Best Campgrounds near South Padre Island, TX

Looking for the best campgrounds near South Padre Island, TX? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—South Padre Island is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near South Padre Island, reviewed by campers like you.

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Best Camping Sites Near South Padre Island, Texas (61)

    1. Isla Blanca Park

    15 Reviews
    South Padre Island, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 761-5494

    $20 - $100 / night

    "This campground is on the South tip of South Padre Island. You are on the Gulf and also on the inter coastal waterway. You are just a short walk to a beach or fishing."

    "Close proximity to the beach with full hookups and close to all the SPI has to offer. Restroom and showers were clean and in good repair."

    2. South Padre Island KOA

    11 Reviews
    South Padre Island, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 761-5665

    "Can't beat the price and the location! Nearby to South Padre Island Bay, amenities offered were very nice (pool, laundry room, game room, store)."

    "Excellent support team/staff, excellent utility hookups, located literally near/on the sound side, our site has plenty of room for our 43’ ClassA and tow/suv, site trash pickup, community center/bldg with"

    3. Port Isabel Park Center LLC

    3 Reviews
    South Padre Island, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 943-7340

    "Great community, heated swimming pool, near South Padre Island"

    "Huge pool, basketball/volleyball court, kids park, dog park, boat ramps, kayak launch, super close to South Padre Island and great restaurants. It has become our home base"

    4. Long Island Village

    2 Reviews
    South Padre Island, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 943-6449

    "An enjoyable place next to South Padre Island that offers golf swimming pools hot tubs social events and a lot of friendly people"

    "While the location is still open, it appears that each individual site is individually owned now and you must book through a 3rd party site - like Air BNB - for each one."

    5. Andy Bowie County Park

    3 Reviews
    South Padre Island, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 761-3704

    "Rinse off area, restroom and picnic area at the main entrance. Great place for a quick beach walk or a swim. The location is regularly patrolled as well."

    6. Edwin King Atwood Park

    1 Review
    South Padre Island, TX
    3 miles

    "Like most texas beaches you can drive on to the beach here. Fee is 14$ in 2025. Can pull in any size camper or trailer just don't get stuck in soft sand."

    7. Boca Chica Beach

    2 Reviews
    South Padre Island, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 546-3721

    8. Tropical Trails RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Brownsville, TX
    19 miles
    Website

    $40 - $65 / night

    "Great new RV resort close to everything, easy access, and Fiber optic internet.
    We really enjoy the large heated pool. Our dog enjoys his walks to the dog park."

    "The one thing I absolutely love about Tropical Trails(if I had to pick one) is that the spaces between sites are some of the largest I've seen."

    9. Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park

    3 Reviews
    Lozano, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 748-2044

    "Many of the campsites are right on the water, which is the Arroyo Colorado, a canal that runs east-west to the Laguna Madre, the bay between the south Texas shoreline and South Padre Island."

    10. Breeze Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Brownsville, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (956) 831-4427

    "Located 20min. from the SpaceX launch pad on Boca Chica Beach which you can drive on and allows dogs. Also South Padre Island which is like Daytona Beach on steroids."

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Recent Camping Photos near South Padre Island, TX

14 Photos of 61 South Padre Island Campgrounds


Recent Reviews near South Padre Island, TX

64 Reviews of 61 South Padre Island Campgrounds


  • e
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Edwin King Atwood Park

    Drive onto the beach

    Like most texas beaches you can drive on to the beach here. Fee is 14$ in 2025. Can pull in any size camper or trailer just don't get stuck in soft sand. Lots of the people you'd expect that drive on to beaches- party and music types, also no segregation between fishermen and swimmers. There are showers and toilets at pavilion by parking lot. I parked at parking lot and walked in with tent to area blocked off from driving.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    Boca Chica Beach

    Rarely open for camping due to launch activity

    Nice beach to visit, especially to see starship prep activity. Unlikely to be able to camp long term. Best to stay rocket ranch, raptors roost or starship station to view a launch!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Long Island Village

    Currently the sites are indivually owned - but still rentable!

    I was hoping to stay here in the future so I made a phone call. While the location is still open, it appears that each individual site is individually owned now and you must book through a 3rd party site - like Air BNB - for each one. There is no longer a way to book thorough the campground itself, but it seems like a nice place to stay!  I'll check it out before my trip.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2025

    Isla Blanca Park

    Padre Island Paradise

    We came down for a 2 week vacation and decided to stay 3 months instead! Will definitely be making Isla Blanca our new home for the winter!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Isla Blanca Park

    Beach beautiful

    Stayed an entire month and loved every single day! Beach area is one of the best and well maintained. Sites are small in certain areas, but others are generous.

