South Padre Island offers year-round camping opportunities along the Texas Gulf Coast where temperatures average 85°F in summer and 65°F in winter. The narrow barrier island stretches 34 miles along the coastline, with most campgrounds concentrated on the southern portion within 5 miles of the Queen Isabella Causeway. Seasonal sticker burrs grow throughout grassy areas from May through October, requiring protective footwear for pets.
What to do
Fishing from piers or kayaks: At Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park, campers can fish from two lighted fishing piers included with park admission. "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," explains Larry D.
Dolphin watching: Located just 20 minutes from the SpaceX launch facility, campgrounds provide access to marine wildlife viewing. "We took a dolphin watching trip and saw plenty of them. Next up is fishing from the pier," reports a camper at Tropical Trails RV Resort.
Horseback riding: Beach horseback riding excursions operate near several campgrounds. "The horseback riding on the beach by Island Adventures is expensive but well worth the money," notes Bret N. from his stay at Isla Blanca Park.
Birdwatching: The park connects to premier bird sanctuaries along the coastal migration corridor. "If you are into bird watching, Padre Island is a great place as well. You see birders visiting from all over the country to catch the seasonal migrations," shares a reviewer.
What campers like
Beachfront proximity: Isla Blanca Park provides immediate beach access with 600 full-hookup sites. "Sites are not too close together and an easy walk to the beach. Can't beat the price for a county park," writes Kelly S. The park completed renovations in 2020 adding new bathhouses and beach pavilions.
Winter camping community: Winter visitors form active social groups at several dog friendly campgrounds near South Padre Island. "Great community, heated swimming pool, near South Padre Island," notes Joel G. about Port Isabel Park Center. Another camper at Winter Haven Resort appreciates the "very nice park, 3 pools, friendly people."
Spacious sites away from crowds: Unlike the densely packed beachfront options, some inland parks offer more room. "A big plus is a space between lots here, your neighbors are not 5 ft away like the island parks, here it is more like 50 feet," reports a Tropical Trails camper.
Laguna Madre Bay location: South Padre Island KOA sits on the bay side offering protection from ocean winds. "Beautiful area. Pull thru site was level and not too close proximity to the neighbors. Great staff. Clean facilities. The sunset was gorgeous," shares Kelly S.
What you should know
Limited bathroom access in off-season: Andy Bowie County Park restricts bathroom access during winter months. "Bathrooms chained closed at 5:30 pm and not reopened until 7:30-8 ish. Only one of three showers worked and only cold water, bathroom sinks were inoperable," reports Scott B.
Train noise at some locations: Some inland campgrounds experience evening train disruptions. "There are train tracks on the north end of the resort, and we were very close to them. Train seems to roll through at about 1030pm every night, but you honestly don't even notice after the first night," notes a Tropical Trails camper.
Lengthy check-in processes: Allow extra time for registration during busy seasons. "Check in could have been easier. Spent almost 30 minutes for the process. Overall though, very satisfied and will stay here again," reports Kelly S. about Isla Blanca Park.
SpaceX launch impacts: Boca Chica Beach camping access varies based on rocket testing. "Nice beach to visit, especially to see starship prep activity. Unlikely to be able to camp long term," warns Mark F. The beach sometimes closes completely during test launches.
Tips for camping with families
Dog parks and pet areas: Several pet-friendly campgrounds provide dedicated dog exercise facilities. "Pet walk with waste bags and trash container, small dog fenced pet park, overall clean and friendly place to park the rig for awhile," notes Gerard K. about the South Padre Island KOA.
Pool access for kids: Family-friendly resorts offer swimming options away from ocean currents. "Winter Haven Resort has very nice great pools hot tub tennis court. Fun place to rv," shares Ronald S.
Playground options: Verify playground conditions before booking for young children. "My kiddo loved the playground and the ice cream socials on the weekends," writes Whitney R. about the South Padre Island KOA, though other campgrounds report closed or deteriorating play structures.
Beach safety information: The county parks provide lifeguards during summer months while remote beach areas lack supervision. "The sandy beach is huge and great for families. They provide lifeguards during the summer months," notes a reviewer about the main public beaches.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Port Isabel Park Center, "Large park, 400 sites. Large heated pool, hot tub, basketball and tennis courts," reports Joel G. Some areas offer better water views than others.
Internet connectivity: Fiber optic internet makes remote work possible at newer resorts. "High Speed Internet (ethernet from the pedestal) was very fast (over 100mbit). No issues with multiple 4k stream, and/or Zoom/Teams calls," reports Patrick O. at Tropical Trails RV Resort.
Sewer connection quality: Inspect sewer connections before hookup as some lack proper traps. "The sewer hookup does not have a trap therefore no water to keep stench down. Smelled so bad I could not leave drain pipe connected while I stayed," warns Gary G. about Breeze Lake Campground.
Free transportation options: City buses connect major camping areas. "You can also take the free city bus (bus stop is at campground entrance) into S Padre island or over the bridge to the mainland," notes Debbie J. about transportation from the KOA.
