Beach camping dominates the Gulf Coast area near Friendswood, Texas, with most sites situated on compacted sand that allows for easy vehicle access. Most rustic camping locations sit 30-45 minutes from Friendswood along the shoreline between Bolivar Peninsula and Surfside Beach. The hard-packed sand areas support a range of vehicles without requiring four-wheel drive in most conditions, though accessing some spots requires driving through access points that can occasionally develop soft spots.
What to do
Fishing at sunrise: Shoreline fishing proves consistently productive at Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping, where campers report good catches throughout the day. One visitor simply noted it was a "Great time fishing here," while others mention bringing basic gear for casual fishing from shore.
Watching paramotor flyers: At certain times, especially weekdays, visitors at Bolivar Flats can witness paramotors (powered paragliders) flying overhead. As one camper described, "There are also paramotors that fly over head, they are fun to watch."
Beachcombing for shells: Early morning beachcombing yields the best shell-hunting opportunities after overnight tides deposit new treasures. A visitor at Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy."
What campers like
Weekday tranquility: Multiple campers specifically mentioned the difference between weekday and weekend experiences. At Follett's Island Beach, campers enjoy significantly more space and quiet Monday through Thursday. One reviewer explained, "Very nice strip of beach. Very quiet during the week. Weekend it get a bit crowed and because of the hard pack sand, some people were going a lot faster then the 15 mile an hour speed limit."
Spacious camping spots: The extended beach areas provide ample room between camping setups. At Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed, campers position "parallel to the dunes off the packed down sand" and stay "a good distance from all the houses to avoid any potential issues."
Food trucks and vendors: During busier periods, especially weekends, ice cream trucks and food vendors travel the beaches. As one camper at Follett's Island noted, "Ice Cream & Food Trucks pass throughout the day (if you have a sweet tooth)," and another mentioned, "Weekend also brings vender trucks coming down the beach all the time. We were a bit irritated at 1st but then bought ice-cream."
What you should know
Beach maintenance varies: Some beaches receive regular cleaning while others show evidence of litter problems. At Brazoria Beach, "They were combing the beach section I came in on," while at High Island Beach, a visitor cautioned, "Unfortunately this beach is not maintained and individuals seem to not know how to pick up after themselves."
Sand conditions for vehicles: The compacted sand near the water's edge typically provides the most reliable driving surface. At Brazoria Beach, a camper with a "Dodge 2wd 1500 pulling 10 ft trailer" reported "no issues getting in and out," further explaining that "not much of a chance of getting stuck unless you really try."
Bug activity levels: Biting insects can become problematic depending on wind conditions and seasons. One camper at Bolivar Flats gave "4 stars because of the biting flies... They were swarming our dog, we had to keep her in the tent most of the time."
Tips for camping with families
Vehicle positioning: Park perpendicular to the water to create a wind block for cooking and gathering areas. At High Island Beach, a camper advised, "Super pretty. It is the true meaning of dispersed camping, so zero established sites. Plenty of room to go out and turn around with a big rig."
Temperature preparation: Gulf coast weather changes quickly, with significant day-to-night temperature swings possible, especially in fall and winter. A High Island Beach camper warned, "We went in November so it dropped to 40° in the night; be prepared for colder temperatures."
School-year timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, visiting during school weeks provides significantly less crowded beaches. At Bolivar Flats, "We stayed Monday-Friday and were the only RVer there Thursday night."
Tips from RVers
Level setup considerations: The beach slopes toward the water, requiring leveling blocks for comfort. A camper at Bolivar Flats noted, "Beach isn't really flat, it slopes down towards the water, but it's close enough."
Wind protection strategies: Consistent Gulf breezes affect awnings and outdoor setups. An RVer reported, "Wind was blowing around 30mph from the south so the waves were amazing to listen and watch."
Tide monitoring: Though most camping areas remain well above high tide marks, occasional strong storms can bring water higher than normal. At Follett's Island, a camper shared, "We worried a little about the tide this time, but we kept an eye on it and it didn't come near us."
