D
David L.
Traveler
TravelerBay View RV Resort
Great location
Located on the Coastal Bend, Rockport Texas. RV park with lots of trees. Has 2 pools, clubhouse and pickleball court. Clean restrooms and showers. Nice people.
Camping near Port Aransas, TX
117 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Port Aransas (117)
1. Port Aransas Permit Beach
"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."
"Port Aransas offers miles of beach designated for camping and day use. You must have a beach camping permit to stay overnight."
2. Mustang Island State Park Campground
"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!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability3. Port A RV Resort
"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
"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
"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. On The Beach RV Park
"This is a great RV park with very close access to the beach in Port Aransas and the wonderful gulf coast in Texas."
"Port A is fun to be next to and walking to the beach is super fast and easy."
7. IB Magee Beach County Park
"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)."
from $50 / night
Check Availability8. Gulf Waters RV Resort
"The best part is the short walk or golf cart ride to the beach and ocean!!! Now for the downside of this place that we have found !"
"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."
from $91 / night
Check Availability9. Aransas Pass RV & Storage
"Great location near the beach and H-E-B! Spacious sites, some shade, and friendly management. Affordable, and well-maintained—highly recommend!"
"The location is incredibly convenient— just a 5-minute drive to H-E-B and Walmart, which made stocking up a breeze."
from $50 / night
Check Availability10. Rockport RV Resort by Rjourney
"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. "
Drive Time
- 25 min from Corpus Christi, TX
- 1 hr 55 min from Victoria, TX
- 2 hrs 40 min from Brownsville, TX
- 2 hrs 48 min from McAllen, TX
Recent Camping Photos near Port Aransas, TX
44 Photos of 117 Port Aransas Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Port Aransas, TX
353 Reviews of 117 Port Aransas Campgrounds
Peggy L.
ScoutBay View RV Resort
The best pools
The best pools and hot tub around, separate adult and family pool areas. Wonderful RV community, restrooms and showers are very clean. A great clubhouse with pool tables,card games, poker, dice games and ping pong table. They have a pickle ball court.
John C.ScoutBay View RV Resort
Bay View, a great place to stay in Coastal Bend Texas!
Bay View is a beautiful park with large, unique sites and gorgeous trees that make the whole place feel peaceful. The people are friendly, and the bathrooms and shower houses are immaculate— some of the cleanest I’ve seen. For the quality you get, the prices are very reasonable. A great place to stay. Travelling in a 5th wheel and Silverado 350.
Ashley N.ScoutPalm Harbor RV Park
Made up rules; gossip spreads
A weekend trip this place is fine but any longer you must know this: Rules are made up as the days go and depending on who's working and who you get close with. The people that are long term seem to influence the rule making based off what benefits them. It's almost like high school. No one keeps to them selves, if a situation or problem is brought to the manager or office there is no privacy it becomes the talk of the day over morning coffee, creating gossip and leaving people outcasted. The bathrooms and restrooms don't get changed or Maintained daily. Went a week with no refill on hand soap and constantly walking in on opened canned food with ants. The washers are fine if you don't mind people with pets using them to clean up after thier animals leaving fur behind. I use beads, tide rinse, softner, detergent and still would come out smelling like animals. So if your ok with that then the washers would be fine for you. Half the dryers don't dry. And several times people's clothes have been thrown out so soneone else can use the washers or dryers. The pool is cute but extremely small basically truly getting to know the other people by touching. No one picks up after thier dogs yet its in the policy but again the rules apply to some not all and made up as the days goes. So again this place is great for a weekend stay.
Linda D.ScoutBay View RV Resort
Great RV park in Rockport, TX
Staying at this RV park was an absolute pleasure. The large, beautifully maintained sites gave us plenty of room to spread out and truly relax. With two sparkling pools, we never felt crowded—each one offered a different atmosphere, from quiet lounging to family fun. The park is packed with activities, and there’s always something happening, whether you want to join a game, attend an event, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. What really sets this place apart, though, is the people. Staff and guests alike were friendly, welcoming, and genuinely fun to be around. We left feeling refreshed, connected, and already planning our next stay. Highly recommended.
- M
Monique I.TravelerAransas Pass RV & Storage
Very rustic
About half of the people live here long term, some very long term. There are zero restrictions on the rv. It’s a field, sandy loam covered in weeds. The spots have no gravel, concrete, firm ground, just deep ruts from previous vehicles. The dumpster is not hidden, and it’s surrounded by trash furniture and lumber on the ground around it. It’s very quiet. It’s located 1.5 miles to the ferry. There is no one on site. There is no gate or fence. But it’s tucked in the back of a neighborhood. The management company has 7 properties and can be reached at the one that’s listed in the confirmation email.
I do feel safe. The neighbors are polite. Dogs are kept on leash. Cute feral(?) neighborhood cats hang around the place. Each site does have electric, water, and sewer. The WiFi is the best! I work from home and haven’t even set up my Starlink.
