Best Campgrounds near Port Bolivar, TX

Port Bolivar sits along the Texas Gulf Coast with beach camping options ranging from free dispersed sites to full-service RV resorts. Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping provides free beach camping where vehicles can park directly on the sand near the water. The area stretches for 27 miles along the coast, allowing campers to spread out along the shoreline. Several established campgrounds like Galveston Island State Park Campground and Stella Mare RV Resort offer tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals within driving distance of Port Bolivar.

Access to Bolivar Flats requires a beach parking permit costing $10 annually, though enforcement varies seasonally. The sand is generally firm and compacted, supporting most vehicles from standard cars to large RVs. Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience, with strong winds, storms, and tide fluctuations potentially affecting safety and comfort. Summer brings crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays, while weekdays and winter months offer more solitude. Cell service is generally reliable for both AT&T and Verizon users. One camper noted, "Watch the weather! I was there the night of a tornado watch. 70 mile an hour winds and heavy rain."

Beach campers consistently highlight the sunrise views and ocean sounds as primary attractions. The dispersed camping area allows fires with proper precautions, though firewood must be purchased from local stores. Trash receptacles are positioned along the beach, but some visitors report accumulated litter, particularly after busy weekends. RV parks in the area provide more amenities, including electric hookups, showers, and swimming pools, though at higher cost. Several campers mention the tranquility of weekday visits compared to busier weekends. A visitor shared, "We spent 2 weeks here during the winter. It's a really quiet spot with a few other RVs here and there on the beach." Proximity to the Galveston Ferry allows convenient access to additional attractions, restaurants, and supplies.

Best Camping Sites Near Port Bolivar, Texas (165)

    1. Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Port Bolivar, TX
    2 miles

    "Great place to stay in the beach in Texas."

    "Adjacent to a preserve. Excellent."

    2. Galveston Island State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Jamaica Beach, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 737-1222

    $15 - $35 / night

    "Tents are allowed at Surfside sites but they are more difficult to get reservations then at the tent sites a couple miles from the surf. we stayed in the tent sites away from the surf."

    "Friendly staff, clean facilities, and great beach walks definitely contribute to a positive impression. It's wise to prefer the bay side sites for a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds."

    3. Dellanera RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Galveston, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 797-5102

    "Very clean, spacious, and literally steps from a private beach. Great location, close to the fishing pier and all Galveston has to offer"

    "It is as close to the beach as you would want. Nice cement drives and pads! The beach is away from the crowds. Not far from stores and piers in Galveston. I will be returning to this little gem!"

    4. Stella Mare RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Galveston, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 632-7017

    $49 - $540 / night

    "Amazing all around! A lot of activities for the little ones and the pool was really nice and heated! There was even a couple residents that got out some kites and bubbles for the kids!"

    "We love this place, quiet, and close to all the Galveston attractions."

    5. Beachside RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Port Bolivar, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 255-0802

    $40 - $50 / night

    "This was such a blissful place to start my Texas snowbird trip. As a solo female traveler in a campervan I felt so incredibly safe and welcomed to this campground."

    "Beachside RV Park is a quiet spot just a short walk to the beach. The sites aren’t fancy, but they’re well kept and include all the utilities in the rent. "

    6. Jamaica Beach RV Resort

    23 Reviews
    Jamaica Beach, TX
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 632-0200

    $45 - $54 / night

    "Be sure to grab your spot next to the lazy river early in the day if you are wanting to stay all day. There are a few umbrellas but you can bring your own easy up shade tent."

    "With what this resort offers, it is more than worth the drive and price! I will say, this year there were just a couple things that put a damper on the trip, that we’ve never experienced before."

    7. Sandpiper RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Port Bolivar, TX
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 765-9431

    "Loved the Sandpiper RV location. Nice access to the beach and really nice morning walks on the beach. Has amenities like showers and laundry room. There is also a pool."

    "Easy walking distance to the beach and short drive to Galveston attractions. Pool and hot tub were a hit with the kids."

    8. Lazy Pelican RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Port Bolivar, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 684-9909

    $40 / night

    "Excellent access to the beach and all amenities . Crystal beach allows vehicles on the beach making the Jeep feel right at home."

