visitors of Follett's Island enjoy fishing, swimming, and camping along the beach year round. The beach is available via public access entrances along Bluewater Highway, or CR 257.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Bryan Beach
2 Reviews•1 Photo•24 SavesBe aware of the tides and high tide line when choosing a beach campsite. Strong winds or storms can significantly elevate tides and create hazardous conditions along the Gulf Coast. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving on sandy beaches. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
5. Carl Park
Be the first to review!•1 Save- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
6. West Moring Dock County Park
Be the first to review!•3 Saves- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
7. Chamber Park
Be the first to review!•2 Saves- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews In Bay City
142 Reviews of 8 Bay City Campgrounds
Aaron D.
Guide
Brazos Bend State Park
Hidden Gem in the Texas Swamp
We stayed at spot 128 in the Burr Oak. It was very easy to back into, the site is super wide and full asphalt. Site was very level. Bathrooms were somewhat close, about 4 or 5 sites down with a shortcut through the woods. Not a lot of street lights throughout the campground made things nice and quiet at night. The site had good Verizon cell service, around 25-50 mbps. The Tmobile service was around the same. This place is very remote and the park itself is huge, we only stayed one night but it has a ton to offer! Overall the campground was clean, very quiet, with a ton of activities.
Mark D.GuideBrazos Bend State Park
ONE OF OUR FAVORITES
This park is really back in there as from the office to the sites it's a good distance which is nice. Level sites and more than enough room between sites. If you like hiking, you can get it done here, just watch out for the gators.....
- CCharles &.
RangerBrazos Bend State Park
Great State Park for Hiking/Biking
We stayed in spot 112 in February 2024.
- Sites are very nice, wide, and (mostly) level.
- Campground is kept clean.
- Bathroom is a bit outdated, but still clean.
- Trails are very nice and appear top be kept up regularly. Just watch out for the alligators.
- Don't forget to reserve a spot at the observatory on Saturday nights...
- 115116 D.
Scout
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.
TravelerMagnolia Beach
Boondocking only
Right by the gulf and on shell and coral covered beach. Free camping for all types up to 14 days.
Bob M.RangerBrazos Bend State Park
Loved It
We had fun here with our 3 year old granddaughter. Campsite was nice & large, well spaced out. Bathrooms are clean, and the trails are awesome. Saw about 20 alligators on Elm Lake
Martin S.Scout
Brackenridge Park & Campground
Brilliant
Wow, I recently had the most incredible stay at Brackenridge Park& Campground! this service helped me with this: https://andersenlab.com/services/security-management. I cannot stop raving about this hidden gem nestled in nature's lap. From the second I arrived, I was captivated by the serene environment and the welcoming atmosphere that enveloped me.
The campground itself is a true oasis for nature lovers like me. The lush greenery, towering trees, and the gentle flowing river created an idyllic setting that instantly put me at ease. Whether it used to be a leisurely stroll alongside the scenic trails or simply basking in the splendor of the landscape, I observed myself completely immersed in the tranquility of this place.
The amenities were top-notch too! The well-maintained campsites had all the necessities for a comfortable stay, and the clean restroom facilities were an added bonus. But what truly blew me away were the recreational activities available. From fishing and kayaking to bird-watching and star-gazing, there was once never a dull moment.
The first-class part was the pleasant and helpful staff who made me experience like a valued guest throughout my stay. I left Brackenridge Park& Campground with unforgettable memories and a rejuvenated spirit. I highly recommend this haven to anyone seeking a peaceful escape and a chance to reconnect with nature. This place truly changed my perspective on camping, and I can't wait to return!
- mmaryScout
Camp Mohawk County Park
Wonderful trip into nature without traveling 100 miles away!!
Camp Mohawk is a great get away close to home for many of us. The staff is very
helpful and and kind. They have cabins, dorms, tent camping, hiking trails, stocked
ponds for fishing, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball courts, pavilions for rent with
bar b q grills, plenty of picnic tables throughout the park for convenience of park goers.
