Best Campgrounds near Galveston, TX
Galveston Island and the surrounding coastal areas provide a range of cabin and RV camping options along the Texas Gulf Coast. Multiple established campgrounds operate year-round, including Galveston Island State Park Campground, Jamaica Beach RV Resort, and Stella Mare RV Resort. These facilities offer various accommodation types from basic cabins to full-service RV sites with hookups. Most established campgrounds in the area provide beach access or waterfront views. Limited dispersed camping is available at Bolivar Flats, which requires a permit and offers more primitive conditions compared to the developed resorts.
Camping in this coastal region requires consideration of weather patterns, particularly during hurricane season from June through November. Most campgrounds feature concrete pads with full hookups, though site availability becomes limited during peak summer periods and holiday weekends. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront locations. The coastal environment means campers should prepare for consistent winds, salt spray, and occasional mosquito activity near lagoon areas. A visitor noted that "even when crowded, Stella Mare is secure and quiet" with well-maintained facilities, though "we had a constant 15mph wind, so awnings were flapping, and your car and camper get covered in a salty residue."
Beachfront and bayou-adjacent camping locations constitute the primary appeal for visitors to Galveston area campgrounds. Several campgrounds provide direct beach access, creating convenient opportunities for swimming, fishing, and shoreline recreation. Family-friendly amenities feature prominently in reviews, with multiple resorts offering pools, splash pads, and organized activities. Many camping areas remain open year-round, with winter months attracting longer-term guests. According to one visitor, Stella Mare RV Resort hosts "events for all ages multiple times a week including kid and adult only crafts, candy bar bingo, wine night, s'mores, and golf cart parades for holidays." Proximity to Galveston attractions while maintaining a quieter setting represents a consistent theme across user reviews of the area's mixed-use campgrounds.
