Cabin camping options abound near Hitchcock, Texas, mostly centered around access to beaches, bays, and water recreation along the Gulf Coast. Located just 12 miles north of Galveston Island, Hitchcock serves as a convenient base for accessing coastal camping facilities while avoiding some of the island's tourist congestion. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-65°F, while summer months bring 80-95°F heat with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: San Luis Pass County Park provides excellent fishing without requiring a boat. "This is a nice place if you want to fish. No boat needed. They have a lighted fishing path, boat docks and launches," notes one San Luis Pass County Park visitor.
Beach exploration: Multiple access points allow for beach recreation with varying levels of privacy. At Follett's Island Beach, "We camped out on the beach for three days at a few different locations and had no problems other than soft sand at one of the access roads. Minimal traffic in September and the beach was still cleaned of seaweed and debris daily."
Water activities: Beyond swimming, the bay areas provide calm water for various activities. "During the day we took our inflatable boat out on the bay, went fishing (no license needed at a state park) and went to the Oceanside beach," shares a visitor at Galveston Island State Park Campground.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Many campgrounds offer direct beach access, a major draw for visitors. "Very nice campground with easy access to the beach from pretty much any site. Rangers were very friendly and helpful. With such close proximity to Houston, it is a great weekend getaway," reports one Galveston Island State Park camper.
Resort amenities: For those seeking comfort alongside coastal access, Jamaica Beach RV Resort offers extensive amenities. "The park has two pools, an extra large hot tub, lazy river and a kiddo section. Access to beach is a block down. There is fishing piers on the bay to fish. There is a little cafe to get food," writes one visitor.
Waterfront views: Many campers value the sunset views from bayside camping sites. A camper at Galveston RV Resort and Marina notes, "This campground is on the water of Offatts Bayou which makes it a more reasonable price than the locations on the beach. Many sites have a water view. It is very convenient to all the places in Galveston as well as Houston."
What you should know
Free beach camping options: For budget-conscious travelers, free dispersed camping exists. A Bolivar Flats camper advises, "Check the weather! I was there the night of a tornado watch. 70 mile an hour winds and heavy rain. Got alerts on my phone... Weather the other days was great during sunlight. Bring a shovel if you want to start a fire and please be cautious about the winds blowing in."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during warm months. At Stella Mare RV Resort, "Month long stay, $730, water, 50 amp. End of October/beginning of November the park is booked out as well as during warmer months."
Beach conditions: The sand quality can affect vehicle access. "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," notes a Follett's Island camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer specialized facilities for children. "We enjoy the lazy river, putt-putt, and kayaking on the bay. It is an easy walk to the beach," notes a Stella Mare RV Resort visitor about their family experience.
Mosquito preparation: Evening insects can be problematic in certain areas. One camper warns, "The only downside? The mosquitoes!! Right at dusk they attacked with a vengeance. Be prepared for that!"
Entertainment planning: Campgrounds offer varied scheduled activities for children. "They have 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," shares a Stella Mare visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For privacy in otherwise crowded parks, consider location carefully. "We went with another family and got sites that faced each other. Made things really helpful and gave us a little more space than normal," advises a Jamaica Beach RV Park visitor.
Weather considerations: RVs near the beach face specific challenges. "We had a constant 15mph wind, so awnings were flapping, and your car and camper get covered in a salty residue," warns a Dellanera RV Park camper about their beachfront experience.
Facility knowledge: Knowing bathroom and shower locations matters when planning your site selection. "The RV circle doesn't have a bathroom, so we had to drive over to the tent circle each time, but those bathrooms and showers are really nice," notes a Galveston Island State Park camper.
