Best Dispersed Camping near Ingleside, TX
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ingleside, TX (4)
1. Port Aransas Permit Beach
Port Aransas, Texas16 Reviews•57 Photos•128 SavesIn 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
- Group
- Dispersed
- Trash
2. North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas14 Reviews•38 Photos•198 SavesBe 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
3. South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas11 Reviews•43 Photos•288 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Market
4. Padre Island South Beach
Be the first to review!Padre Island National Seashore, Texas•14 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Trash
- Showers
$14 - $18 / night
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Ingleside
41 Reviews of 4 Ingleside Campgrounds
Tiffany S.
Scout
Port Aransas Permit Beach
Beautiful spots on water just park
Great spot to pull up set a tent up or pull your own camper in. Just get a $12 parking permit at the stripes gas station and you're good to stay over night!
- AAngela R.
GuidePort 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.
- AAngela R.Guide
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.
- RRon P.Scout
South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
South Beach, Padre Island National Seashore
We've spent many winter months around the Corpus Christi, Texas area and visit South Beach frequently. Plenty to do; fishing, sunbathing, bird watching, photography, and on some evenings after dark you can spot deer and coyote come out of the sand dunes to feed on seaweed and fish remains. We prefer to camp at nearby Malequite campground for $5 a night with water, bathrooms and showers. The visitor's center has some supplies.
Star J.ScoutPort 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.GuidePort 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.
Traveler
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.
LegendPort 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.- MMichael T.Traveler
Port Aransas Permit Beach
Great camping location
Beach camping at its best. You can camp for a maximum of the nights with a permit that costs $12.
- BBenGuide
North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Great spot!
Great Spot! Glad O stayed for a night.
- RRob N.Guide
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.
Daniel B.GuidePort 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.
Tucker B.LegendSouth Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Be Ready For Sand Everywhere!
Such a silly thing to realize. It is the beach, after all!
But my brain didn't compute that wind + sand = sand in tents, food, pants, etc!
But, still, this spot was easily accessible for our first night in the park (even with the coastal flood warning!).
There was no one in the visitor's center when we arrived just after 5pm. But they do sell ice there if you need to stock up before heading down the beach.
There's also water, trash bins, and a bathroom at that location. Just make sure you stock up on firewood before coming into the park!
- DennisScout
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
RangerPort 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.
- DDonellScout
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.LegendSouth Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Calling All Bird Watchers & Sea Shell Hounds...
There is a whole lot of Texas, but not a ton of public land lies therein. One exception to this is Padre Island National Seashore. With 63 miles of barrier island sand available to drive and camp on, it is impossible not to get away from it all. And if you are a card carrying "America the Beautiful" pass holder, this place is FREE to camp!
Once you move away from the developed roads to the seaside sand, which is easy enough to drive on even with just front-wheel drive so long as you stay on the flats, you leave behind any services, water, electricity and toilets. Bring everything you need with you and you’ll be fine. We brought our solar panel and had all the electricity we could possibly want for 8 full days.
Park your rig just to the dune side of the highwater “roadway” and you’ll be out of the way for the many vehicles who come to fish, camp, or just explore this natural wonder. No OHV vehicles are allowed on the beach, which is considered a highway, so leave the toy-hauler behind. Opportunities to birdwatch, hike or bike along the beach, play in the surf or just lie in the sand are as numerous as the stars. We found some LTE by hiking up onto the high dunes, but just enough to call, text, or check email.
Within 15 miles, the small community of Padre Island offers plenty of restaurants and gas stations but cross the bridge into Corpus Christi and you’re in full-blown suburban Texas. Ice and water kiosks are everywhere so bring your quarters to fill up.
- Jim L.Guide
South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island
I stayed here for a month. Just me and my back packing equipment. Just beautiful.
Tim W.GuidePort Aransas Permit Beach
Where the great state meets the sea
Beautiful beaches, some of the clearest water you will find in Texas. Head towards the state park for quieter crowds. Swim at your own risk! State park down the road offers tables, grills, water hook ups, showers and restrooms. Trash cans are available along the beach.
- CChastity H.Guide
South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
An absolutely stunning place to camp!
You are able to drive down the beach to find your perfect spot to set up your tents by the dunes! Very clean chemical toilets are near the beach entrance and very clean showers are up at the visitors center. During the day you will have day visitors set up near you but not on top of you but at night it was like we were the only people on the beach! Dig a hole and you can have a fire right on the beach it is absolute heaven!
- CChris B.Traveler
North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Epic Native Beach Camping
The largest barrier island in the world known for sheltering sea turtles. Make sure if you camp on the 50 miles of beach to bring long stakes to hold down your shade and tent - and camp way back to keep from waking up wet. Actual sites are great and have plugins as well.
