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Camping near Padre Island National Seashore

278 Reviews

Padre Island National Seashore draws campers to its unique coastal setting. Malaquite Campground sits within the seashore boundaries, giving you direct beach access and good ocean views. The Malaquite sites have plenty of space between them, so you'll have some quiet and privacy. Firefly RV Resort has full hookups and a pool for swimmers. RV travelers will find this spot comfortable and convenient. You can reach both campgrounds on good roads, though you might want a high-clearance vehicle if you plan to check out the more remote sections. Spring and fall bring the best weather with mild temperatures. Summer gets hot and humid, so RV campers appreciate having AC. Winter cools down but still works well if you like quieter beaches. Keep in mind that some areas shut down during hurricane season for safety. Many birds migrate through here, making it great for wildlife watching. You can fish along the coast and catch several different species. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray to stay comfortable. Tent campers and RV folks alike can have a good time at Padre Island National Seashore.

Map showing campgrounds near Padre Island National Seashore, TexasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Padre Island National Seashore (107)

    1. North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

    15 Reviews
    Padre Island National Seashore, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 949-8068

    "Tables set up to be behind your rv. Kind of a strange setup. Showers and baths were clean. Laundry on site. Somewhat protected by dunes. No view of water. Pretty cheap and good access to beach."

    "It is large and paved, good amenities, good access to the beach. The beach spans the entire gulf coast if you are interested in walking from Florida to Mexico."

    2. Mustang Island State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Rockport, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 749-5246

    $25 / night

    "(Fishing is free and legal in state Texas state parks without a license.)

    The beach is away from the touristy areas of Corpus!"

    "This spot gets 4 stars based on location, though it does have limited sites."

    3. South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

    12 Reviews
    Padre Island National Seashore, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 949-8068

    "We've camped on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore twice. The campground has always been fully booked but there is access to the beach and you can camp on the sand."

    "There is a whole lot of Texas, but not a ton of public land lies therein. One exception to this is Padre Island National Seashore."

    4. Malaquite Campground — Padre Island National Seashore

    11 Reviews
    Chapman Ranch, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 949-8068

    "Imagine parking your temporary home 10 feet away from

    the ocean. That’s padre island national seashore."

    "Just outside of Corpus Christi in a slightly more remote stretch of Texas coast rests Padre Island National Seashore, a beachfront land preserve operated by the United States Park System that offered a"

    5. Padre Balli County Park

    10 Reviews
    Padre Island National Seashore, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 949-8121

    "The proximity to the Gulf of America and the full hookup sites are an awesome combination."

    "I love this site Best in Texas, you can see and hear the ocean from your tent, and its on the Island so there are a lot of attractions for visitors."

    6. Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore

    5 Reviews
    Chapman Ranch, TX
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (361) 949-8068

    "First time to Texas and was pleasantly surprised with the national park and this specific camp ground."

    "There’s about a 50 foot waist high depth off of your campsite which is right next to the water. the wind is brutal to tents so be weary."

    7. Padre Island South Beach

    1 Review
    Padre Island National Seashore, TX
    3 miles

    $14 - $18 / night

    8. Firefly Coastal Bend- Corpus Christi

    4 Reviews
    Corpus Christi, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 249-3240

    $47 - $68 / night

    "This was the perfect place to stay in proximity of our son's house. Nice, clean campground with bay views , great sunrise and sunset. The only negative is you have to prepay your stay 10 in advance ."

    9. Colonia Del Rey RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Corpus Christi, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 937-2435

    $43 - $80 / night

    "This place is centrally located near a lot of services and activities. There's lots of pavement, which is not a huge selling point, but the dust is greatly reduced as a result."

    "The park is close to H-E-B and not too far from multiple beaches."

    10. NAS RV Park Corpus Christi

    3 Reviews
    Corpus Christi, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 961-1293

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Potholes are horrible in some areas. 2nd the picnic tables are so rusted through that many are unusable. 3rd the goat heads or grass burrs are a nightmare especially if you step on one in the middle"

    "Wi-Fi was nearly unusable but T-Mobile 5G was over 200Mbps down and perfect for working remotely."

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Recent Camping Photos near Padre Island National Seashore

33 Photos of 107 Padre Island National Seashore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Padre Island National Seashore

278 Reviews of 107 Padre Island National Seashore Campgrounds

  • Christian M.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Padre Balli County Park

    Best deal in Texas

    I love this site Best in Texas, you can see and hear the ocean from your tent, and its on the Island so there are a lot of attractions for visitors. The price for tent campers is $20 day or $125 weekly & it includes power, water and single private bathrooms and single private showers. You can only stay 14 days, then you have to leave for a day at least, but then you can come back for another 14 days. The showers and bathrooms are cleaned a couple times a day. There is no shade, but it has a couple ponds that make it a nice atmosphere. The office staff are the best in the business, bar none, I cant express how awesome they are. It has RV and tent camping, and it is always peaceful. Never seen any rowdy campers, and there are a lot of county park workers doing stuff so it is well monitored for trouble of any kind. They dont harass you though like a lot of campgrounds. You have a gate code and wifi, although the wifi leaves a lot to be desired at the moment. The beach is just across the street, and its a really fun part of the beach with a lot of things going on- people are friendly and there are a lot of things to do on the main road. It is on Padre Island, so you have to take a long bridge to get on the island from Corpus Christi, and the view is awesome on that bridge, but with all the attractions here on the island, you dont really need to go off the island for much.