    "Love the location. Wifi is pretty good and consistent. Concrete pads. 30/50, sewer, water. But the best part? Great owners. Chris and Bunny are a joy to work with. If you're doing Bolivar, do it here."

    9. Galveston RV Resort and Marina

    4 Reviews
    Galveston, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 744-2837

    $45 - $125 / night

    "Nice resort, close to restaurants and shopping. Only 1 mile from the beach. Sites are very close unless you reserve a waterfront site. The owners are super nice! I would definitely visit again."

    "Bike riding around Galveston was easy."

    10. Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Port Bolivar, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 877-1828

    $40 - $54 / night

    "Easy access to the beach."

    "You can also drive on this beach."

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Recent Reviews near Port Bolivar, TX

375 Reviews of 165 Port Bolivar Campgrounds


  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Beachside RV Park

    Affordable, Convenient, Amenity Rich

    This is the nicest RV Park on the Bolivar Peninsula / Crystal Beach area. Truly. So well maintained, and quiet peaceful setting. 

    We were surprised that it had a nice dog park, indoor laundry, shower, wifi, gazebo for hanging out in and more, all included in the rate!

    Close to the beach.

    Walk to the gas station and restaurants. 

    They are running a winter special.

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Beachside RV Park

    Wow! Walk To Beach, Dog Park, Lounge Area, Laundry

    This park has everything you need!

    Also seems like they have some kind of great winter special going on because a lot of people started showing up as I was leaving. 

    Very well kept park, probably the nicest on the peninsula other than Margaritaville but you wouldn't want to know what their monthly rate is lol. 

    Beachside winter rate I think is like $400/mo all utils included. I understand why it's so popular.

  • rspillers84
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Beachside RV Park

    BEST WINTER RATES! SUPER CONVENIENT

    Beachside RV Park is a quiet spot just a short walk to the beach. The sites aren’t fancy, but they’re well kept and include all the utilities in the rent. 

    Wi-Fi and free laundry are also included, which is a nice perk. There’s a fenced dog park on site, plus gazebos for hanging out, and even a shower area for rinsing off after the beach. The location is hard to beat— it’s close to The Big Store for groceries and right across from The Ship’s Wheel restaurant. 

    It’s not a resort, but it’s a great value if you want to be close to the water without paying resort prices. A good fit for Winter Texans or anyone looking for an easy, laid-back stay on Crystal Beach.

  • Thomas M.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    South Main RV Park

    Great Houston location

    I visited South Main Rv Park this past weekend for a three night stay it was out of the world very helpful staff conveniently located at 610 in Main Street. We went to an event at NRG Stadium, and also to the Medical Center.

  • D. Scott W.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Jamaica Beach RV Resort

    Nice resort campground

    We enjoy the lazy river, putt, putt, and kayaking on the bay. It is an easy walk to the beach. Galveston State Park is on the other side of to make a beach if you want to stay on the water. However, we really enjoy the resort setting and the people that camp here as well as the people who run the camp ground.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Medical Center RV Resort

    Paved and level, full hookups

    Close to medical district of Houston, clean well maintained.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    High Island Beach

    Trash everywhere

    Unfortunately this beach is not maintained and individuals seem to not know how to pick up after themselves….

  • Jacqueline Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping

    Amazing free beach camping

    This was an amazing trip. We stayed Monday-Friday and were the only RVer there Thursday night.

  • Alana B.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping

    Alive!

    Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy. I couldn’t imagine a better time.


Guide to Port Bolivar

Port Bolivar's coastal environment fluctuates with seasonal tides and weather patterns, creating varying beach conditions throughout the year. Located on the Bolivar Peninsula, the area's firm, compacted sand supports camping directly on the beach at several locations, with access to Gulf waters and inland bay attractions. Winter months bring fewer visitors but can introduce challenging wind conditions, while summer attracts crowds to the 27-mile coastline.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Crystal Beach offers excellent fishing access directly from camping areas. At Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping, visitors report "Great time fishing here." The bayou areas also provide different fishing environments, with one camper at Galveston RV Resort and Marina noting "Fishing in bayou is fun. Bike riding around Galveston was easy."

Watch paramotors: The skies above Bolivar Flats often feature recreational flying activities. "There are also paramotors that fly over head, they are fun to watch," mentions a camper who stayed during weekdays when the area is less crowded.

