Dispersed beach camping along the Texas Gulf Coast provides primitive campsites with direct ocean access. The Brazoria area beaches offer rustic camping opportunities without developed facilities, making them ideal for self-sufficient campers. The coastline features a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Gulf waters remain warm enough for swimming from late spring through early fall, with water temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F depending on the season.
What to do
Beach fishing adventures: Access points at Follett's Island Beach offer excellent fishing opportunities directly from shore. "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," notes a Follett's Island camper.
Shell collecting expeditions: The beaches after storms provide the best shell-hunting conditions, particularly in early morning hours. "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy," shares a visitor at Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping.
Star gazing: Limited light pollution at more remote beach sections creates excellent night sky viewing. "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," reports a Follett's Island camper.
What campers like
Privacy and spaciousness: The extended beach areas allow substantial distance between camping setups. "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," explains a camper at Follett's Island.
Mobile vendors: Weekend food and ice cream trucks traverse the beaches at some locations. "Weelend also brings vender trucks coming down the beach all the time. We were a bit irritated at 1st but then bought ice-cream," mentions a visitor at Brazoria Beach.
Consistent cell service: Most beach locations maintain adequate connectivity for campers needing to stay connected. "We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV's there, other camper vans, and tents! Cell signal is strong," notes another Brazoria Beach camper.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Gulf Coast conditions can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. "Being November, the temperature was mild and there weren't that many bugs nor people. Lots of gas stations and stores along the way," reports a Follett's Island visitor.
Beach cleanliness varies: Different access points have varying levels of debris and litter. "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)," explains a camper.
Limited shopping options: Grocery stores and supplies require advance planning as nearby options are minimal. "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," notes a Matagorda Beach visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Bring shade structures: The open beaches provide no natural shade. "This is camping in the sand on Matagorda Beach. No accommodations. Will need 4 x 4 to get out and down the beach," advises a Matagorda camper.
Morning activities: Plan water activities early before afternoon heat and winds intensify. "The morning brought warm sun which allowed for a pleasant frolic in the ocean after waking," shares a Follett's Island visitor.
Safety boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for children as tides can change throughout the day. "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," notes a camper at Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Choose access points carefully: Some beach entrances have softer sand that challenges larger vehicles. "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," advises a Brazoria Beach visitor.
Position consideration: Park parallel to dunes rather than perpendicular to the water to minimize salt spray damage. "Dodge 2wd 1500 pulling 10 ft trailer with no issues getting in and out. Very quite during the week," notes another Brazoria Beach camper.
Water conservation: With no facilities, manage water usage carefully when rustic camping near Brazoria. "Saturday, March 20, 2021. Surfside Beach Access Road #4. Third day here. Temp 72°, light breeze, bright sun. A couple of other camping rigs in the distance early this morning along with two cast fishermen with pickups at water's edge," reports a Follett's Island visitor.
