Best Dispersed Camping near Fulton, TX

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Fulton, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fulton, TX (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach

    1. Port Aransas Permit Beach

    15 Reviews
    56 Photos
    128 Saves
    Port Aransas, Texas

    In Port ‘A’, it’s all about fun in the sun and sand! The beaches of Mustang Island are fantastically unique. There are eighteen miles of uninterrupted public shoreline, open for street legal vehicles and all things beachy! The warm Gulf waters and soft Texas sand are the perfect backdrop for a day full of beach, recreational activities, and nights highlighted with moonlight strolls. Parking a car on the beach requires a $12 annual sticker that can be purchased at City Hall (710 W. Avenue A), our local grocery store Family Center IGA, from local convenience stores or from vendors located on the beach. The sticker allows the vehicle to park along the beach from the City Limit at Lantana Dr near Horace Cladwell Pier through Port Aransas Beach to the Kleberg County line (south of Bob Hall Pier) making it valid in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi. 58. An additional $40.00 permit is required for Port Aransas camping. Small campfires 3 ft. x 3ft. are allowed on the beach.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach

    2. Magnolia Beach

    20 Reviews
    59 Photos
    234 Saves
    Austwell, Texas

    Be 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

    3. North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

    14 Reviews
    38 Photos
    197 Saves
    Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

    Be 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach

    4. Magnolia Beach

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    12 Saves
    Austwell, Texas

    Free camping is available on Magnolia Beach for 14 nights. It is one of the best beaches on the Texas Gulf coast that offers free RV camping! Port Lavaca and Magnolia Beach is located in the Matagorda Bay.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Fulton

    51 Reviews of 5 Fulton Campgrounds


    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Another Great Stay

      This is our second time to Boondock on the beach. We were at marker 25 and once again thoroughly enjoyed it. It was Labor Day weekend so it was PACKED. People will pile in on top of you, but that’s the way it is. Not enough beach for so many people. The meter maid lady will harass you endlessly, but we just ignored her and continued having fun. There is a 3 night maximum in a 21 day period. Don’t try to outsmart the meter maid. She takes pictures of license plates and writes down the departure dates. She enjoys enforcing the rules.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Jun. 9, 2024

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Great Stay

      We are Boondocking at MM 27 there are of course no hookups but I.B Magee allows you to dump and fill your tanks for $10. People pile on top of you during the day and we got a $281 ticket for parking parallel to the beach (we thought you only had to be perpendicular at the posts). That’s all the bad. Literally it. The beach is beautiful, the breeze is so nice we didn’t even run our generator during the day, the people are so fun, and the luxury of not packing our stuff up to drive to the beach every day is wonderful. We are already planning our next trip.

    • 1The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Feb. 4, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Jan. 11, 2024

      Magnolia Beach

      Boondocking only

      Right by the gulf and on shell and coral covered beach. Free camping for all types up to 14 days.

    • Star J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Dec. 5, 2023

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      great

      It sounds like Port Aransas offers a fantastic beach experience! The allowance for small campfires adds a cozy touch for those cookie clicker who want to enjoy the beach atmosphere well into the evening.

    • Bryce M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Sep. 8, 2023

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Tons of space to set up camp

      Port Aransas offers miles of beach designated for camping and day use. You must have a beach camping permit to stay overnight. Weekends get a little crowded during the day, but it quiets down in the afternoon.

      Watch out for coyotes! They are everywhere and can be aggressive. We had at least 5 in the area, but they never came closer than about 50ft away.

    • mitch M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
      Jul. 6, 2023

      North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

      Summer beach camping

      Pull up, pick your spot, set up camp and enjoy. I suggest bringing fresh water to rinse off. Make sure you look at the beach to make sure you're not in reach of the tide. Those are probably the 2 most important things.