Pet friendly with waste stations around for disposal of their waste. Free for day use
To make reservations call 281-756-2319 you and the whole family will have alot
of fun and won't regret it!!!
Josh M.Guide
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!
Dana B.TravelerBrackenridge Park & Campground
Beautiful lake
Randomly found this campground. There are some shaded spots and some wide open areas. All of the rv area is behind locked gates with codes that change. There is a police car that patrols the area. There are trails, a dog park, the lake, wildlife, an event center up the road, a small ball field and .... Wish I had found this earlier in our travels
- LeRoy Gloria R.Traveler
Brackenridge Park & Campground
Rv ready
Great place to stop at county park $10 a night $25 for water electric $10 for dry camp and golf course 
- AAndrea S.Guide
Brackenridge Recreation Complex
A Full Recreation Area with camping
A minimum of water and electric at every site (which we don’t need) The feel is more community park with camping. There is a 12 mile equestrian trail which bikes are allowed to ride on. Other flat trails are around the park and water. It is completely full this Saturday and there are lots of families, music and fires burning. I do not consider this to be a serene wilderness/wildlife area but a Camping area full of activities. Looks like a great place for a family reunion or wedding. Complete with frisbee golf, boating, swimming, dog park, playground and more. The grounds are very well kept.
- AAndrea S.Guide
Texana Park & Campground
Closed for bridge repairs
They are closed for bridge repairs. Sent down the road. There is no access to trails due to construction
- Nancy V.Traveler
Brackenridge Park & Campground
Quiet, comfortable campground
Great staff in the office to work with. Easy reservation and access to it after hours. Good security. Gate code required and security passes through frequently. Beautiful morning views of the lake and many deer in the field every night.
- ppaul C.Guide
Beacon 44 RV Park
Winter trip
Quiet well maintained park. Owners very nice and available when needed. Wifi works without issue. Nice quiet area to spend the winter.
Missy C.Guide
Shiloh RV Park
Basic stop over park
Mostly full timers. Older rv’s. They have a couple spots for stop overs. The people are really nice and friendly. Lots and lots of dogs but there is no off leash area for them. There is also a mommy and her teenager donkeys who like carrots and apples.
Kevin H.
LegendBrazos Bend State Park
Great State Park Spacous sites
First. Data. Download enough to watch FIFA final. Upload not the greatest. Visible, Verizon 5G, T-Mobile 5G. All great down but low upload speeds. Too many trees for Starlink
Awesome friendly gate house staff. Big park with camping loop. Will be back
- Kevin H.Legend
Brazos Bend State Park
Great State Park Spacous sites
First. Data. Download enough to watch FIFA final. Upload not the greatest. Visible, Verizon 5G, T-Mobile 5G. All great down but low upload speeds. Too many trees for Starlink
Awesome friendly gate house staff. Big park with camping loop. Will be back
NapunaniLegendBrazos Bend State Park
Beautiful
This would be a 5 star if there was sewer hookup
PROS
No fee to make my own on-line reservations
Park security gate closed overnight hours
Good space between sites
Grass mowed in each site
Extra wide campground roadway
Quiet during our weeknight stay
Wooden and metal picnic table on concrete slab
Pedestal BBQ grill
Metal firering (no cooking grate)
Clean, climate controlled toilet/shower facility.
Ample supply of TP, and hand soap but hand dryer didn’t work and no paper towels. Campfire wood for sale via honor system in the campground
Regular ranger patrol through campground
Lots of dumpsters throughout the campground
.85 miles round trip from site 114 to closest toilet/shower facility
2 bars T-MOBILE
CONS
No discount for a one night stay
Aggressive raccoons
Site 114 not level
No lantern pole in campsite
Site picnic table is anchored to concrete slab and not moveable
No WiFi
Cultivating Fire L.RangerFollett’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
Anthony L.ScoutBrazos Bend State Park
Back to nature with an astronomical view!
