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Best Dispersed Camping near Matagorda, TX

31 Reviews

Matagorda Beach offers primitive beach camping directly on the Gulf shore with no facilities or hookups. A $10 beach parking permit is required, purchased at the gas station before crossing the bridge. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for navigating the sandy terrain. Campers can gather driftwood for beach bonfires, which are permitted. The area provides seclusion, especially when camping farther down the beach.

Several other free beach camping options exist near Matagorda. Magnolia Beach, located between Port Lavaca and Port O'Connor, features hard-packed shell beaches that don't require 4WD access. This area allows a 14-day stay limit and includes basic amenities like flush toilets, cold showers, trash receptacles, and covered picnic tables. Brazoria Beach and Surfside Beach also offer similar dispersed camping experiences with varying amenities. According to one visitor, "You can drive right on the beach and park feet from the water." Another mentioned, "Plenty of space water is very calm not much noise especially at night."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Matagorda, Texas (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Matagorda, TX

28 Photos of 5 Matagorda Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Matagorda, TX

31 Reviews of 5 Matagorda Campgrounds

  • Joel D.
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Magnolia Beach

    Free boondocking (dry camping) beach

    Located between Port Lavaca and Port O'connor, TX. A mile or so of no-fee camping. No designated sites. Hard packed sand/sea shell surface, with paved access roads. Beach is pretty clean but beach appropriate footware is required. There is a bath house with free lavatories. We were there in August 2019 and March 2020 and the inside showers (4) were locked. There is a free use outside shower. There are picnic tables covered with 4 open sided concrete shelters. There are trash barrels in front of all the shelters. The picinic shelter closest to the rest rooms is wheelchair accessable. No electric, sewer or water sites. This is a very windy place. If you tent camp, low profile strong tents are recommended. I've seen many RVs with generators, PV solar arrays and wind turbines. There are small convience stores and bait and tackle stores nearby. There is a fishing pier towards the Southern part of the beach. A few RV campgrounds in the area. It is kept pretty clean. In the warmer months the crabs like to hide in the bathrooms out of the sun. Don't be alarmed, they stay away from people. Don't miss the Camel memorial at the Southernmost entrance. There is a Geocache in the area.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Brazoria Beach

    Beach boondocking bonanza!

    We have stayed here multiple times in our camper van. There were RV’s there, other camper vans, and tents! There are no hook ups, water, or trash available - pack it in, pack it out, please! Driving along the sand packed beach was easy. Plenty of space to spread out. Obviously it’s not clear water and white sand beach, but the view is still amazing and listening to the ocean waves is dreamy. There are a few convenience stores nearby, but it’s highly recommended to stop for groceries elsewhere. Cell signal is strong

  • Thomas B.
    Nov. 19, 2020

    Magnolia Beach

    Beach boondocking at it's best!!

    Easy access, easy parking on hard packed crushed shell & sand. We parked feet from the ocean, pay attention to high tide and park accordingly. We were there in mid November so too chilly to swim but still mid 70s so beautiful weather for fishing and hanging out. We caught a huge flounder for dinner. There's a 14 day stay limit although I'm pretty sure there are some who stay longer. Restrooms and showers available- bring your flip flops for the shower! Good place to collect shells and memories ❤️ IG @_GoWanderWithUs

  • Ted S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 11, 2024

    Magnolia Beach

    Boondocking only

    Right by the gulf and on shell and coral covered beach. Free camping for all types up to 14 days.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2022

    Brazoria Beach

    Beach camping

    Great place to park. 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. Love this spot.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2019

    Magnolia Beach

    Good free beach

    About a mile stretch of beach parking. Free, hard packed shell beach. 15 picnic shades with tables. Outside shower, flush toilets. Can park on beach or by shades. Plenty of trash cans. Very clean. 14 day limit.

  • Doug W.
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Magnolia Beach

    You can't get closer to the water without getting wet.

    Just chill. The place is clean, not much around and free. The beach is made up of shells, not sand, so some sort of protective shoes are needed. That aside, there is not much to do here except to relax. And that is just we wanted.

    When we stayed in early April there were plenty of other campers but at least I haven't been subjected to the sound of generators. It appears everyone is here for the same reason, chill.

    This is dry camping so bring everything you need. Any size rig will fit. Cell service is fair with 2 to 3 bars of Verizon 4g service.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 6, 2021

    Magnolia Beach

    Chilled Out Vibe All Around

    Some places are just best discovered than read about, and Magnolia Beach is one such place. We came for a night, and stayed for a week. This place just might win the award for the most chilled-out camping area on the continent– but it would have to muster enough enthusiasm to enter the contest. Rather, all enthusiasm here is geared toward fishin’ and sittin’. 

    Drive through the small village into an unassuming beachside residential neighborhood and out onto the beach itself, where there is room to park nearly 100 RV’s. Most tent campers set up at one of the picnic pavilions where there is a bit more beach grass. The bathroom building has flush toilets, warm-ish showers (individual stalls), and external beachside rinse off showers. 

    Since the area does not charge a dime for your stay of up to 14 days, it is super important to take care of the place, i.e. don’t ruin it for everyone. So, bring plenty of drinking water, and carry away all your rubbish. The area does have trashcans, but not a large collection dumpster. 

    There is one convenience store/ take away restaurant with the usual suspects of chips, and beer–you can get a pizza to take back with you to the beach. The closest town with grocery stores, and other services is Port Lavaca, about 12 miles away. There is another similar camping area just down the road toward Indianola which has a similar set up if you find Magnolia Beach too noisy or crowded.

  • Barb N.
    Apr. 1, 2023

    Brazoria Beach

    Free Beach front camping is the best!

    Hard packed sand. Tide is safely far from the rig. Boondocking and waking up to the ocean sound is amazing. Take a walk with a garbage bag and help pick up liter left by others

Guide to Matagorda

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Matagorda, Texas, where you can enjoy the serene landscapes and the soothing sounds of the Gulf. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Dispersed campers should check out Matagorda Beach

  • Experience the unique charm of Matagorda Beach Dispersed Camping, where you can camp right on the sand and enjoy the privacy of a secluded beach.
  • Gather driftwood for bonfires and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, as this spot is often quiet with minimal foot traffic.
  • Remember to grab a beach parking permit from a nearby gas station for just $10 before you head out.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Matagorda, Texas

  • For a well-reviewed option, consider Magnolia Beach, which offers free camping with easy access and a calm beach environment.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; while there are no showers or toilets, the beautiful views and the sound of the waves make it worthwhile.
  • If you’re looking for a more rugged experience, Magnolia Beach provides a shell-covered beach perfect for boondocking, though it lacks some basic facilities.

Top attractions for dispersed campers

  • Brazoria Beach is a highly rated spot for those who enjoy driving on hard-packed sand while camping right by the ocean.
  • This area allows for up to 14 days of free camping, making it an excellent choice for extended stays without the hassle of reservations.
  • While amenities are sparse, the experience of waking up to the sound of the ocean and the opportunity to explore the beach make it a memorable destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Matagorda, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Matagorda, TX is Matagorda Beach Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Matagorda, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Matagorda, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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