Matagorda sits at the confluence of the Colorado River and Gulf of Mexico, creating diverse camping environments from riverfront to beachside locations. Most campgrounds in this coastal area sit at near sea level elevation, with flat terrain and sandy soil conditions. Weather patterns feature high humidity year-round, with strong coastal winds that can impact tent camping and awning use, particularly during afternoon hours.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers excellent fishing directly from waterfront campsites along the Colorado River. "Great location at the junction of the Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico. Clean and spacious lots, not over crowded," notes Crystal E. The park features "2 large wooden Colorado River fishing piers which are lighted from dusk to dawn," according to Napunani.
Beach exploration: Matagorda Bay Nature Park provides beach access within walking distance of campsites. Joel B. mentions it has "Easy beach access," while Dan D. explains "The public beach access is about 5 miles away and it's a pretty nice beach but you need 4 wheel drive to access."
Wildlife viewing: The coastal ecosystem supports diverse bird populations. At Magnolia Beach RV Park, campers can enjoy "Nice beach, store, tavern, and marina nearby," according to Diane C., making it an excellent base for nature exploration. The area attracts seasonal bird migrations and marine wildlife sightings.
Family activities: Some parks offer recreational facilities beyond nature. Monica C. describes Beacon 44 RV Park: "They have a pool with games for the kids, laundry room, a catch and release fishing pond, and a nice clubhouse equipped with a full kitchen, shower, pool table, games and puzzles." She adds that nearby "King Fisher Beach...is a perfect beach for little kids. We went a couple hundred yards out and were never over waist deep in water."
What campers like
Riverfront views: Many campers praise the waterfront locations. Debbie J. says Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers "a full hookup site on the Colorado River, and it was huge and pretty." Leticia M. adds that "The view to drink coffee to in the morning was priceless."
Sunsets: The westward-facing coastline provides spectacular evening views. According to Jenise at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, campers enjoy a "Really nice and provided a beautiful sunset!" Napunani confirms the park offers "Primo sunsets" in their review.
Clean facilities: Many rv parks in Matagorda, Texas maintain well-kept grounds despite challenging coastal conditions. Rachel L. describes Brazoria Lakes RV Resort as a "Beautiful resort! Stocked fishing lake, swimming pool, game room, gym. Beautiful outdoor kitchens w/tv's." Similarly, Greg S. found it "clean and quite."
Beach access: The proximity to Gulf beaches remains a major draw. Monica C. describes the nearby King Fisher Beach as having "plenty of sand. Beach and water are both soft on the feet, no sharp rocks or debris. We collected seashells, admired crabs in elaborate shells, and even saw a stingray!"
What you should know
Weather challenges: Coastal winds affect camping comfort year-round. Napunani reports at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, "Ocean 'breeze' made it impossible to deploy trailer awning." In another review, they mention "When the ocean 'breeze' died down and the humidity was up, we were attacked by swarms of mosquitos which required us to heavily apply repellent in mid-February."
Limited shade: The coastal location means minimal tree cover at most sites. One reviewer notes Matagorda Bay Nature Park has "Absolutely no trees or vegetation between sites which equals NO SHADE and NO PRIVACY." Similarly, Dan D. mentions "their is absolutely no shade at all" at Jetty Park.
Site spacing varies: Some Matagorda RV campgrounds offer spacious sites while others are more compact. Rob C. notes that at Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park, "although you are right on the Colorado river(20 ft from water) on one side and the gulf of Mexico on the other, you are also shoehorned into a small rv spot." Mimi B. offers a contrasting view: "Nice spacing between sites. Big rig friendly, level and full hookups."
Limited services: The town of Matagorda offers minimal shopping and dining options. Jon L. notes "The town has very few amenities and only a couple of restaurants and small stores." Several reviewers mention Bay City, 20 minutes away, is the closest location for major grocery stores and supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Choose beaches based on children's swimming abilities. Monica C. recommends "King Fisher Beach. This bayside beach is a perfect beach for little kids. We went a couple hundred yards out and were never over waist deep in water. The water is very calm (most of the time)."
Educational opportunities: Beacon 44 RV Park provides access to nature learning. "We collected seashells, admired crabs in elaborate shells, and even saw a stingray!" reports Monica C., highlighting natural exploration opportunities for children.
On-site activities: Some parks offer family amenities beyond camping. At Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Karissa D. notes they have "mini golf and 5 minute walk to beach," while another reviewer mentions the "Nature center with interactive exhibits, gift shop, snacks."
Shower facilities: Review bathroom amenities when traveling with children. Karissa D. cautions at Matagorda Bay Nature Park: "My only complaint is that the showers could use some updating and cleaning. I refused to allow the kids or myself in the camper with all the sand on us so we showered in the park showers." This contrasts with Lighthouse RV Park where Liz P. found showers "dirty to the point of unsanitary."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose waterfront sites for best views, but be aware of wind exposure. At Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Napunani advises "When the ocean 'breeze' died down and the humidity was up, we were attacked by swarms of mosquitos," suggesting campers should balance view preferences with weather protection.
Insect preparation: Coastal areas have significant mosquito populations. Jon L. at Serendipity Bay RV Resort advises: "Take plenty of anti-mosquito repellent, as around mid-morning and late afternoon, the mosquitoes come out in force."
Parking considerations: Some rv parks in the Matagorda area have tight sites affecting vehicle parking. Jon L. notes at Serendipity Bay RV Resort: "Very little room to park vehicle once RV is in place and limited space to back in."
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers different benefits. Paul C. describes Beacon 44 RV Park as a "Nice quiet area to spend the winter," and winter months typically see fewer insects and milder temperatures, though services may be reduced.