The birds singing in the meadow wake you gently in the morning. There's numerous trails to hike or bike. the observatory and nature centers a bonus to this well appointed state campground.
- lleahScout
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.
- MMARK T.Guide
Magnolia Beach
Wonderful
Kind of an off the beaten place but a real gem for Boondocking.
- JJeff T.Ranger
KOA Port Lavaca Matagorda Bay
Fun spot for waterside weekend getaway
We had a good time at this fairly new and well kept KOA for a weekend getaway, the kids loved being so close to the water and digging on the beach, they also enjoyed the outdoor foosball table and the fishing pier. When we visited in April it was very windy and we couldn’t rent the trikes or the kayaks, but we’d come back and do that next time.
Austin and Christel S.GuideBrackenridge Park & Campground
Easygoing
24/7 security. Gated access to camp areas. 4 clean bathroom/bathhouse. Putt putt golf. Great fishing lake access. No swimming spot - rumor of gators in water
- JJohn C.Scout
Magnolia Beach
Great location
Plenty of space water is very calm not much noise especially at night definitely would go back Free 👍
David N.RangerBrazos Bend State Park
Hike Bike Gaters and Birds
Might as well make this a national park. Was amazing. Campground has huge level pads with big campsites. Well groomed and very clean. So many walking and biking trails. We saw around 30 alligators, 100s of birds and 2 beavers (I think). Was humid and around 85 degrees most of the time.
Guide to Bay City
Camping near Bay City, TX, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Brazos Bend State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "If you like hiking, you can get it done here, just watch out for the gators." The trails are well-maintained and provide a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
- Beach Access: At Galveston Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beach with your family. One camper said, "Concrete pads, clean shower house, picnic table under gazebo, leashed dog allowed on beach." It’s a perfect spot for a day of sun and sand.
- Fishing and Wildlife Watching: Quintana Beach County Park is great for fishing and spotting local wildlife. A reviewer noted, "The beach was great. Dogs allowed everywhere as long as leashed. Great place to relax."
What campers like:
- Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Stephen Austin State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The sites are nearby, but the spacious yard has a cement patio, picnic table, and fire pit."
- Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for Galveston Island KOA Holiday stated, "Clean showers and bathrooms (both in one private room), ample pay laundry, hot tub, heated pool and LAZY RIVER!"
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at various campgrounds. A visitor at Brackenridge Park & Campground said, "Great staff in the office to work with. Easy reservation and access to it after hours."
What you should know:
- Watch for Wildlife: At Brazos Bend State Park Campground, alligators are a common sight. One camper warned, "Just watch out for the alligators."
- Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Campgrounds like Magnolia Beach have fewer amenities. A review mentioned, "The showers are absolutely horrendous...but it's beautiful to wake up to a beach."
- Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A visitor at Follett’s Island Beach noted, "The beach was still cleaned of seaweed and debris daily...but the weekend was slammed with all sorts of trucks and cars parked on the beach."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Quintana Beach County Park, which has playgrounds and beach access. One parent said, "Beach wasn’t crowded, playground, showers, toilets, beach access with rinsing station! Loved it!"
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Galveston Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Friendly staff, clean facilities, great beach walks, large sites."
- Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, especially if you're going to a more remote site like Magnolia Beach. A visitor advised, "You have to be self-sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Lengths: Some campgrounds have shorter sites. A reviewer at Lake Texana State Park noted, "Most campsites are short in length. We saw numerous 25ft and bigger rigs struggling to back into sites."
- Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Stephen Austin State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper mentioned, "Great place to stop at county park $10 a night $25 for water electric."
- Be Prepared for Limited WiFi: Many campgrounds have spotty internet. A visitor at Brackenridge Park & Campground said, "Good security. Gate code required and security passes through frequently."
Camping around Bay City, TX, has something for everyone, whether you're in an RV or tent camping. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bay City, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bay City, TX is Magnolia Beach with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bay City, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Bay City, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.