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Best Dispersed Camping near Galveston, TX

43 Reviews

The sandy beaches around Galveston, Texas, have limited dispersed camping options for those willing to rough it. Galveston City Park Campground and Galveston Area State Park allow some primitive camping in specific areas. When camping without facilities, you'll need to bring everything with you—there are no bathrooms or water sources at these basic sites. The local rules follow standard Leave No Trace guidelines, and you must set up at least 100 feet from any water or roads. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many of the access roads to these sites are soft sand, so a vehicle with good clearance helps prevent getting stuck. Remember to bring in all your supplies from town (about 15-20 minutes away) and take out everything when you leave, including food waste. Check with rangers about current fire rules before your trip, as they change based on conditions and season.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Galveston, Texas (9)

    1. Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Port Bolivar, TX
    14 miles

    "From Galveston take the ferry across it's really convenient and free! We took our 26ft Class C RV on the ferry no problem. Pick a spot of the beach and just set up camp!"

    "Half mile stretch at end of access road to left is nice beach with dunes and free dispersed camping. Other sections require permit (on line or in person)."

    2. Follett’s Island Beach

    12 Reviews
    Freeport, TX
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 322-0791

    "Free beach camping, No reservations needed! We went on a weekend late July 2021, NO PROBLEM finding space. Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT!"

    "Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for.
    Clean and plenty of room. Good cell services. Not much in the area so pack your pantry in advance."

    3. Virtual Assistant

    Be the first to review!
    Texas City, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 521-2985

    4. Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed

    1 Review
    Freeport, TX
    24 miles

    "We’re a good distance from all the houses to avoid any potential issues. No permits required and the signs upon entering the beach make no mention."

    5. Brazoria Beach

    5 Reviews
    Freeport, TX
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (979) 864-1541

    "We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV’s there, other camper vans, and tents! There are no hook ups, water, or trash available - pack it in, pack it out, please!"

    "No amenities. Great spot to camp for up to 14 days. Few other campers but plenty spread out. Love this spot."

    6. Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Freeport, TX
    26 miles

    "You can drive right on the beach! Sunsets are amazing but watch out for the bugs at night!"

    7. Rollover Pass

    1 Review
    Port Bolivar, TX
    29 miles
    Website

    8. High Island Beach

    3 Reviews
    Anahuac, TX
    36 miles

    "It is the true meaning of dispersed camping, so zero established sites."

    9. Brazoria Beach Camp from Seagull Ave

    Be the first to review!
    Freeport, TX
    29 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Galveston, TX

46 Photos of 9 Galveston Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Galveston, TX

43 Reviews of 9 Galveston Campgrounds

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Follett’s Island Beach

    South was better Beaching!

    Free beach camping, No reservations needed! We went on a weekend late July 2021, NO PROBLEM finding space. Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT! Plan ahead, stores are few and far between. NO amenities, water, showers or hookups of any kind. Tmobile Cell service wasn't the best. Generator usage is allowed, but you barely could hear any due to all the space between campers & the WAVES SOUNDING SO AMAZING! Sunrise was beautiful! I'll go again!

    Pros: Amazing View, Lots of Space, No harassment, Ice Cream & Food Trucks pass throughout the day (if you have a sweet tooth), beach sand is compacted so you shouldn't get stuck, several beach access roads to enter from. Camp fires 🔥 are permitted & I found firewood laying around.

    Cons: North part of island has LOTS of debris, dead trees, branches, etc. No trash cans or porta pottys either (we didn't mind that, but be prepared to take your trash with & have a bucket for your business, lol). A goofball left all their trash scattered when they departed after their 3 hr beach adventure. Most everyone was mindful of leaving things clean. MORE trash cans could help.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Brazoria Beach

    Beach boondocking bonanza!

    We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV’s there, other camper vans, and tents! There are no hook ups, water, or trash available - pack it in, pack it out, please! Driving along the sand packed beach was easy. Plenty of space to spread out. Obviously it’s not clear water and white sand beach, but the view is still amazing and listening to the ocean waves is dreamy. There are a few convenience stores nearby, but it’s highly recommended to stop for groceries elsewhere. Cell signal is strong

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 11, 2022

    Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping

    AMAZING

    This place is EXCELLENT! From Galveston take the ferry across it's really convenient and free! We took our 26ft Class C RV on the ferry no problem. Pick a spot of the beach and just set up camp! The sand is very compacted and easily drivable. We saw all types of vehicles from golf carts to massive class A rigs. 

    When we were there is was not busy and there are only a few other campers. People come and go to use the beach to fish or play and cars will occasionally pass by your camp but it it not bad because you are literally yards from the water! 

    There are garbage cans set up up and down the beach which is miles long. 

    Bring water and pack out as much as you can and try not to fill up the garbage can you may be next to because there is quite a bit of litter on the beach. We picked up liter daily when we stayed. Mostly old garbage that has washed up from the ocean. Very peaceful and relaxing place to stay and will definitely be coming back here. 

    There are no bathrooms so you’ll need to be self contained. Good cell reception with ATT and Verizon

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2022

    Brazoria Beach

    Beach camping

    Great place to park. Pulled in with 23 ft trailer and no problems. No amenities. Great spot to camp for up to 14 days. Few other campers but plenty spread out. Love this spot.

