The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Brazoria, TX

153 Reviews

Tent camping near Brazoria, Texas centers primarily on coastal beach sites, with several primitive tent camping options along the Gulf Coast. Follett's Island Beach offers free dispersed tent camping along a 13-mile stretch of shoreline, while Bryan Beach in Freeport provides established tent campsites with basic facilities. Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping presents another option for tent campers seeking direct beach access. Inland options include Hollywood Bottom Park near Wharton, which offers four primitive tent sites along the Colorado River, and Chamber Park in Bay City with basic tent camping facilities.

Beach tent camping in this region requires self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. Follett's Island Beach and Surfside Beach have no drinking water, showers, or permanent toilets, though some areas of Follett's Island feature portable toilets and trash cans. The beach sand is generally compact, allowing standard vehicles to access most walk-in tent sites without requiring 4WD. Bryan Beach offers toilets and trash service but no showers. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water. Campfires are permitted on the beaches when no burn bans are in effect. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer bringing intense heat and insects, while fall through spring offers milder temperatures.

The tent camping experience along Brazoria's coast offers unique opportunities to pitch tents directly on the sand with Gulf of Mexico views. Privacy varies by season and location, with weekdays typically providing more solitude than weekends. According to reviews, the southern section of Follett's Island provides better backcountry tent camping conditions with less debris. One camper noted, "You have to be self-sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf." Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at dusk, with another visitor reporting, "At dusk we had to retreat to our tents immediately or be eaten alive." The coastal tent sites offer excellent stargazing opportunities and sea breezes that create comfortable sleeping conditions, particularly during spring and fall months.

Map showing campgrounds near Brazoria, TexasExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Brazoria, Texas (9)

Show More
Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Brazoria Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Brazoria, TX

6 Photos of 9 Brazoria Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Brazoria, TX

153 Reviews of 9 Brazoria Campgrounds

  • Napunani
    Mar. 14, 2022

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Parking Lot Camping Along the Colorado River

    Reserved 68 nights prior to arriving. Campground had 78% occupancy during our 3 night stay. 

    PROS Able to clearly hear the ocean roar from all campground 59 FHU sites 

    Campsite concrete pad level and in good condition 

    Park roadways good condition with no speed bumps and easy to maneuver 

    Lantern pole at some sites 

    Some sites have two sewer connections 

    Picnic table located on oversized concrete pad 

    Combo lock on toilet/shower entrance doors 

    Toilet/shower facility very nice

    Laundromat on site with 3 washers and 3 dryers.$4.25 

    Wood campfire allowed in off-ground fire pit with screen cover you provide and placed away from any grass 

    Fairly good dark sky viewing as campground street lights are limited 

    2 large wooden Colorado River fishing piers which are lighted from dusk to dawn 

    Putt-putt golf$10 

    Bagged ice machine across road from Park 

    2 bars VERIZON signal 

    CONS 

    Toilet/shower door combination changed during our stay and was not notified and had no access until we tracked down park personnel 

    Dog poop in the mens handicap stall Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday so obviously no one monitoring toilet facility

    $6 reservation fee for self made on-line reservation 

    10 campsites were reutilized to build elevated beach cabanas 

    Park quiet hours not enforced 

    No park officials or host cruising patrolling campground

    No entrance gate locked overnight. Lots of fishermen cruising through campground

    No shade what so ever. Some sites had a pergola over their concrete picnic table; Our site had no table covering. Brisk ocean"breezes", made it impossible to deploy our trailer awning

    No privacy from any other campsite

    Sites fairly close to each other

    No campsite campfire pits

    No on-site firewood sales

    Concrete picnic table unmovable No ocean"view" from any of the campsites

    No camp store in Park. Closest H‑E‑B, Walmart and Tractor Supply in Bay City. No grocery stores in Matagorda but there is a Dollar General store. Park WIFI poor; could only connect at toilet/shower facility

    No playground, basketball or tennis courts

    No pool or splash pad

  • Napunani
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    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

  • H
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Camp Mohawk County Park

    County park by Houston

    Nice wooded campground with a lot of camping and recreation options.Lots of day use activity. Shady camp sites! Nice basic tent camping with clean facilities. Came here to enjoy the wildlife refuges nearby so didn’t use the park too much, but it’s nice for what it is.

