Dispersed camping sites near Friendswood, Texas offer access to coastal ecosystems and wooded inland areas within a reasonable drive. The region sits at an average elevation of 30 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter temperatures typically range from 40-60°F.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Watch for alligators at Brazos Bend State Park Campground. "If you go on a moderate temperature day (this is the key. If it is too hot or cold you won't see Gators) you can see literally dozens of massive alligators. We are talking 6 feet long and right on the pathway," notes Ashley C. The park provides educational opportunities at its nature center where "you can pet baby Gators and learn about them," according to the same reviewer.
Stargazing: Visit the observatory at Brazos Bend. "The best part of this park is the observatory, which has special events and regular weekend hours pretty much all year. It's absolutely worth staying up late for this!" states Kim B. The park enforces light pollution restrictions to maximize viewing quality.
Paddling: Explore the bayou at Brickhouse RV Resort. "Pool is located next to Jarbo Bayou for birdwatching, kayaking and fishing," mentions Pat M. The bayou offers calm waters suitable for beginners and connects to larger waterways.
Hiking: Follow the trails at Camp Mohawk County Park. "Nice wooded campground with a lot of camping and recreation options. Shady camp sites! Nice basic tent camping with clean facilities," reports Harry H. The park maintains several miles of natural surface trails through wooded areas.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Galveston Island State Park Campground receives high marks for its recent renovations. "Beach side is very nice since being remodeled. Great back in sites. Nice electrical and water service towers at sites. Great walking paths," notes James P. The park completed major updates in 2022.
Pool access: Many campers appreciate swimming options during hot weather. At Jackie's Place RV Resort, campers enjoy "a sparkling pool and guest lounge, general store and a pool table!" The resort opened recently and provides modern amenities with full hookup sites.
Proximity to activities: Location matters for many campers. "There's not much nearby, but it is relatively quiet save for the occasional traffic noise. This place could be a gem among mediocre RV parks in the area," notes Kristin S. about Eric & Jay's RV Resort. Many campgrounds provide convenient access to urban attractions while maintaining some natural setting.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Beyond alligators, the region offers excellent birdwatching. "This is the best place to escape from the big city and enjoy nature! There is so much to do. The hiking and bike paths are aplenty. We loved seeing the gators, especially when the babies were hatching," shares Candy P. about her experience at Brazos Bend.
What you should know
Mosquito severity varies by season: Insect activity intensifies during warm, humid periods. "If you go in the summer you need to watch out for mosquitoes," warns Joseph P. from Brazos Bend State Park. Bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Weather considerations: The Gulf Coast experiences distinct seasonal patterns. "We camped here over New Years. The RV circle doesn't have a bathroom, so we had to drive over to the tent circle each time," notes Julie B. about Galveston Island. Winter camping requires different preparation than summer visits.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Friendswood require advance booking. "Getting there the first time is a tad shaky. As you pull in, natural inclination is to go to the right ... which is wrong. You have to go left to be able to hit the sites correctly," explains Jeff H. about navigating Lake Side RV Resort.
Special access issues: Some campgrounds have unique entry protocols. "Upon arrival, we used the address provided and it led us to a locked gate that required a code. We had no code and the driveway was so short, it had our trailer sticking out into the road as we tried to figure out how to check-in," reports Kristin S. about Eric & Jay's RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Observatory visits: Plan for late nights at Brazos Bend. "There are always plenty of stargazers up there that love to share their equipment, you can also pay for the big telescopes," shares Rebecca. Children particularly enjoy the guided astronomy programs.
Recreation options: Check for multiple activities at Camp Mohawk County Park. "This park has pavilions, playgrounds, a pool, baseball and basketball courts. You can boat around the pond. They do have cabins to rent," explains Jeannette V. The variety keeps children engaged throughout your stay.
Safety measures: Establish clear rules for wildlife areas. "We even came across one [alligator] on the trail eating a snake," notes Rebecca about Brazos Bend. Parents should maintain close supervision of children in wildlife-rich areas.
Tent site selection: Consider shade coverage for summer visits. "The sites are fairly close to each other, but for some reason, every third site was blocked off, which gave us more space," mentions Julie B. about Galveston Island. Shaded sites provide necessary relief during hot days.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check reviews for pad quality. "This is a brand new park, yet some of the concrete slabs are unlevel. Perhaps the most unlevel that we've experienced in our travels," warns Kristin S. about Eric & Jay's RV Resort. Bring adequate leveling blocks.
Connectivity options: Research internet availability. "They have a 'no wifi' slogan, and the campground wifi is rendered obsolete within the confines of your designated space, instead favoring a hard-wired ethernet connection to your router, which you will leave outside your trailer," explains one RVer.
Space constraints: Consider rig size when booking. "Sites are RV park tight but that is to be expected. There are some sites on the bay as well as back in and pull through sites," notes Jeff H. Larger rigs may struggle at some campgrounds without big-rig designated spaces.
Traffic navigation: Plan arrival times around Houston traffic patterns. "The traffic is THICK and there were accidents almost every day on our way to and from work," reports Erika P. about her extended stay at a Houston-area campground. Mid-day arrivals often encounter less congestion.