  • Gary N.
    Jan. 20, 2022

    Follett’s Island Beach

    A weekend getaway

    Class B camping. Had beach mostly to ourselves. Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for.
    Clean and plenty of room. Good cell services. Not much in the area so pack your pantry in advance.

  • J
    Jan. 29, 2021

    Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping

    Easy access flat beach camping

    Half mile stretch at end of access road to left is nice beach with dunes and free dispersed camping. Other sections require permit (on line or in person). Watch tides and weather, but really easy safe beach with big views. There are of course oil tankers visible and so not a pristine natural area. Adjacent to a preserve. Excellent.

  • Nat&Rach C.
    Apr. 14, 2021

    Follett’s Island Beach

    Reggie’s first beach

    Fabulous night’s sleep and morning swim and cup of joe! The stars were excellent at night and the sea breeze made for amazing sleeping weather. The morning brought warm sun which allowed for a pleasant frolic in the ocean after waking.

    Plenty of space for privacy, very quiet. Sand is very packed and we had no trouble getting in and out. $2 toll if coming from Galveston, so if you come in from the west, this can be avoided.

  • Lisa S.
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Follett’s Island Beach

    Free Beach Camping

    Saturday, March 20,2021 Surfside Beach Access Road #4 Third day here. Temp 72°, light breeze, bright sun.

    A couple of other camping rigs in the distance early this morning along with two část fishermen with pickups at water’s edge. My dogs ran free.

    I moved up here from Access Road #1 two days ago to get away from people and noise congestion and was successful.

    Any vehicle can drive on the upper beach and there is light traffic during the day from beach day users. Late Last night, there were kids doing wheelies in their pick ups and a very loud ATV blasted by around 2:00 AM so if this kind of thing keeps you awake you’ve been forewarned.

    You won’t find camping amenities here, just sun, sand, and surf rolling in with waves big enough for light surfing. Apparently, the fishing is pretty good, too.

    The Freeport beaches are popular, but clean (I picked up one small bag of trash from around my site. The County came through this morning with a clean up detail of four.) The beach is wide and there are very small Dunes on the up side to camp against. No chance of water encroaching on your campsite.

    Love it here.

  • Mitchell M.
    Nov. 26, 2021

    Follett’s Island Beach

    100 Ft from Water

    Very nice strip of beach. Very easy to access regardless of car type you have, won’t get stuck in sand. This is a 13 mile Long Beach, so amenities may be far and few. Didn’t have any at the spot I stayed. There are multiple beach access points and you can drive right on and drive where you need to get privacy. There was no trash where I stayed and no debris. There is a sand and grass barrier between the beach and the main road. Water is about 100-150 feet from top of beach. Being November, the temperature was mild and there weren’t that many bugs nor people. Lots of gas stations and stores along the way. No need to pay or get permit besides a $2 toll when coming from the East through Galveston.

Guide to Galveston

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Galveston, Texas, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning beach views and a variety of activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for nature lovers.

Gorgeous Sunrises at Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping

  • Wake up to breathtaking sunrises that set the tone for a perfect day at the beach, making it an ideal spot for early risers.
  • This area allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars while listening to the waves.
  • With plenty of space to spread out, you can find your own slice of paradise, especially during the quieter weekdays.

Beachfront Access at Follett’s Island Beach

  • Drive right onto the beach with ease, thanks to the compact sand that accommodates various vehicle types, including larger RVs.
  • Enjoy the freedom of primitive camping without amenities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature.
  • The beach is less crowded during the week, providing a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind.

Fishing Opportunities at Rollover Pass

  • Known for its fishing spots, Rollover Pass is a favorite among locals looking to cast a line and enjoy a day by the water.
  • The area features hard-packed sand, making it easy to park and set up your camping gear without worrying about getting stuck.
  • With porta-potties and trash containers available, you can enjoy a more comfortable experience while practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for beach camping in Galveston?

Beach camping in the Galveston area generally follows a pack-in, pack-out policy with no hookups or amenities available. At Brazoria Beach, you can camp for up to 14 days at a time. The beach allows vehicles, tents, camper vans, and RVs with plenty of space to spread out. At some locations like High Island Beach, specific sections require permits while others offer free camping. Be aware of tides and weather conditions as they can affect camping safety. Most beaches require you to haul out all trash, maintain appropriate noise levels, and respect other campers' space. Campfires are typically allowed on the sand but check current fire restrictions, especially during dry periods or high winds.

Where can I find free camping on Galveston beach?

Several free beach camping options exist in the Galveston area. Follett's Island Beach offers 13 miles of beach with multiple access points where you can drive right onto the packed sand and camp for free with no reservations needed. The beach is easily accessible for all vehicle types. Another option is Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping, which is conveniently reached by taking the free ferry from Galveston. The sand is well-compacted for easy driving, accommodating everything from small cars to large RVs. Both locations have no amenities (no water, hookups, or trash service), so come prepared with everything you need and follow leave-no-trace principles.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in Galveston, Texas?

Permit requirements vary by location in the Galveston area. At Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping, you can access multiple beach points without permits, with well-packed sand making it suitable for all vehicles. However, some sections of Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed require permits that can be obtained online or in person, while other sections offer free dispersed camping without permits. Always check current regulations before your trip as requirements may change seasonally. Most dispersed beach camping in the area is limited to 14 consecutive days. Remember that even where permits aren't required, you must still follow all posted rules regarding waste disposal, fires, and vehicle access.

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