Glamping and camping options near Kemah, Texas include locations on both Trinity Bay and Galveston Bay shorelines. The coastal area maintains a humid subtropical climate with year-round temperatures averaging between 50°F in winter and 90°F in summer. Mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive during summer evenings, especially in bayou-adjacent camping areas like Jarbo Bayou where concrete pads provide stable foundations during occasional seasonal flooding.
What to do
Alligator watching: Brazos Bend State Park Campground offers exceptional wildlife viewing with numerous alligators visible on moderate temperature days. "If you go on a moderate temperature day (this is the key. If it is too hot or cold you won't see Gators) you can see literally dozens of massive alligators. We are talking 6 feet long and right on the pathway," notes Ashley C.
Stargazing: The observatory at Brazos Bend State Park Campground hosts regular weekend events year-round. "The best part of this park is the observatory, which has special events and regular weekend hours pretty much all year. It's absolutely worth staying up late for this!" shares Kim B.
Fishing: Fort Anahuac Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with dedicated facilities. "This park has a beautiful open expansive green space. Ball fields, play ground, nature trails, boat ramp, fishing pier, fish cleaning station and even fishing from the bank," explains N I.
What campers like
Direct beach access: The beachside camping at Galveston Island State Park Campground offers convenient shoreline proximity. "Campsites are concrete, level, with a very nice shelter. We stayed on the beach side and easy access to the beach from pretty much any site. Restrooms are clean and well maintained all park," reports Jim P.
Updated facilities: The recently renovated beachside camping area at Galveston Island State Park features improved amenities. "Beach side is very nice since being remodeled. Great back in sites. Nice electrical and water service towers at sites. Great walking paths. Electric and water sites; nice dump station," writes James P.
Waterfront views: Fort Anahuac Park offers no-cost camping with panoramic bay views. "Free camping on beautiful Trinity Bay. You must be self-sufficient and park on the gravel. We stayed three nights. The bay is teeming with fish and beautiful birds," shares Leigh D.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Thunderstorms can roll in quickly at coastal campgrounds. Tucker B. describes Fort Anahuac Park: "Arrived here just before a big thunderstorm rolled in. But it was super cool to watch as the lights of Houston illuminated the sky across the bay."
Permit requirements: Fort Anahuac Park requires advance registration. "To camp you must be fully self contained, there are no hookups. You may see power in the park but that is for use at festivals, etc. Not for campers. Obtain a camping permit from the Commissioner Office," advises N I.
Insects: Brazos Bend State Park Campground mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months. "If you go in the summer you need to watch out for mosquitoes. The observatory is amazing on clear nights," notes Joseph P.
Campground navigation: Some RV parks can be confusing to navigate. Douglas T. observed at Traders Village RV Park: "The office gave us a map and showed us how to get to our site but virtually impossible to understand. A very nice gentleman that stayed here took us to our site. He said they have no idea how to do directions."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Mohawk County Park offers numerous family-friendly recreational facilities. "This park has pavilions, playgrounds, a pool, baseball and basketball courts. You can boat around the pond. They do have cabins to rent," explains Jeannette V.
Nature trails: Camp Mohawk provides accessible trails for children. "I love this park it's a great place to take your family my granddaughter loves to walk the trails, very clean," shares Angela R.
Weekend activities: Traders Village RV Park connects directly to a weekend market with activities for children. "Perfect with families with kids to wake up and go shopping and cheap all day pass rides!! This place is a Must go!!!" recommends Roxanne G.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Brickhouse RV Resort offers level concrete pads but with some limitations. "Nice level concrete pads. Very tightly packed together. Had a pool and clubhouse. Very nice clean bath/shower rooms and laundry facilities," notes Lawrence Robert T.
Amenities: Brickhouse RV Resort provides waterside sites with convenient facilities. "This is a newer resort with concrete pads and level sites. The resort is clean and well kept. Pool is located next to Jarbo Bayou for birdwatching, kayaking and fishing. There is a convenient laundry facility on site as well as a clubhouse," reports Pat M.
Power concerns: Electrical issues can affect equipment at some RV parks. At Palms RV Park, Heidi C. cautions: "Incorrect wiring with the 50 amp service destroyed our fridges and microwave. Owner was verbally aggressive and denied all responsibility."