Beach activities: The proximity to Gulf waters means easy beach access for swimming and shell collecting. "The beach isn't really flat, it slopes down towards the water, but it's close enough," reports a camper at Bolivar Flats, who also enjoyed the sunrise and sunset views from their site.

Explore Galveston: Take the ferry to access additional attractions. "Proximity to the ferry with our travel trailer from Galveston Island was easier than expected," reports one visitor staying at Bolivar Peninsula RV Park. The ferry provides convenient access to Galveston's additional amenities.

What campers like

Weekday solitude: Multiple campers mention the difference between weekend crowds and weekday camping. One Bolivar Flats visitor notes, "There were approximately 8 boondocks here, there is adequate space to accommodate more. The weekends are loud and busy, during the week it calms down and gets quiet."

Winter stays: The off-season offers a different camping experience. A camper at Beachside RV Park mentioned it's "a good fit for Winter Texans or anyone looking for an easy, laid-back stay on Crystal Beach."

Sound of waves: The natural soundtrack ranks highly among camper experiences. "Let the ocean put you to sleep," shares one visitor at Bolivar Flats. "Nothing better than waking up to the ocean sounds or hearing them with a fire."

Free laundry services: Some RV parks offer unexpected amenities. A visitor at Lazy Pelican RV Park was pleased to discover "free laundry machines which is really cool. I'm not sure I know of many places that do that."

What you should know

Tide awareness: Beach campers need to monitor water levels. "We worried a little about the tide this time, but we kept an eye on it and it didn't come near us," reported a Bolivar Flats camper, who observed that "the tide didn't come up closer than 15 yards to the dunes, even during a crazy storm."

Permit enforcement: A Bolivar Flats visitor noted seasonal differences in permit requirements: "We stayed here in early December without a permit, and it was fine. The permits you buy are valid from January to December and we had heard that they don't really enforce the permit rule this late in the year."

Insect preparation: Biting flies can be a nuisance, particularly for pets. One camper gave Bolivar Flats 4 stars because of "the biting flies... They were swarming our dog, we had to keep her in the tent most of the time."

Beach maintenance: Camper responsibility affects the quality of the beach experience. A visitor noted, "Lots of people are leaving trash behind! Please don't be that person and ruin it for everyone!" Some visitors take initiative, with one reporting, "Do your part with some gloves and fill a bag. I filled a bag in about 20 minutes."

Tips for camping with families

Pool facilities: Stella Mare RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities: "The kids loved the park and splash pad," reports one visitor. Another mentioned, "They have events for all ages multiple times a week including kid and adult only crafts, candy bar bingo, wine night, s'mores, and golf cart parades for holidays."

Weather monitoring: Families should prepare for rapid weather changes. A camper at Bolivar Flats shared: "Wind was blowing around 30mph from the south so the waves were amazing to listen and watch. Kid had a blast too!"

Bathroom facilities: Consider campgrounds with updated facilities when camping with children. At Galveston Island State Park Campground, a visitor was impressed with "gorgeous spacious bathrooms with literally granite countertops. Lovely."

Activity options: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. One visitor at Galveston Island State Park Campground noted it's "a very well maintained park with easy access and tons to do" with "great walking paths" that are good for families.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven surfaces at some campgrounds. One RVer at Sandpiper RV Resort reported, "When I set the rv to level it jacked it up so high the tires came off the ground. Moving the rv wasn't an option because the electric wouldn't reach if I moved forward any further."

Space considerations: Site size varies between campgrounds. At Lazy Pelican RV Park, "All lots are back in and it's kinda a tight space to maneuver in. We managed fine but it's definitely something to be aware of."

Cell service: Connectivity is generally reliable throughout the area. One long-term visitor at Bolivar Flats mentioned, "We have AT&T and cell service was excellent."

Sand driving: The beach sand supports most vehicles and RVs. "We're about 17k pounds and had no issues driving and setting up on the sand," reports a Bolivar Flats camper, who added that "It is pretty, there are shells everywhere."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Port Bolivar, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Port Bolivar, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Bolivar, TX and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Bolivar, TX is Bolivar Flats Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Port Bolivar, TX.