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Excellent campground.

    This is an excellent campground. In my opinion, the camper pads are really nice. Long and wide can accommodate small or large campers and motorhomes. They are fire rings picnic tables. There's firewood for sale, lots of wildlife sightings. I got 5G network with T-MOBILE service and excellent television reception. The bathrooms and showers are really clean.

  • Eby H.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Kameng Boots by Mishmi Takin at Brazos Bend State Park

    Campground Review

    It's incredible that I was born and raised in Houston and have lived here the past four years but haven't made it out to Brazos Bend State Park until now! A quick, 45 minute drive southwest will get you out of the concrete jungle that is the sprawling Space City metropolis and into one of the lushest, greenest parts of Texas. Brazos Bend is a "Nature Lover's Paradise" - there is abundant wildlife. There is great fishing, ample bird watching, and lots and lots of alligators (!). Lots of trails for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding. The George Observatory is a pretty amazing feature of this park (but only open Saturdays).

    We arrived at Brazos Bend on a Friday afternoon and were able to walk-in no problem. Walk-in rate is $12/day + the daily park entrance fee ($5 for adults, free for kids). I have a Texas State Parks Pass so we didn't have to pay the entrance fees (saved us $40 for two nights of camping!). Additionally there were several other great options including: Full-Site RV hook-up ($25/night), Standard Camping ($20/night, incl. water & electricity), and 14 Cabins ($80-200/night but have everything you could ever need or want).

    We did a lot of nature walks, game playing, and swimming during our two days at Brazos Bend State Park. Summer is probably not the best time to visit any park in Texas - its hot and muggy and the mosquitos are out in full force. Bring your DEET. Seriously. Despite that though, we were very pleasantly surprised by the amenities (swimming pool, screened in picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads!)

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this past weekend at Brazos Bend I tested out the Kameng Mid eVent Waterproof Hiking Boot by Mishmi Takin.

    These boots have got it all.

    First, these boots are hella comfortable! I was blown away how comfortable they were right out of the box. Over the years, I've owned many pairs of hiking boots and they all required a significant break-in period. Not these!

    Second, they're waterproof AND breathable. Not water resistant, like actually water proof.

    Third, the look great. All 3 color schemes are fantastic I had a tough time choosing between green, grey and orange.

    Fourth, so lightweight. These only weigh 1.5lbs so even though they are boots, they won't weigh you down.

    5/5 Would Recommend.

  • Melodie H.
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Galveston Island State Park Campground

    Tent camping

    Tents are allowed at Surfside sites but they are more difficult to get reservations then at the tent sites a couple miles from the surf. we stayed in the tent sites away from the surf. Fishing was close by. water at the sites but no electric. Electric and water at Surfside sites. Mosquitoes are worse at Surfside at night. Full hookups available with dump stations for RVs.

  • Teresa W.
    Dec. 19, 2018

    Galveston Island State Park Campground

    Galveston Island. Eco tourism friendly

    Beach side sites for RV or tents. High winds. All close to bath houses and beach walkovers. Bay side has two overnight loops. Tent loop has bath house, no electric, all open loop, next to great marsh view. RV loop has large public pavilion.
    Quiet park Great hiking, kayaking, private beach, ranger programs, birding, fishing.

  • Nona A.
    May. 12, 2017

    Galveston Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful Place to Camp

    There are two area's for camping in the park. The Bay Side is about 1.5 miles from the beach and about 150 yards from the restrooms/showers. The other is Beach side and is located close to the beach. Both offer electric and water hookups for campers. This restrooms and showers are clean. Park staff are very friendly and helpful. Each site has a shaded picnic table. The park offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Take a hike through wetlands lot's of wild life to see. Great place for those who are into birding. Park offers swimming, fishing, kayaking/ boating, hiking. Lot's do do for all ages.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Brazos Bend State Park + Aligators!

    Ok, I'll admit it. I visited this park for one reason only… to see alligators.

    Brazos Bend State Park does have other attractions like miles of hiking trails, campsites, water fowl and migratory birds, but the real attraction for me was simply to see live alligators in their natural habitat. If you have the same motive, this park will not disappoint. 