  • Lynne J.
    Mar. 15, 2024

    Winter Haven Resort

    Beautiful

    Very nice park, 3 pools, friendly people

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Mar. 1, 2024

    GREEN Wildlife Ecotourism

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2023

    Palmdale RV Resort

    Well kept campground

    Stayed here for about a week in July 2023. Very nice pool, hot tub, showers and bathrooms.  Verizon was about 1 bar 4g

  • Alan R.
    Apr. 14, 2023

    Twin Palms RV Resort

    Nice park

    Interior roads are in need of repair. Outside loop new.


Guide to South Padre Island

Camping near South Padre Island, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Activities: Enjoy the sun and surf at Isla Blanca Park. One camper said, “The beach area is one of the best and well maintained,” making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Fishing and Birdwatching: Bird Island Basin Campground is perfect for fishing and watching wildlife. A visitor noted, “The intercoastal channel runs directly parallel to the beach and it's teeming with redfish and plenty of other species of saltwater fish.”
  • Pickleball: If you’re into sports, Isla Blanca Park has pickleball courts that are popular among campers. One reviewer mentioned, “Pickleball courts were used every morning,” highlighting the fun community vibe.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like the South Padre Island KOA. A review stated, “Clean, lots of activities, decent facilities,” which is a big plus for families.
  • Proximity to the Beach: Many love how close the campgrounds are to the beach. One camper at Isla Blanca Park said, “So close to the beach,” making it easy to enjoy the ocean.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A visitor at the Bluebonnet RV Resort said, “Friendly residents and staff,” which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Maintenance Issues: Some campers have pointed out that certain campgrounds need upgrades. A review for Isla Blanca Park noted, “The sites are in disrepair,” so it’s good to check recent reviews before booking.
  • Crowded Spaces: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at the South Padre Island KOA mentioned, “The sites are small, but level and include FHU's and cable,” indicating that while it’s well-kept, space can be tight.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bird Island Basin, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, “No amenities but there is a dump station and fresh water,” so be prepared to bring what you need.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and sports equipment. One family enjoyed the pickleball courts at Isla Blanca Park, which kept everyone entertained.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at the South Padre Island KOA mentioned the convenience of the on-site store for quick snacks.
  • Check for Clean Bathrooms: Clean facilities are a must for families. A visitor at Malaquite Campground said, “The bathrooms are relatively clean,” which is reassuring for parents.

Tips from RVers:

  • Be Mindful of Space: RV sites can be tight. A reviewer at Bird Island Basin said, “Spots are too tight for our liking,” so consider this when booking.
  • Bring a Generator: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A camper at Malaquite Campground advised, “Come prepared with your solar panel,” to ensure you have power.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t just stick to the campground. A visitor at the South Padre Island KOA enjoyed the nearby restaurant, saying, “There is a wonderful restaurant on a pier that is walking distance.”

Camping near South Padre Island, Texas, has something for everyone. With beautiful beaches, friendly communities, and plenty of activities, it’s a great destination for your next outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly rate for staying at South Padre Island KOA?

Monthly rates at South Padre Island KOA vary by season, with winter months (November-March) typically commanding higher rates as this is peak season for Winter Texans. While exact rates fluctuate yearly, the KOA offers good value considering its prime location and extensive amenities. For more affordable monthly alternatives near South Padre Island, consider Port Isabel Park Center LLC, which offers longer-term stays with amenities like a heated swimming pool at potentially lower rates. For current specific pricing, it's best to contact the KOA directly as rates are subject to change.

Are there RV parks directly on South Padre Island?

Yes, there are several RV parks directly on South Padre Island. Isla Blanca Park is located at the southern tip of South Padre Island, offering Gulf and intercostal waterway access with easy beach and fishing access. The Island also has South Padre Island KOA, which is situated on the bay side of the island with excellent utility hookups and amenities. Both locations provide convenient access to the island's attractions while offering full RV accommodations.

Can you tent camp on the beach at South Padre Island?

Tent camping directly on South Padre Island beaches is limited. While the island itself has restrictions on overnight beach camping, nearby Boca Chica Beach offers more primitive beach camping options about 15 miles from Brownsville. This beach provides a more wild and less commercial camping experience compared to South Padre Island. If you prefer established campgrounds with tent sites near the beach, Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park offers waterside camping along the Arroyo Colorado, which connects to the Laguna Madre bay between the mainland and South Padre Island.

What amenities are available at Isla Blanca Park RV sites?

Isla Blanca Park RV sites offer prime waterfront locations with access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. Amenities include full hookups, proximity to beaches and fishing spots within walking distance, and clean facilities. The park provides easy access to South Padre Island attractions, though there is limited shade at the sites. For those seeking additional amenities not found at Isla Blanca, nearby Long Island Village offers complementary features including swimming pools, hot tubs, golf, and organized social events, making it a good alternative or day-trip option during your stay.