- NNicole M.Traveler
Padre Island South Beach
Beach front camping
There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle. This beachfront campground is perfect for stargazing. We arrived at our camp stop after 5 pm. There are plenty of camping spaces. There are restrooms right before you turn onto the beach. There are showers and restrooms 3 minutes' drive up the road.
- AAshley C.Traveler
On The Beach RV Park
Great customer service
Very helpful staff, very close to beach, view from windows of water
- BBarbie L.Scout
Bay View RV Resort
Perfect Family Getaway! Great Staff & Location
Our family had an amazing stay at Bay View RV Resort! The friendly staff made us feel incredibly welcome from the moment we arrived. We rented a clean, comfortable park model and a cottage, giving us the perfect mix of togetherness and personal space. The kids loved the large pool and the quick car ferry ride over to Port Aransas Beach. Located just a short drive from Rockport Beach, this park is a clean, affordable, and convenient coastal base. We’ll definitely be back!
Guide to Port Aransas
Port Aransas camping options extend beyond the barrier islands with sites available in nearby Aransas Pass, approximately 7 miles from the ferry landing. The region's flat coastal terrain sits at just 7 feet above sea level, contributing to the persistent winds that challenge tent campers year-round. Many campsites throughout the area feature concrete pads designed to withstand the coastal conditions, with sand burrs in grassy areas presenting a common nuisance for pets and barefoot campers.
What to do
Fishing from jetties: The Port Aransas jetty at IB Magee Beach County Park provides excellent shore fishing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "You can catch fish from the jetty and a quick walk to the beach. The sunsets are beautiful."
Wildlife observation: Several camping areas back up to nature preserves and wildlife habitats. A visitor to Port A RV Resort noted, "It is adjacent to the nature preserve, which gives it a feeling of seclusion. This campground is close to restaurants and stores. We typically ride our bicycles around to eat, sightsee, or just enjoy the island."
Beach bonfires: Evening campfires on the beach are permitted in designated areas with proper precautions. A camper at Port Aransas Permit Beach shared, "Our favorite part was having a bonfire on the beach at sunset."
What campers like
Hard-packed beach driving: The sand consistency allows for easier vehicle access than many Gulf beaches. According to one camper at Port Aransas Permit Beach, "Was here for 2 days fantastic place....alittle rainy and overcast but very windy. Very hard packed sand no trouble driving anywhere on it."
Beach proximity: Many sites offer extremely close beach access, allowing campers to avoid daily packing and unpacking. As one camper explained, "The luxury of not packing our stuff up to drive to the beach every day is wonderful. We are already planning our next trip."
Concrete parking pads: Several RV parks feature level, reinforced concrete sites. A camper at IB Magee Beach County Park reported, "Spacious sites, long level, concrete pads (70' or so). All utilities are located at the rear of the pads on the driver's side rear corner."
What you should know
Wildlife challenges: Coyotes are active in some camping areas and present a risk to pets. A camper at IB Magee Beach County Park warned, "Do not leave you pooch tired up unattended outside, as there is a pack of coyotes they sneak around especially after dark. Or daughter had one sneak up to within 20' of her."
Beach parking regulations: Vehicle orientation rules on beaches are strictly enforced with significant fines. One camper cautioned, "We got a $281 ticket for parking parallel to the beach (we thought you only had to be perpendicular at the posts)."
Sand burrs: Many campgrounds have sticker burrs in grassy areas. A visitor to Mustang Island State Park Campground observed, "Downside: lots of burrs in the grass and coyotes live right behind the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Beach buggy rental: Golf carts provide easier beach transportation for families with gear. A camper at Gulf Waters RV Resort suggested, "Rent a beach buggy and have a blast!"
Sand castle lessons: Organized activities are available for families. A camper at On The Beach RV Park recommended, "Plan to rent a golf cart and take the sand castle lessons, very fun!!!"
Beach camping permits: Annual permits provide significant savings for multiple visits. A camper noted, "$12 a year to camp on a beautiful and clean beach any time I want? Yes please! Just spent the weekend on the beach at Access Road 1A."
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Bring extra hoses and sewer connections for longer reach at some sites. A camper at IB Magee Beach County Park advised, "Took one, 25' water hose, 2 slinky's to reach the sewer drain. 50 amp hookup with no issues."
Wind protection: Position your RV to shield outdoor living spaces when possible. A Mustang Island State Park camper shared, "Loved that the beach was walking distance from camp, but the sites were guarded by the dunes. Really helped fend off the wind."
Sand management: Fine sand gets everywhere in RVs regardless of precautions. One visitor to Port Aransas Permit Beach mentioned, "Be ready to deal with fine sand in your rv and everything."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Port Aransas, TX?
What camping is available near Port Aransas, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Port Aransas, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Aransas, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Port Aransas, TX?
Which is the most popular campground near Port Aransas, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Aransas, TX is Port Aransas Permit Beach with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Aransas, TX?
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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