Free beach tent camping provides convenient options near Lake Jackson. Follett's Island stretches 13 miles with several access points allowing campers to find privacy even when others are present. Surfside Beach and Bryan Beach both offer minimalist coastal experiences with varying amenities. Most beach locations have compact sand firm enough for standard vehicles, making off-road equipment unnecessary in most conditions.
What to do
Kayak fishing: Popular at Follett's Island Beach where flat packed sand makes launching easy. "Apparently, the fishing is pretty good, too," notes Lisa S., who camped at Access Road #4.
Beach hiking: Walk the 13-mile stretch of Follett's Island to explore diverse coastal environments. "This is a 13 mile Long Beach, so amenities may be far and few," explains Mitchell M. who stayed 100-150 feet from the water.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing opportunities away from city lights. At Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping, Alana B. reports, "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves."
Shell collecting: Particularly rewarding after storms or high tide. Hollywood Bottom Park features "very soft sand and great shell spot," according to one camper who visited this free riverside camping area.
What campers like
Privacy: Spacious beach areas allow for separation from other campers. At Bryan Beach, Jimmy R. notes it "gives you a bit of reprieve from the city" despite being "super close to town."
Cost-effective camping: Most beach locations offer free or low-cost camping without reservations. John H. who stayed at Follett's Island reported, "Hard to beat free camping on the beach," after parking with nobody else in sight.
Convenience of beach driving: The firm, compacted sand supports standard vehicles. "Very easy to access regardless of car type you have, won't get stuck in sand," writes Mitchell M. about Follett's Island.
Sunrise views: Early risers enjoy unobstructed coastal sunrises. "Sunrise was beautiful! I'll go again!" shares BL E. who camped at Follett's Island Beach in July.
What you should know
Beach cleanliness varies: Some areas receive daily maintenance while others accumulate debris. "The beach is wide and there are very small Dunes on the up side to camp against," reports Lisa S., who also noted county cleanup crews came through during her stay.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at dusk and during summer months. At Bryan Beach, Ashley C. warns, "The biggest problem however, was the mosquitoes! At dusk we had to retreat to our tents immediately or be eaten alive."
Limited amenities: Pack all necessary supplies as most areas lack facilities. "No amenities, water, showers or hookups of any kind," explains BL E. about Follett's Island, adding that "Generator usage is allowed, but you barely could hear any due to all the space between campers."
Weather considerations: Texas coastal areas experience significant seasonal variations. Gary N. who visited Follett's Island notes camping in a Class B vehicle, they "had beach mostly to ourselves. Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for."
Tips for camping with families
Shade structures: Texas sun can be intense, making portable shade essential. "Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT!" advises BL E. who visited Follett's Island in late July.
Access point selection: Some beach areas have better conditions than others. "North part of island has LOTS of debris, dead trees, branches, etc. No trash cans or porta pottys either," warns one camper, suggesting southern access points instead.
Entertainment options: Mobile vendors sometimes traverse the beaches. "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," shares Andrea P. about her experience at Hollywood Bottom Park.
Portable toilet solutions: Most beach camping lacks restroom facilities. "Be prepared to take your trash with & have a bucket for your business," suggests BL E. about the reality of primitive camping.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle positioning: Park strategically to avoid high tide concerns. "We only had water touch our tires one night," notes Cultivating Fire L., who camped at Follett's Island for three days in September despite hurricane activity and higher tides.
Beach access scouting: Check access points before committing to drive onto sand. "We had no problems other than soft sand at one of the access roads (check before you drive into the sand)," advises Cultivating Fire L., adding, "Just pick your driving lanes and parking spots carefully without 4x4."
Spacing considerations: Larger rigs can find sufficient room during off-peak times. "We were living on the beach in our 39ft skoolie for 5 days over christmas!" reports Jadon B. who stayed at Follett's Island Beach Access #5.
Self-sufficiency planning: RVers need to bring all necessities. Stefan H. who visited Follett's Island noted, "You have to be self sustained since there is nothing here...just you and the gulf."
