Dispersed camping near La Porte, Texas offers direct vehicle access to coastal camping options, with most sites situated less than 100 feet from the water. Camping here requires self-sufficiency as these beaches have limited to no amenities. The region experiences tropical storm activity from June through November, with higher winds and potential flash flooding during these months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Brazoria Beach, visitors can enjoy both surf fishing directly from their campsites and deeper water fishing with minimal equipment. "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," notes one visitor.
Stargazing: Clear coastal skies make this region excellent for astronomy. The lack of light pollution at Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping creates optimal night sky viewing. "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy," reports a camper.
Beach combing: The Gulf currents deposit various shells, driftwood, and marine items along these shores. After storms, the beaches often reveal new collections. "There are shells everywhere," mentions one camper at Bolivar Flats.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Unlike developed campgrounds, these beaches offer significant distance between camping units. At Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed, campers appreciate the ability to select their spacing. "Absolutely breathtaking! Parked parallel to the dunes off the packed down sand! We're a good distance from all the houses to avoid any potential issues," notes one visitor.
Cost-free camping: The majority of beach camping options near La Porte are free or very low cost. "Dodge 2wd 1500 pulling 10 ft trailer with no issues getting in and out. Very quite during the week. There is some trash around and that is sad. We picked up every day but still needs help," reports a camper at Brazoria Beach.
Easy beach driving: Several locations feature unusually firm sand that supports standard vehicles. At Follett's Island Beach, a camper notes, "Sand is not soft so no 4x4 required. You have to be self sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf."
What you should know
Vehicle capabilities: While many reviews mention the hard-packed sand, conditions vary by location and recent weather. "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," explains a camper at Follett's Island Beach.
Insect preparation: Biting flies and mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly during warmer months and in the evening hours. "Beautiful location. You can park right up to the water. Wind was blowing around 30mph from the south so the waves were amazing to listen and watch. Kid had a blast too! Only gave 4 stars because of the biting flies... They were swarming out dog, we had to keep her in the tent most of the time," notes a visitor to Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping.
Trash management: Multiple campers report issues with previous visitors leaving trash. Since facilities are limited, bringing bags to pack out waste is essential. "Unfortunately this beach is not maintained and individuals seem to not know how to pick up after themselves," reports a camper at High Island Beach.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, weekday camping provides significantly less traffic and noise. "We stayed Monday-Friday and were the only RVer there Thursday night," reports a camper at Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping.
Temperature fluctuations: Coastal temperatures can change dramatically, even in summer months. "We went in November so it dropped to 40° in the night; be prepared for colder temperatures," advises a visitor to High Island Beach.
Mobile vendors: Some beaches feature ice cream trucks and food vendors driving along the beach, particularly on weekends. "Weekend also brings vender trucks coming down the beach all the time. We were a bit irritated at 1st but then bought ice-cream," mentions a camper at Brazoria Beach.
Tips from RVers
Level selection: When parking RVs, position parallel to the dunes rather than perpendicular to maximize stability. "We have AT&T and cell service was excellent. Weather was good while we were here although it got pretty windy a few nights. Tents may be difficult. We were in a 26' travel trailer so it didn't bother us much," notes a visitor to Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping.
Internet connectivity: Most beach areas maintain surprisingly strong cell signals, allowing for remote work capabilities. "We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV's there, other camper vans, and tents! Cell signal is strong," reports a camper at Brazoria Beach.
Wind exposure: RVs face constant wind from the Gulf, which can affect stabilizer effectiveness. "Hard packed sand. Tide is safely far from the rig. Boondocking and waking up to the ocean sound is amazing," shares an RVer at Brazoria Beach.
