Port Aransas RV camping sits on Mustang Island, a barrier island with 18 miles of shoreline along the Texas Gulf Coast. Winter temperatures average 60-70°F during the day, while summer months regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Most RV parks in Port Aransas operate in close proximity to the island's extensive dune system, with boardwalks providing protected access to public beaches without disturbing sensitive coastal vegetation.
What to do
Beach fishing access: Multiple public access points connect camping areas to fishing spots. Port A RV Resort provides convenient location for anglers. "We typically ride our bicycles around to eat, sightsee, or just enjoy the island," notes one regular visitor who appreciates the resort's proximity to coastal activities.
Birdwatching opportunities: The Charlie's Pasture wildlife refuge borders several camping areas and offers excellent bird spotting. "The sites are large and quiet. Easy access to Rockport and Aransas Pass Texas. Only 10 minutes from Port Aransas Texas," mentions a visitor at Coastal HIdeaway RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: RV parks backing up to natural areas provide wildlife observation opportunities. "Port A RV Resort backs up to a game reserve that is next to a small airport. Lots of birds to see. We even seen ski divers," reports one camper who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
What campers like
Beach access boardwalks: Several parks feature elevated walkways over dunes for beach access. "We enjoyed the nice walk, up and over the dunes on the boardwalk, right onto the beach," explains a visitor at Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort who appreciated the environmental protection measures.
Winter temperature advantages: The mild winter climate attracts long-term visitors. "We were here through the big cold snap Texas suffered in February. Everyone there was helpful and just great to be with. The staff is first class," shared a camper who stayed over two months during winter.
Individually owned sites: Some resorts feature privately-owned sites with unique amenities. "Each site is individually owned and managed by an HOA. These sites are huge and most have special features, wet bars, cabanas, propane fire pits etc," notes a visitor describing the personalized nature of sites at Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort.
What you should know
Staggered park busy periods: Different parks have varying peak seasons. "Reservations are strongly recommended during spring break and summer vacation periods when occupancy reaches capacity," advised a reviewer at Pioneer Beach Resort who noted the park's popularity.
Vehicle access limitations: Not all parks accommodate large motorhomes. "It's a small RV park. Very tight access to some of the pads. A very short walk to the beach," notes one visitor describing the compact layout at On The Beach RV Park.
Electric metering policies: Some parks charge separately for electricity. "Charge $150 deposit because they charge weekly stays their portion of electricity also beyond weekly fee," explains a guest at Southern Oaks Luxury RV Park, noting the additional cost for extended stays.
Grass conditions: Some parks have natural hazards in grass areas. "The grass and trees were clean and trimmed, but there are stickers in the grass, so beware stepping off the concrete pad barefoot," advises a summer visitor regarding ground conditions at Southern Oaks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Check if kid amenities are operational. "Booked this place due to having two playgrounds for my kids to play at. Got here and they are all roped off," shared one family who encountered unexpected playground closures.
Pool hour restrictions: Some parks limit pool access for children during certain hours. "Adults only in the swimming pool in the morning, makes it tough when you have young kids that take naps in the afternoon for them to go swimming," notes a family that visited Southern Oaks.
Buddy site arrangements: Consider specialized sites that create shared spaces. "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. This also helps with shade when we put out our awnings," recommends a regular visitor to Pioneer Beach Resort who camps with multiple families.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Park layout affects privacy between units. "Sites are very close together. Had to move sites due to my 19' camper would not fit into the space they assigned," notes a camper at Tropic Island Resort who experienced site constraints.
Parking pad surfaces: Look for concrete pads for easier setup. "The roads and pads were all nice, level concrete," describes an RVer who appreciated the solid foundation at Southern Oaks Luxury RV Park.
Extended stay recommendations: Monthly visitors have specific preferences. "We ended up staying 3 months. December, January and February," shared a winter visitor who found the seasonal rates and amenities suitable for long-term camping.