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Best Campgrounds near Port Aransas, TX

309 Reviews

Port Aransas, Texas features a mix of beachfront and coastal camping options along the Gulf of Mexico. The area includes established RV resorts, beach camping with permits, and state park facilities. Notable locations include Port Aransas Permit Beach, which requires overnight permits for dispersed camping directly on the sand, and IB Magee Beach County Park with full hookups behind the dunes. Mustang Island State Park, located just south of Port Aransas, provides both developed camping with utilities and primitive beach camping. The region sits on barrier islands approximately 30 minutes from Corpus Christi, with camping options extending north to Rockport and south along Padre Island National Seashore.

Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience in Port Aransas. The Gulf Coast climate brings high humidity, persistent winds, and occasional fog, particularly in summer months. Winter attracts "snowbirds" seeking milder temperatures, while spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions. Hurricane season (June through November) can affect availability and safety. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though beach camping becomes challenging during storms or extreme high tides. Cell service varies widely, with stronger signals in established RV parks and weaker coverage on remote beach areas. Campers should prepare for constant winds that can damage awnings and equipment.

Beach camping and RV resorts represent the primary accommodation types in the Port Aransas area. Beach camping permits allow vehicles to drive and camp directly on miles of shoreline, though campers must be self-sufficient as amenities are limited. RV resorts range from basic to luxury, with many offering beach access, pools, and full hookups. According to visitors, spacing between beach camping units varies seasonally, with sites approximately 200 feet apart during quieter periods but much closer during peak season. One camper noted, "Port Aransas offers miles of beach designated for camping and day use. Weekends get crowded during the day, but quiet down in the afternoon." Wildlife encounters are common, with coyotes frequently observed in beach camping areas. The free ferry between Port Aransas and Aransas Pass accommodates RVs, providing convenient access to additional camping options in the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Port Aransas, Texas (110)

    1. Mustang Island State Park Campground

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

    $25 / night

    "We camped in the RV area, which has electrical hook ups and water but you have to drive to the dump station."

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

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

    2. Port Aransas Permit Beach

    18 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    2 miles
    Website

    "Port Aransas Beach On Rt 361 Texas near Corpus Christi. This entire area is awesome and windy :)

    Worth the drive and you can easily spend a week here and not visit all of the areas."

    "It sounds like Port Aransas offers a fantastic beach experience!"

    3. Port A RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (361) 416-1405

    "It’s new to Port Aransas and recovered quickly after hurricane Harvey. It is adjacent to the nature preserve, which gives it a feeling of seclusion."

    "They are back up to a game reserve that is next to a small airport. Lots of birds to see. We even seen ski divers. The pools and rec centers are top notch. Home town feel everywhere you go."

    4. Pioneer Beach Resort

    9 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 749-6248

    "We always book the buddy site that is pull-through and has our campers facing each other with a common space outside our front doors."

    "On the island but away from the Port A traffic. Quiet and very clean. One of our favorites."

    5. Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 749-4978

    "Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort


    5601 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373 

    We stayed here 16 days in a 34 ft. Travel Trailer."

    "Easy walking distance to the beach just over the dunes with a cart path."

    6. IB Magee Beach County Park

    7 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 749-6117

    $50 / night

    "Full hook ups right behind the dunes in Port Aransas. The park is also within walking distance to local bars and restaurants."

    "Nearby attractions include Port Aransas Beach (1.2 miles), Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center (1.3 miles), and Mustang Island State Park (1.6 miles)."

    7. Rockport RV Resort by Rjourney

    15 Reviews
    Rockport, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 356-4815

    "A camper had to be 18 YEARS OLD to be outside alone or the old management would make them go inside. This is the Manager that the previous reviews on this site are defending. 

     "

    "The location and amenities seem ideal for a relaxing vacation."

    8. Gulf Waters RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 749-4978

    $91 / night

    "The resort sits in the middle of Mustang Island, so no walking to Padre or Port A. However, this makes it quiet and it is well cared for."

    "Great easy access to beach."

    9. On The Beach RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Port Aransas, TX
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 749-4909

    "This is a great RV park with very close access to the beach in Port Aransas and the wonderful gulf coast in Texas."

    "very close to beach. Easy to hook up. Great park!!!! Plan to rent a golf cart and take the sand castle lessons, very fun!!! We were in a popup."

    10. Ransom Road RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Ingleside, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 758-2715

    "Near Port Aransas and Rockport. Quiet town with a few restaurants and HEB grocery store. "

    "Is next to a busy road and we heard traffic all night."

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Recent Camping Photos near Port Aransas, TX

38 Photos of 110 Port Aransas Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Port Aransas, TX

309 Reviews of 110 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas

Camping near Port Aransas, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and unique campgrounds. Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, there’s something for everyone in this coastal paradise.

What to do:

  • Beach Activities: Enjoy the sun and surf at the nearby beaches. Many campers love the proximity to the Gulf, with one reviewer noting, “The campground is very close to the Gulf. The beach is divided into three sections; the center is for people only.”
  • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: The area is great for fishing and spotting wildlife. One camper mentioned, “Great fishing!” while another highlighted the “amazing pelicans” that can be seen flying around.
  • Exploring Nearby Towns: Take a short drive to explore local towns. A visitor shared, “The location is very convenient to exploring the nearby towns and Padre Island.”

What campers like:

  • Proximity to the Beach: Campers appreciate being close to the water. One review stated, “If you want to be close to the beach and have electric and water hookups, this is the campground!”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Mustang Island State Park Campground, have clean bathrooms and showers. A camper noted, “The bathrooms were clean and the camp hosts were very friendly.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer said, “The staff is super friendly,” which adds to the overall positive experience.

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes and Sand Fleas: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper warned, “Nothing but mosquitoes at the campground. And sand fleas come out at night near the water.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Magnolia Beach, lack amenities like showers and electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, “The showers are absolutely horrendous,” so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends, especially during peak season. A camper noted, “Beautiful views, but the weekends get very busy.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places that cater to families, like Goose Island State Park Campground. One family shared, “We enjoy the RV sites, the fishing pier, and swimming.”
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A reviewer suggested, “We had a good time and would go back,” highlighting the fun atmosphere.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on children, especially near the water. One camper warned about coyotes, saying, “Watch out for coyotes! They are everywhere and can be aggressive.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. One RV traveler mentioned, “The campsite we stayed in had only a 50-amp connector, even though we needed thirty amps.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer noted, “Parking is tight. We have a 37 ft trailer and backing in was DIFFICULT.”
  • Explore Off-Peak Times: If possible, visit during the off-peak season for a quieter experience. One camper suggested, “I’d aim for early spring or late fall to try to minimize these.”

Camping near Port Aransas, Texas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful beaches, friendly campgrounds, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Port Aransas, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Port Aransas, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Aransas, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Port Aransas, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Aransas, TX is Mustang Island State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Aransas, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Port Aransas, TX.

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