    This park is located outside of Houston. During much of the year the temperature can be warm to hot and muggy. I think that the best time of the year to visit might be in the winter during November, December or January. At other times of the year you may need to fight off mosquitos as big as alligators.

    There are a number of trails to hike, but I chose trails that would provide the greatest opportunity to see alligators. So we hiked along the 40 Acre Lake to Elm Lake Loop. We first saw a number of water fowl - ducks, cranes, egrets. Then right along the trail we saw a fairly large alligator. Now there are signs that warn to stay a safe distance away from the alligators and it is solid advice. But simply staying on the trail allowed me to pass about 30 feet in front of a resting alligator. I'm guessing that if the alligator wanted to get up and chase me it could have. I just calculated that I didn't need to be faster than the alligator, I just needed to be faster than my hiking buddies.

    We all survived and it was a pleasant experience.

Guide to Brazoria

Tent camping around Brazoria, Texas primarily follows the coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, with sites situated on compact beach sand accessible to standard vehicles. During hurricane season (June through November), campers should monitor weather forecasts closely as rapid evacuation may become necessary. The region features a coastal prairie ecosystem with elevations near sea level, creating distinctive camping conditions compared to inland Texas sites.

What to do

Beachcombing and shell collecting: At Follett's Island Beach, the 13-mile stretch of shoreline provides excellent opportunities for finding unique shells and beach treasures. "Sunrise was beautiful! I'll go again!" reports one camper who enjoyed morning beach activities.

Stargazing: The minimal light pollution at coastal sites creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. A visitor to Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping noted, "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves."

Fishing: The Colorado River access points offer freshwater fishing opportunities different from the coastal options. At Hollywood Bottom Park, campers report "great shell spot" with river access making it "a great rest stop while on the Colorado River."

What campers like

Beach privacy: Many campers appreciate the ability to find isolated spots during weekdays. "Parked on beach with nobody else in sight. Hard to beat free camping on the beach," reported one Follett's Island visitor.

Ocean breezes: The natural air conditioning from Gulf winds creates comfortable sleeping conditions. One camper at Bryan Beach noted the "lovely beach camping" experience despite occasional crowds on weekends.

Spacious sites: The extensive beach areas allow for spread-out camping. "We went on a weekend late July 2021, NO PROBLEM finding space," shared a Follett's Island camper, adding that "you barely could hear any [generators] due to all the space between campers & the WAVES SOUNDING SO AMAZING!"

What you should know

Sand conditions: Beach driving requires attention to sand firmness. One visitor at Surfside Beach advised, "Just pick your driving lanes and parking spots carefully without 4x4" while another noted, "Sand is not soft so no 4x4 required."

Hurricane impacts: Post-storm beach conditions can vary significantly. A September camper reported, "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."

Beach cleanliness varies: Different sections of the same beach can have drastically different conditions. "North part of island has LOTS of debris, dead trees, branches, etc. No trash cans or porta pottys either," while the southern section was noted to be cleaner.

Tips for camping with families

Time your visit: Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures for family camping. A winter visitor noted, "Being November, the temperature was mild and there weren't that many bugs nor people."

Sun protection: The Texas sun requires additional precautions. "Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT!" advises one Follett's Island camper.

Water activities: The Gulf waters provide natural entertainment for children. A visitor to Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping shared, "The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy. I couldn't imagine a better time."

Tips from RVers

Beach access points: Select your beach entrance carefully based on vehicle type. "Very easy to access regardless of car type you have, won't get stuck in sand," noted one camper, while another warned, "check before you drive into the sand" at certain access roads.

Supplies planning: The remote nature of beach camping requires thorough preparation. "Not much in the area so pack your pantry in advance," advised one RVer, while another mentioned, "Plan ahead, stores are few and far between."

Cell service: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "I have Verizon and have 3 bars LTE," reported one Follett's Island camper, while another noted "Good cell services" at the same location but "Tmobile Cell service wasn't the best."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brazoria, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brazoria, TX is Follett’s Island Beach with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Brazoria, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Brazoria, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring