Best Tent Camping near Matagorda, TX

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Matagorda, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Matagorda. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Matagorda, Texas's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Matagorda, Texas (7)

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Recent Tent Reviews near Matagorda, Texas

80 Reviews of 7 Matagorda Campgrounds


  • Caitlin R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    Jan. 4, 2021

    Magnolia Beach

    Free beach camping!

    A mix of folks RV, car, tent camping! Some folks are definitely here for a long time.

    Pros

    • you can drive right on the beach and park feet from the water
    • plenty of space on the beach
    • pier at the end of the beach if you want to fish!
    • little pavilions with tables underneath
    • FREE!!

    Cons

    • one night we had BIG mosquitoes, there is some swampy standing water nearby
    • bathrooms are older. There was toilet paper but no soap or paper towels.
    • cold showers are at the back of the bathroom building, individual rooms. One shower room smelled like pee, another like smoke :/ but what can you expect for free?!

    Lots of good taco options in the town over! We enjoyed Mr. Tacos barbacoa and al pastor tacos.

  • Joel D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    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.

  • Dan D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Sep. 27, 2019

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Pretty Cool

    This park is located inside the Matagorda Nature Preserve and located directly on the ICW with a beautiful view from pretty much every camp site. The sites have electric and water hookups and their is a restroom located directly in the middle of the ground. Their is a self-service ice machine right across the street and that a plus because their is virtually nowhere to buy ice on the island and the closest convenient store is about 15 minutes away. It’s 27$ a night to camp and they allow tents and RVs which is pretty cool. I set my tent up in the grass and enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the water. The public beach access is about 5 miles away and it’s a pretty nice beach but you need 4 wheel drive to access. Showers are a little outdated and their is absolutely no shade at all but other than that it’s a beautiful little spot.

  • Monica C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beacon 44 RV Park
    Jul. 10, 2020

    Beacon 44 RV Park

    Quaint RV Park with Excellent Amenities

    It is a cute little place ran by a sweet, laid back couple, Doug and Mary Jo. This park has many more amenities than we have had lakeside camping. 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.

    Two miles from this camping spot lies 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) and the beach has 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!

    Other area places to visit:

    The Boggie

    Froggies Bait Dock

    Boat trip to Matagorda Island

    See our entire trip highlights at https://champagneondeck.com

  • Napunani
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park

    Colorado River Waterfront Camping

    Pros:

    • Quick and friendly check-in

    .• Large parking area that is rig-friendly for check-in.

    • Knowledgeable park personnel

    • Nature center with interactive exhibits and gift shop

    • Well maintained. Daily we saw the camp hosts working diligently, even hosing down and scrubbing bird poop from campsites.

    • Saturday morning 1.5 hour guided Gulf beach walk($5/pp) by Paige and Whitley. Paige knew her“stuff” as she was pelted continuously with questions and she never missed a beat!

    • Complimentary early Saturday morning coffee and pastries.

    • Along the Colorado River but you can hear ocean roar where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico.

    • Level concrete parking pad surrounded by grass. Back-ins and drive-thrus.

    • Two sewer hook-up outlets.

    • Large concrete picnic table.

    • Very nice and clean toilets/shower building in an elevated building accessible by a ramp. Must have code to enter.

    • Laundry facility in toilet/shower building with code entry.

    • Nice Colorado River fishing piers with fish cleaning tables with freshwater spigot and a super pier over the beach/ocean.

    • Primo sunsets

    • Bay City, 20-minute drive, for the closest Walmart, HEB and other retailers and restaurants.

    Cons:

    • LCRA $6 on-line reservation fee.

    • Absolutely no trees or vegetation between sites which equals NO SHADE and NO PRIVACY.

    • Ocean“breeze” made it impossible to deploy trailer awning.

    • No fire pits, but if you bring your own with a screen cover, you may have a fire, if you bring wood as no wood is sold at this park.

    • NOT A DARK SKY FRIENDLY CAMPGROUND due to way too many street lights throughout the campground, along the river bank and on the fishing piers.  This would be a 5 star campground if there was more darkness!

    • Complimentary LCRA WIFI was weak and unreliable.

    • 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

    • Not much in the town of Matagorda, basically a fishing village, and of those businesses, not many operating in mid-February.

  • Napunani
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Mar. 14, 2022

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Parking Lot Camping Along the Colorado River

    Reserved 68 nights prior to arriving. Campground had 78% occupancy during our 3 night stay. 

    PROS Able to clearly hear the ocean roar from all campground 59 FHU sites 

    Campsite concrete pad level and in good condition 

    Park roadways good condition with no speed bumps and easy to maneuver 

    Lantern pole at some sites 

    Some sites have two sewer connections 

    Picnic table located on oversized concrete pad 

    Combo lock on toilet/shower entrance doors 

    Toilet/shower facility very nice

    Laundromat on site with 3 washers and 3 dryers.$4.25 

    Wood campfire allowed in off-ground fire pit with screen cover you provide and placed away from any grass 

    Fairly good dark sky viewing as campground street lights are limited 

    2 large wooden Colorado River fishing piers which are lighted from dusk to dawn 

    Putt-putt golf$10 

    Bagged ice machine across road from Park 

    2 bars VERIZON signal 

    CONS 

    Toilet/shower door combination changed during our stay and was not notified and had no access until we tracked down park personnel 

    Dog poop in the mens handicap stall Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday so obviously no one monitoring toilet facility

    $6 reservation fee for self made on-line reservation 

    10 campsites were reutilized to build elevated beach cabanas 

    Park quiet hours not enforced 

    No park officials or host cruising patrolling campground

    No entrance gate locked overnight. Lots of fishermen cruising through campground

    No shade what so ever. Some sites had a pergola over their concrete picnic table; Our site had no table covering. Brisk ocean"breezes", made it impossible to deploy our trailer awning

    No privacy from any other campsite

    Sites fairly close to each other

    No campsite campfire pits

    No on-site firewood sales

    Concrete picnic table unmovable No ocean"view" from any of the campsites

    No camp store in Park. Closest H‑E‑B, Walmart and Tractor Supply in Bay City. No grocery stores in Matagorda but there is a Dollar General store. Park WIFI poor; could only connect at toilet/shower facility

    No playground, basketball or tennis courts

    No pool or splash pad

  • Lynn G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Texana Park & Campground
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Texana Park & Campground

    Brackenridge Recreation Complex

    Diverse environments to explore by kayak or hiking trail, plus horse trails, fishing, nature center, historic buildings, and a full event center.

    Yay: Camping includes typical tent/RV sites or cabins. Our campsite was right along the water, which was pretty (it’s a reservoir along a river).

    Nay: it’s pretty busy, but not overly loud or dirty.

    Surprise: lots of wildlife here! There are events throughout the year...we visited during a charity race but that didn’t really impact our trip (aside from the campground being full). They frequently have rodeo/horse events too...very Texas! The historic church was more interesting than we expected.

  • Ashley C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bryan Beach
    Aug. 15, 2017

    Bryan Beach

    Camp on the sand

    Went camping here and got to set up our tents right on the beach. Beautiful place to camp, but don't expect ammenities! Port o potties only, no bathrooms or showers. The biggest problem however, was the mosquitoes! At dusk we had to retreat to our tents immediately or be eaten alive. So beware!

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Feb. 27, 2018

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Jetty park

    This is an awesome beach to visit becoming more popular over the years but still great. Miles and miles of beaches to drive on and enjoy, plus tons of small ponds on the other side of the dunes. The small ponds contain numerous small fish and hermit crabs. But if the surf is what you want this beach is one of the best surfing beaches in Texas and also has great surf fishing or just fish the mouth of the Colorado river. This beach is one of the best.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Texana Park & Campground
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Texana Park & Campground

    Great place to relax!

    Close to the Texas coast line, closest town is Edna. Be stocked up with all the goodies you enjoy. Closet Walmart is about 20 miles away. It was warm and sunny when we visited Oct 1, 2021. Lots of wild live to keep your interests, including alligators. Texana has a limited number of full service slots, so book in advance.

  • Riya G.
    Camper-submitted photo from 60 North RV Park
    Aug. 21, 2019

    60 North RV Park

    Best To Be Found RV Park Near Sweeny Tx-60 North RV Park

    Hi, guys

    My name is Riya, I was looking for the some best RV parks near me in sweeny texas, I found many but this 60 North RV park were poping with good reviews on Sam Good Club. Its not too expensive for as I have stayed with my friends for 4 days and one night.

    it good as said by other members of sam good clubhttp://www.baycityrvpark.com/rv-parks-near-rentals-sweeny-texas.php

    You will experience here good environment, fresh air

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Texana Park & Campground
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Texana Park & Campground

    Lake Texana

    This is a pretty Texas-y park with a church and event center on site. Nice wetlands, fishing, forests, lake, all very pretty but there are bugs and gators (and deer). Lots of camp site choices and many are on the water, a little shade, nice trees. Some people go out on the water for fishing pretty early so we didn’t get to sleep in but it was still really nice.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from 60 North RV Park
    Jul. 2, 2019

    60 North RV Park

    It made My 5 Days Vacation Awesome

    I just took my 5 days holiday to enjoy with my family at other location away from our home. So I thought to do some research and come with at 2-3 location so that my kid can choose. Kids choose to go to Bay City, Texas from Midfield. Then I was looking for RV Parks in Bay City For My Rented RV, Then I can to know about 60 North RV Park. After reaching there I see their ground was green and was also providing free cable but we didn’t took that as our goal was to spend time with family. There were more feature like laundry, clean washrooms etc. we played sports and other physical games kids enjoyed very much there. I want to write more here is only limited space, If you are also planning for RV Tours Best rv park near bay city is 60 north rv park. I strongly recommend for your family time[http://RV Park near Markham](http://RV Park near Markham)

  • Napunani
    Camper-submitted photo from Texana Park & Campground
    Jan. 24, 2022

    Texana Park & Campground

    Watch for Gators!

    Reserved 89 days prior to arriving. 

    PRO 

    Extremely nice park registration staff.

    Registration info was available outside of gatehouse upon arrival.

    Security gate that closes during overnight hours.

    Quiet except for Hwy 111 traffic noise.

    Campsites along lake with wide open view of lake. VERY NICE.

    Nice space between campsites with brush between some sites for privacy

    Clean and well stocked toilet/shower facility.

    Dark sky friendly.

    Brand new Nature Center!

    Campsite with picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring.

    Campsite 125 partially shade

    $35/night camping fee

    CON

    $3.50 transaction fee Former Texas State Park so most campsites are short in length.

    We saw numerous 25ft and bigger rigs struggling to back into sites and then the front of their rig was right on roadway.

    Campsite 125 uneven side-to-side.

    Alligators in lake!

    2 bars AT&T.

    No Park WiFi.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Beach
    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.

  • Jenifer K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lighthouse RV Park
    May. 11, 2019

    Lighthouse RV Park

    Old but safe and nice staff

    This campground could def use some TLC, but the ladies at the front are super sweet. We stayed 4 nights in a back in with full hook ups. There had been tons of rain. The camper was on a paved pad, but the surrounding areas were very muddy. It close to the interstate and very quiet.

  • Liz P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lighthouse RV Park
    Feb. 19, 2020

    Lighthouse RV Park

    Site OK, bathroom/shower horrible

    The site itself was adequate. Level, paved, hookups and picnic table. The reason for the low rating is the bathroom and shower. They are in poor condition and dirty to the point of unsanitary. For $35 a night we expect showers that are useable. We had to bring toilet paper into the bathroom, there was a dirty bucket in the shower and the facilities appeared to be falling apart with much deterioration to the walls and floors. When we asked the front about the shower, they acted as if it was fine! We chose not to use the shower it was that bad, and we really needed one. We had a small engine problem and were forced to stay two nights until we could get it fixed. The office is nice and accommodating and if you don’t need to use their shower or toilet this place will be fine for you. Water from the site hookups was tinged yellow but didn’t feel slimy. Lots of mosquitos, too. Hope this helps!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Nice Park, Awesome Time!

    My family and I really enjoyed this park. Every lot has a concrete slab as well as a picnic table area! They don’t have a grille area that we saw but there are some at the pavilion, we brought our own. Close to the beach which made it easy to take a break to allow my toddler to take a nap. 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. Due to all the salt in the air all the bathroom locks are corroded and the women’s wouldn’t work so they had the bathroom door propped open for anyone to come in which made me uncomfortable while showering. If you book early enough you can reserve a lot right on the water wish is awesome! We will camp there again! (:

  • Crystal E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Jun. 11, 2020

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Clean and Quiet, Close to the Beach and River

    Great location at the junction of the Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico. Clean and spacious lots, not over crowded. Nature center with interactive exhibits, gift shop, snacks, mini golf and 5 minute walk to beach. Great sunset viewing.

  • Debbie J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Feb. 7, 2021

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Beautiful Park On River and Gulf of Mexico

    This location is absolutely awesome.  Right where the Colorado River flows into the Gulf of Mexico.  The fishing is awesome and the sunsets are spectacular!  There isn't any shade, so I think it's best to go in the fall or spring.  We had a full hookup site on the Colorado River, and it was huge and pretty.  Thank goodness we had our Clam screenroom  with us, because the mosquitos got really bad at times.  An easy hike to the mouth of the Gulf and also a nice, pretty hike to the beach.  There are a lot of prickly thorns, so need to be careful walking dogs, as they tend to pick up thorns easily.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature Park
    Dec. 28, 2021

    Matagorda Bay Nature Park

    Convergence of the Colorado and the Bay

    Great spot for bird watching and fishing! The staff is incredible nice. Full hookups on flat concrete drives. Really nice and provided a beautiful sunset! The beach is within walking distance.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park
    Dec. 25, 2018

    Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park

    Clean, well run but too crowded.

    I enjoyed my stay, but 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. Very nice people and although it's not my style, it is worth a stay.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park

    Nice place to go RVing

    Well maintained campground with friendly people clean restrooms and showers. Fishing right outside your RV. Walk to the beach or there is access to drive on the beach I would advise a 4wheel drivevehicle. I’ve been to this campground a few times.


Guide to Matagorda

Tent camping near Matagorda, Texas, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tips for tent camping near Matagorda

  • Oyster Lake County Park provides a rustic experience with no drinking water or showers, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more primitive camping style.
  • At West Moring Dock County Park, you can find drinking water and toilets, ensuring some basic amenities while you enjoy your tent camping experience.
  • Chamber Park features picnic tables and drinking water, making it a convenient spot for families looking to enjoy a meal outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Magnolia Beach is a well-reviewed spot where you can enjoy beachside camping with calm waters and plenty of space for relaxation.
  • Bryan Beach allows you to set up your tent right on the sand, offering a beautiful coastal view and easy access to the water for swimming or fishing.
  • Hollywood Bottom Park is perfect for those interested in river activities like kayaking or canoeing, providing a great rest stop along the Colorado River.

Some prices for tent camping are free

  • Camping at Magnolia Beach is free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campers looking for a beach experience.
  • Oyster Lake County Park also offers free camping, though it lacks many amenities, appealing to those who prefer a more rugged adventure.
  • At West Moring Dock County Park, you can enjoy tent camping with access to drinking water and toilets, all at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Matagorda, TX?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Matagorda, TX is Magnolia Beach with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Matagorda, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.