Port Arthur camping options extend beyond the city limits into neighboring communities like Beaumont, Vidor, and Holly Beach, Louisiana. The flat coastal terrain ranges from freshwater lakes to Gulf beaches with soft sand. Most RV campgrounds in the Port Arthur, Texas area remain open year-round with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though summer humidity can be challenging for tent campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: End Of The Road RV Park provides waterfront access with "90ft dock, and aluminum boats free for residents. Excellent fishing" according to reviewer Jessica P. The park is close to both freshwater and saltwater fishing options.
Golf courses: Several Port Arthur area RV campgrounds are located near golf facilities. End Of The Road RV Park notes "Bayou Den Golf Course is approximately three miles away. Tyrell Park features a golf course, horseback riding, botanical gardens, and scenic boardwalks approximately five miles from the RV park."
Beach activities: Pickled Pelican RV Park offers beachfront camping with "soft sand compared to Galveston" according to Andrea P. Another camper, Nicole C., notes "the sand is so soft and the site is amazing!!!" for those seeking Gulf Coast beach access.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. At Hidden Lake RV Park, Larry notes it has "Easy access from the interstate but the road noise was not bad." The park offers "a small lake with free use of canoes and peddle boat available" according to reviewer Cat R.
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. Daniel H. writes about Hidden Lake: "Quiet, clean, no pool, no club house. Nice place to stay, easy in, easy out." At Grand Pines of Texas RV Resort, Tom D. notes they have "high speed WIFI and free laundry facilities. Grounds were well kept when we were there."
Security features: Boomtown USA RV Resort receives praise for safety measures with Dayanis P. noting, "You have to have codes to enter the gates and they have cameras around the property for safety keeping."
What you should know
Limited services: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Pickled Pelican RV Park, Daniel H. explains: "No convince stores or gas stations thanks to hurricanes. Closest grocery store, gas/diesel, and general merchandise is in Hackberry, 20 minutes north."
Highway noise: Several campgrounds sit close to major roads. At Boomtown USA RV Resort, kelly N. cautions the park is "RIGHT on I-10 and the highway noise is bad."
Weather considerations: The Gulf Coast experiences seasonal storms. Nicole C. observed at Pickled Pelican: "The area was ravaged by the fall hurricanes, so almost no stores, restaurants or gas stations are to be found within 15 miles... so get everything you need before you get here."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Many parks offer water recreation. Tori K. writes about Boomtown USA RV Resort: "The lake has really great fishing and there is a small swimming/beach area. The beach does have a lot of bees or wasps of some sort that are living in the sand so you have to wear shoes until you get in the water."
Recreational amenities: Look for parks with facilities for children. Amber G. calls Boomtown USA "Best Glamping ever ❤" noting "They have everything you need for a great family vacation."
Cabin alternatives: Some Port Arthur RV campgrounds offer cabin rentals for families without RVs. Bolivar Peninsula RV Park provides "Beautiful lakefront sites" with "Easy access to the beach" according to Sam C., making it suitable for families wanting beach activities.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Pay attention to pad sizes when reserving. At Gulf Coast RV Resort, Douglas T. notes: "Park was clean, plenty of length for our 42' 5th wheel and truck. Hookups were in good spots. The sites are very narrow and pretty close to fellow campers but it was all good."
Pad construction: Concrete pads are common but quality varies. At Bolivar Peninsula RV Park, Andrea P. notes "gravel sites" while at Pickled Pelican, Daniel H. describes "level concrete in excellent condition."
Long-term stays: Monthly rates often include utilities. Johnnie S. explains that Pickled Pelican has "full hookups and are level, and best of all on the beach. This is not a typical RV park as there are no amenities. As of this date rates are $70 a night."