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Feb. 26, 2023

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      On beach - great in late February

      Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:

      We plan to return. Overall Rating: 4 Usage during visit: Moderate Site Privacy: Where we are, marker # 28, folks who come out for the day can and do park/ setup between the campsite and the beach. Further towards Port Aransas, barriers prevent vehicles parking such, but trailer is a bit further from surf. Site Spacing: Camping units about 200’ apart. . Apparently, much closer in peak season. Campground Noise 5 at night. 3 during the day. Note other folks on beach are enjoying their time in their own way during the day. Road Noise: 4 at night w an occasional vehicle driving by . 3 during day. Bathroom Cleanliness. 3 - chemical toilets. No TP .
      Cell Service (Verizon): 0 to 2 bars Setting: 5 surf sound all night Weather: 4 foggy at night and early AM. Windy at times. Low 70s are day time highs for us. Short pant weather. Solar: Great as soon as fog lifts. 3 nights and no need for generator. Host: Police presence Location: About 350’ from water, depending on tide . Nice.

    • l
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Jul. 20, 2022

      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.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Apr. 11, 2022

      Magnolia Beach

      Great location

      Plenty of space water is very calm not much noise especially at night definitely would go back Free 👍

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Jan. 30, 2022

      Magnolia Beach

      Very busy on weekends

      Beautiful views, but the weekends get very busy. I stayed the full 2 weeks and loved my time there! Free bathrooms and showers if you are willing to brave the cold water. No warm water - But it’s free! Definitely glad I stayed.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Jan. 26, 2022

      Magnolia Beach

      Dry camp beach

      Great setting on the beach with water at your back door. Site is ground seashells (hardpacked) for a great road surface to drive on and park your rig. There are shower/ bath houses at the east end of the camping area. Did I mention that it is FREE?!

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
      Dec. 15, 2021

      North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

      Great free spot

      Easy to get to and plenty of room right on the beach. There is no sign but google maps will take you right to the turn off. Ignore the sign that says entering fee area. I confirmed with Ranger that its a free area. They just ask that you fill out the slip at kiosk so they can keep track of the 14 day rule.

    • Woodring’s On T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Nov. 22, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      Awesome free camping

      We have been here 3 days and staying 2 more. Have showers and restrooms but we haven't used them. Nice quiet time on the water

    • Daniel B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Aug. 8, 2021

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Beach Bummin!

      $12 a year to camp on a beautiful and clean beach any time I want? Yes please! Just spent the weekend on the beach at Access Road 1A. Wasn’t over crowded and the beach was well maintained. Wind and rain rocked us to sleep in the RV and woke up to a cool breeze with clear sunny skies. Setting up the Friday morning before hand gave us first pick at a spot closer to the water. We will be back as often as possible.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Jul. 14, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      Free Beach Camping

      Amazing water front camping-and it’s free. The town has a store 2 min away for any last minute essentials. Definitely staying here again.

    • Doug W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Apr. 8, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      You can't get closer to the water without getting wet.

      Just chill. The place is clean, not much around and free. The beach is made up of shells, not sand, so some sort of protective shoes are needed. That aside, there is not much to do here except to relax. And that is just we wanted.

      When we stayed in early April there were plenty of other campers but at least I haven't been subjected to the sound of generators. It appears everyone is here for the same reason, chill.

      This is dry camping so bring everything you need. Any size rig will fit. Cell service is fair with 2 to 3 bars of Verizon 4g service.

    • Lisa S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Mar. 20, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      Authentic Charm & Free Camping

      Magnolia Beach is a mid-nineteenth century beach front community that offers authentic charm because it has not been gentrified. No high říše condos or pretentious sea side mansions, and no casinos or fancy resorts. There is a large inland estuary for birding and an elevated walk way with an observation deck leading into it. An interesting early history of the originál settlement Has been documented on about 20 plaques sited in the area of the estuary walkway.

      There are a number of options for where to park your rig, but all are waterfront and on the beach. The further down the beach side road you drive, the less congested sites become. There are dumpsters but that’s it.

    • James S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Mar. 4, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      Chilled Out Getaway

      The other reviews were very promising, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of peace and relaxation. I live in north Houston, and it took us about 3 hours to get there, on a Friday afternoon. Since we went in the wintertime, there weren’t that many people, but the people we met were very nice and welcoming. I highly recommend the burgers and breakfast tacos from the one stop shop up the road from the beach. Can’t wait to come back soon when the weather gets warmer!

