Best Glamping near Chapman Ranch, TX

Stayed here when a freak cold front came through complete with gale force winds. Although the internet service was effected, all other utilities remained online thankfully! As other reviews may have mentioned, this resort is comprised of privately owned lots, upgraded by the owners, and these are rented out when available. The site I stayed in was level, sewer 30/50 amp, water, and had a tiki hut with a wet sink, but I didn’t use the latter much because of the cold snap. 

The resort sits in the middle of Mustang Island, so no walking to Padre or Port A. However, this makes it quiet and it is well cared for. I especially appreciated the beautiful mature palm trees, landscaping and the clean bath house with nice showers. There’s a laundry on site. $2 per load and the office has quarters. It’s quiet and friendly. If you stay 1 week or more, then there is a meter reading for the electric, on top of the rental fee. 

The highlight for me was the proximity of this resort to the beach. Just a short walk to the boardwalk over the dunes and you’re there! Just beautiful. Very clean beach with portable potties available.

The wooded area camping loops wind through lovely groves of Texas Live Oak, and Loblolly Pine, which make great habitat for winter warblers. The sites are spacious and set reasonably apart from each other to offer some privacy. Most campsites offer water and electricity. These sites are MUCH quieter than the Bayfront sites, which are plagued by loud boat engine traffic.  This area is much for secluded, thus not alot of walk/drive by traffic going through.

The bathroom building with internal hot-water shower stalls was relatively clean and updated. The area is great for all kinds of low-key activities like fishing, biking, walking, paddling etc. I wouldn’t go here if I had my heart set on swimming, though. The water is relatively shallow and in the middle of a massive oyster colony, pretty sharp edges on those bi-valves, so be careful. 

One of the best activities, especially during the winter months, is birding. The area is the winter home to the endangered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and many, many more. Grab your binoculars and your birding guide!

I’ve been to about 10 different campgrounds this year on several different states. Goose island state park is by far the best. This time we stayed in the wooded area. I didn’t think I would like it (I loved the waterfront sites) but I loved it. The sites are a good distance apart and have new paved driveways that are very level. There is a pole for hanging lightning and a campfire pit. There is electricity and water. We are in site 115 and I have cell service which makes me very happy. I don’t think the site numbers 200’s have cell service as they are father in. It’s quiet and dark at night. The site has woods and trees behind so it’s very private. It can hold a pretty big rig. Ours is only 26 ft but it can hold much bigger. This site is fabulous. The weather is great and there are tons of things to do in the area. Book it! We are coming back.

Make sure to fill up on gas, water and ice before heading out on the 63 miles of available beach! You can drive for hours along sparkling waves with shell laden sand, passing isolated camps and groups fishing. If you want privacy, this is it! You must take all you need The cell reception is spotty, around mile 25.5 if you walk towards the bayside you’ll get a signal best with Verizon, and at Mansfield Cut. Any Texas beach camping is not for the inexperienced... BEACHES ARE WINDY, CAMP LIKE YOU’RE IN A TORNADO! METAL POLE TENTS WITH SAND RATED STAKES, & SECURE EVERYTHING!! Solar yard lights are great to set perimeters to late night drivers. There are jellyfish, wear long pants or bring meat tenderizer for the stings!! The Turtle Patrol passes several times a day. Yes there is strewn garbage, it’s deposited every high tide from all around the world, bring a rake, garbage bag and a reality check. People do speed, pay attention. Showers, dumpsters and toilets are only at the entrance to the beach/Malaquite Visitors Center. This is our favorite place to go because of the privacy, beauty and the fishing. Nights are gorgeous with starry skies, waves, and a fire. Make the time to check this place out, sit and pretend you’re the only person on your private island, you will be hooked!

This island state park is dedicated to getting out on the water and putting out a fishing line. I think there were more sport fishing folks than birds– and that’s saying something. The Bayfront area camping loops are set right up to the shore and offer amazing views of the bay, sunrise and sunset. The sites are packed rather close together, but there is certainly enough room for trailers and tents of all size.  All campsites offer water and electricity. The bathroom building is relatively clean and updated, has flush toilets, and external access individual shower stalls. Pro-tip: third shower from the left has good enough pressure to remove a tattoo!

The area is great for all kinds of low-key activities like fishing, biking, walking, paddling etc. I wouldn’t go here if I had my heart set on swimming, though. The water is relatively shallow and in the middle of a massive oyster colony, pretty sharp edges on those bi-valves– so be careful. 

One of the best activities, especially during the winter months, is birding. The area is the winter home to the endangered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and many, many more. Grab your binoculars and your birding guide! 

The only real downside is that the boat launch is extremely popular with airboat enthusiasts and their engines are crazy loud. If being awoken at 4am by some hunter/fisherman launching his boat isn’t your thing, then I’d suggest choosing the wooded area of this state park, away from the water and noise.

We stayed 14 nights in one of the Bay sites. Really enjoyed the view and sunsets. We watched Dolphins right in front of us every day. Pros: Bayfront site's view, easy in and out, easy set up, fishing, close to stores and restaurants, nice pavillion with picnic table at each site, Nice dock to fish off of and can fish right at your site. Clean restrooms. Pet friendly with 6ft leash rule. Cons: TTs and 5th wheels are supposed to back in. This causes the pavillion to be on the wrong side. You open your door to your neighbors pavillion. Motorhomes, Cs & Bs can pull in so the pavillion is on the correct side however the W&E hookups are then on the wrong side. (They are working to fix this issue) Wooded section is not big rig friendly. Low hanging branches and many sites difficult to back in to. (We didn't stay in this section, we drove through without 5th wheel) The air boats. There are 3-5 different ones that come in and out ALL day every day starting around 6:30am. They are so loud they vibrate the campers.