Dispersed camping at Jamaica Beach, Texas offers primitive beachfront sites along the Gulf Coast. The region's flat coastal terrain sits at sea level with an average summer temperature of 89°F and winter lows around 50°F. Campers frequently experience strong coastal winds that require secure tent anchoring in the sandy soil, particularly during seasonal weather changes in spring and fall.
What to do
Stargazing on the beach: At Follett's Island Beach, the night sky provides excellent viewing conditions away from city lights. A recent visitor noted, "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy" at Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping.
Morning swimming: The early hours offer calmer waters before daily winds pick up. "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" according to campers at Follett's Island.
Shoreline fishing: Cast directly from your campsite without needing a boat. "Saturday, March 20, 2021 Surfside Beach Access Road #4... A couple of other camping rigs in the distance early this morning along with two cast fishermen with pickups at water's edge" reports a Follett's Island camper who observed consistent fishing activity throughout their stay.
What campers like
Expansive beach space: The dispersed camping areas provide substantial distance between campsites. "It's 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" explains a visitor to Follett's Island Beach.
Self-sufficient camping atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the minimal infrastructure. "Free beach camping between access 3 and 5. Stayed here end of December. Nice temperatures and great view on the gulf. A lot of space. Some campers but a lot privacy. Sand is not soft so no 4x4 required. You have to be self sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf."
Beach driving accessibility: The packed sand allows standard vehicles to navigate most areas. "Very easy to access regardless of car type you have, won't get stuck in sand" notes a camper who spent time 100-150 feet from the water at Follett's Island Beach.
What you should know
Variable beach conditions: Different access points offer distinct experiences. "North part of island has LOTS of debris, dead trees, branches, etc. No trash cans or porta pottys either" while the southern sections tend to be cleaner according to a July visitor to Follett's Island.
Mosquito preparedness: Insects can be overwhelming at certain times. At Bryan Beach, a camper warns, "The biggest problem however, was the mosquitoes! At dusk we had to retreat to our tents immediately or be eaten alive. So beware!"
Limited amenities: Most beach camping areas provide minimal facilities. "Port o potties only, no bathrooms or showers" at Bryan Beach, while at Follett's Island "There are porta potties every couple hundred feet and trash cans every few feet. So there are plenty of trash cans but the beach is a bit dirty."
Tips for camping with families
Ice cream access: Food trucks periodically visit certain beach areas. "Nice surprise is that there is an ice cream truck that goes by every now and then. Some people may not like it, but I think it's nice" reports a camper at Follett's Island.
Dog-friendly beaches: Most dispersed sites permit leashed pets. "Pets allowed, on leash. I brought my small dog Yoshi with me in this camping trip" shares an Andrea P. who enjoyed Follett's Island with their pet.
Sun protection requirements: The open beach provides little natural shade. "Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT! Plan ahead, stores are few and far between" advises a July camper who found ample space despite weekend camping.
Tips from RVers
Class B vehicle suitability: Smaller RVs navigate these beaches successfully. "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" reports a January visitor to Follett's Island.
Sand assessment: Carefully check beach conditions before driving RVs onto the sand. "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 (check before you drive into the sand)... Overall, great spot! Just pick your driving lanes and parking spots carefully without 4x4" advises a September visitor after hurricane conditions.
Vehicle positioning considerations: Understand tidal patterns when placing vehicles. "We had a blast! We were living on the beach in our 39ft skoolie for 5 days over Christmas!" shares a visitor who successfully managed a large converted bus at Follett's Island, though they note that water occasionally reached their tires during high tide events.