- Lisa B.Guide
South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Beautiful and natural!
This is PRIMITIVE (even 1 mile down there’s no luxuries)= bring plenty of H20, food, GAS, supplies and a 4wd for the farther down areas. Having some understanding of beach camping will serve you well! The wind can easily blow over fiberglass pole tents (metal is best w/sandbag type weights & sand tent stakes, you will thank me!), the tide can sneak up and bury your tires while you sleep, read the beach and park accordingly. A shovel for a level sleeping area, dig out or unfortunately removing the occasional trash is a good idea. Come prepared to go without cell service and resort to communicating with one another! Any style portable toilet is necessary! I use a Nemo pressure shower to stay clean and sane. Pack it in, pack it out. Dumpster/toilets at beach entrance. The beach is a road, beware of speeding vacationers @ all hours. The Malaquite visitors center has showers and a park store. Rates are amazing for the experience trade off! Pay at the booth at the entrance or at the toilet/dumpster area (honor system). A great place to enjoy the beauty of the Texas coast!
- Karen S.Scout
Port Aransas Permit Beach
RV Camping
Loved the community
- JJ E.Guide
North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Gorgeous beach camping
Amazing coast and camping. Marred only by the speeding trucks and park personnel whose main job appears to be making sure the beach is clear for trucks to continue speeding.
- DDoug D.Guide
Port Aransas Permit Beach
Great Beach community
This is right on the beach with hard packed sand. Hard enough to hold large RV's. A beach parking permit is needed and can be picked up at the local Stripes gas station. Currently the permit is $12 for a year. However, parking in the same spot for a few days are allowed then you need to move. There are miles of beach to move to. Only Port a pots in the parking areas, no other facilities.
- OOscar E.Traveler
Port Aransas Permit Beach
Sad
Beach camping and the state park is still closed. Unknown when it may reopen. Still lots of devastation from Harvey. Although on the road to recovery.
Crystal C.LegendNorth Beach — Padre Island National Seashore
Drive At Your Own Risk, beautiful views and immense potential
When traveling to Padre Island National Seashore there are several options for finding the perfect spot to settle in. While improved camping is just an exit up for $8, those wanting to get the true beach comber off grid experience can do so at the North Beach turn off.
We went to check out this immense 60 mike stretch of beach that is advertised as untouched and unimproved, just drive out and set up for free. It sounded great, that was until we got there in a small car.
Depending on conditions the sand can quickly evolve from tight packed to shifty and almost like quicksand. Signs are clearly posted that driving out on the sad is indeed at your own risk and if you become stuck tow trucks can be called. What that sign does not elaborate on however is the heightened cost of those two services.
We drove forward a bit on the sand and began to bog down quickly and thus had to call the drive off. This limited our access to the miles and miles of beach ahead. Camping was available where we are however was very congested in this area which was much closer to the initial turn off.
While cost of camping here is free, there is a small cost of admission to the Seashore. My suggestion is taking advantage of the National Park pass which is good at any of the hundreds of national facilities for one calendar year. Cost of this is $80 per year but covers admission for up to 4 adults to landmarks and parks. This pass does not cover parking where applicable or camping.
TIPS:
- As there are no improved services pack a potty. While you might not need this on your trip better safe than sorry.
- Dig a hole for your campfire but do not simply cover it to extinguish it. Make sure you fire is completely out and cooled before covering it with sand otherwise the sand will insulate the heat and could burn the next person coming to your area.
Guide to Ingleside
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ingleside, Texas, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning beaches and a variety of activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into nature.
Top Activities for Beach Lovers While Free Camping Near Ingleside
- Enjoy fishing and sunbathing at Port Aransas Permit Beach, where you can set up camp right on the sand and soak in the coastal vibes.
- Experience bird watching and photography at South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Take advantage of the miles of beach designated for camping at North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore, where you can drive in and find your perfect spot.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Ingleside, Texas
- Always check the tide levels before setting up at North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore to ensure your campsite remains safe from rising waters.
- Bring long stakes to secure your tent at South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore, as the sandy conditions can make it challenging to keep everything in place.
- Be prepared for a lack of amenities at Port Aransas Permit Beach, where you’ll need to bring your own supplies and be ready for a more rustic experience.
Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers
- Keep an eye out for coyotes while camping at Port Aransas Permit Beach, as they are known to roam the area, especially at dusk.
- Spot deer and other wildlife at South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore during evening hours, adding a unique touch to your camping experience.
- Enjoy the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems at North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore, where the barrier island is home to various species, including sea turtles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ingleside, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ingleside, TX is Port Aransas Permit Beach with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ingleside, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Ingleside, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.