    • Dennis
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Mar. 2, 2021

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Beach camping at its finest.

      Was here for 2 days fantastic place ....alittle rainy and overcast but very windy. Very hard packed sand no trouble driving anywhere on it

    • Rocco
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Feb. 1, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      Free beach

      Free beach camping. There’s plenty of other campers here. And seashells everywhere!! By day there’s a seeming ugly view of an oil refinery across the water... but by night that place lights up and there’s something more whimsical about it. This was fun for a one night stop along the way.

    • Rocco
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Jan. 24, 2021

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Dry camping on the beach

      Some areas are less populated than others. Multiple beach access points. Beautiful sunsets. Be sure to have the annual parking permit. Be ready to deal with fine sand in your rv and everything.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Port Aransas Permit Beach
      Jan. 23, 2021

      Port Aransas Permit Beach

      Boondocking on the beach

      $12 you can buy a yearly Beach Parking pass and can boondock on the beach for up to three days. These beaches are incredible and the City is constantly making it look nice. You can drive and camp on the beach. Our favorite part was having a bonfire on the beach at sunset.

    • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
      Jan. 6, 2021

      Magnolia Beach

      Chilled Out Vibe All Around

      Some places are just best discovered than read about, and Magnolia Beach is one such place. We came for a night, and stayed for a week. This place just might win the award for the most chilled-out camping area on the continent– but it would have to muster enough enthusiasm to enter the contest. Rather, all enthusiasm here is geared toward fishin’ and sittin’. 

      Drive through the small village into an unassuming beachside residential neighborhood and out onto the beach itself, where there is room to park nearly 100 RV’s. Most tent campers set up at one of the picnic pavilions where there is a bit more beach grass. The bathroom building has flush toilets, warm-ish showers (individual stalls), and external beachside rinse off showers. 

      Since the area does not charge a dime for your stay of up to 14 days, it is super important to take care of the place, i.e. don’t ruin it for everyone. So, bring plenty of drinking water, and carry away all your rubbish. The area does have trashcans, but not a large collection dumpster. 

      There is one convenience store/ take away restaurant with the usual suspects of chips, and beer–you can get a pizza to take back with you to the beach. The closest town with grocery stores, and other services is Port Lavaca, about 12 miles away. There is another similar camping area just down the road toward Indianola which has a similar set up if you find Magnolia Beach too noisy or crowded.



    Guide to Fulton

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fulton, Texas, where nature meets adventure. With stunning beaches and a variety of outdoor experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

    Dispersed campers should check out Port Aransas Permit Beach

    • This location offers a unique beach camping experience with the freedom to set up right on the sand. You can enjoy cozy campfires while soaking in the ocean breeze at Port Aransas Permit Beach.
    • Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, as many campers flock to this popular spot. It's a great place to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts and share stories around the fire.
    • Keep in mind that a beach camping permit is required, and it's wise to follow the rules to avoid any fines from local enforcement.

    Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fulton, Texas

    • For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Magnolia Beach offers free camping right by the water, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway without breaking the bank.
    • While the facilities may be basic, the calm waters and beautiful views provide a perfect backdrop for a peaceful camping experience. Just be ready to embrace the rustic charm of this location.
    • Weekends can get busy, so arriving early in the week can help you secure a prime spot and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

    North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore for dispersed campers

    • This area is known for its expansive beach and natural beauty, making it a top choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. You can find your perfect spot at North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore.
    • With amenities like drinking water and showers available, this location strikes a balance between convenience and the great outdoors. Just remember to fill out the required slip at the kiosk to comply with the 14-day rule.
    • The beach is accessible by both drive-in and walk-in, allowing for flexibility in how you choose to set up your camping experience.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fulton, TX?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fulton, TX is Port Aransas Permit Beach with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fulton, TX?

      TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Fulton, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.