  • crikeyroams ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    South Beach — Padre Island National Seashore

    Great Beach Camping

    PINS has always been my go to as far as Texas Overlanding goes. As someone who has traveled 99% of the country, finding a place that actually allows for on the beach camping like PINS is just about non existent.

    The down side of PINS is every time I have gone it has been overflowing with garbage. A lot of times you do need to pay attention where you are stepping.

    Overall the scenery is great, the dunes are right there and the water has always been extremely nice for Texas standards.

    To access south beach a 4x4 vehicle is required and strongly recommended!

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Tropic Island Resort

    Great location

    The great location. My family and me have stayed here a number of times It's less than a mile to the beach. All the stores and restaurants are all close. Full hook ups along with a sewer. Like any RV park, the spots are close together and tight. They have some pull through, but most are back in.

  • K
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Mustang Island State Park Campground

    Terrible campground layout

    I’m not sure who came up with the layout of the sites here but it is beyond bizarre. The utilities are on the wrong side of camper and your site is behind your camper in a shared space. Picnic tables for each site are arranged under a pergola on a concrete pad shared with your neighbor. It is incredibly strange and uncomfortable to eat meals with strangers. I will never stay here again.

  • M
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Sea Grass RV Resort

    Great stay

    This RV park is such a hidden gem! The sites have plenty of space between each other, which gives you a nice sense of privacy. The pool is super clean and refreshing—perfect for relaxing on hot days. The common area is also really well-kept and inviting. Overall, it’s just a really nice and peaceful place to stay. Definitely recommend it if you’re looking for comfort and a laid-back vibe.

  • Cindy S.
    May. 24, 2025

    Firefly Coastal Bend- Corpus Christi

    Visiting Family

    This was the perfect place to stay in proximity of our son's house. Nice, clean campground with bay views , great sunrise and sunset. The only negative is you have to prepay your stay 10 in advance . Not sure what the refund policy is in case of an emergency. Other than that it was awesome 👍

  • Cindy S.
    May. 21, 2025

    Firefly Coastal Bend- Corpus Christi

    Great Campsites

    We were looking for a nice spot to camp while visiting family living in the area. This is a very quiet, Beautiful and peaceful place to stay!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Surfside RV Resort

    Surf Side RV Resort Port Aransas TX

    Super clean Resort. Slips are a little tight but showers, pools and park are really clean.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Port Aransas Permit Beach

    Get a permit, 3 days beach side camping!

    Wonderfully beach aside camping all along the beach road. Very busy during school holidays like spring break.

Guide to Padre Island National Seashore

Camping near Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, offers a unique blend of beach vibes and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent or park your RV.

What to do:

  • Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing right from the shore. One camper mentioned, "You can catch fish from the jetty and a quick walk to the beach. The sunsets are beautiful," highlighting the scenic views and fishing opportunities.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is great for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. A visitor noted, "We prefer to camp at nearby Malaquite campground for $5 a night with water, bathrooms, and showers," emphasizing the natural beauty and wildlife diversity.
  • Exploring Nearby Towns: Take a short drive to Port Aransas for local shops and restaurants. A reviewer shared, "The location is very convenient to exploring the nearby towns and Padre Island," making it easy to enjoy local culture.

What campers like:

  • Proximity to the Beach: Campgrounds like Mustang Island State Park Campground are just steps away from the beach. One camper said, "If you want to be close to the beach and have electric and water hookups, this is the campground!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Port A RV Resort remarked, "The staff is super friendly. The location is convenient to all the Port A attractions and the beach."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have a welcoming vibe. A reviewer at Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort stated, "The staff is outstanding & all the amenities are top-notch."

What you should know:

  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy beaches and campgrounds during summer. One camper noted, "It was Labor Day weekend so it was PACKED," which can make finding a quiet spot challenging.
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Some campgrounds, like Malaquite Campground, lack electric hookups and have only cold showers. A visitor mentioned, "There is no electric or water so be prepared, only cold water shower but incredible sunsets and sunrises."
  • Permits Required for Beach Camping: If you plan to camp on the beach, make sure to get a permit. A camper at Port Aransas Permit Beach warned, "Don’t try to outsmart the meter maid. She takes pictures of license plates and writes down the departure dates."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like clean bathrooms and picnic areas. A parent at IB Magee Beach County Park said, "The campground is managed through the county... All pads are concrete with new hookups."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring beach toys and games to keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "Hiking up the dunes in the evening and morning for wonderful sunrises and sets."
  • Stay Safe: Keep an eye on children, especially near the water. A reviewer warned about coyotes, stating, "Do not leave your pooch tied up unattended outside, as there is a pack of coyotes they sneak around especially after dark."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight parking spots. A visitor at Pioneer Beach Resort mentioned, "The spaces are a little tight but adequate."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Many campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper advised, "Make sure you stock up on firewood before coming into the park!"
  • Be Prepared for Weather: The coastal weather can change quickly. One RV enthusiast noted, "The weather has been in the mid-80s... We came from 100s in central west Texas."

Camping near Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while soaking up the sun and surf. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Padre Island National Seashore?

According to TheDyrt.com, Padre Island National Seashore offers a wide range of camping options, with 107 campgrounds and RV parks near Padre Island National Seashore and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Padre Island National Seashore?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Padre Island National Seashore is North Beach — Padre Island National Seashore with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Padre Island National Seashore?

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