Coastal free camping near Thompsons, Texas offers primitive beach sites along the Gulf Coast approximately 60 miles south of Houston. These dispersed camping areas feature firm, compacted sand that supports most vehicles without requiring four-wheel drive. Campsites typically maintain considerable distance between neighboring campers, especially during weekdays when beaches remain largely uncrowded.
What to do
Stargazing after sunset: At Follett's Island Beach, the night sky offers excellent visibility. "The stars were excellent at night and the sea breeze made for amazing sleeping weather," reports one camper who enjoyed both evening astronomy and morning ocean activities.
Morning ocean swimming: Early risers can take advantage of calm morning waters before the day heats up. A visitor at Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping noted, "The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy. I couldn't imagine a better time."
Fishing from shore: Multiple beach camping locations provide direct access for shore fishing. Several reviewers mentioned seeing fishermen setting up at water's edge during early morning hours. According to one camper, "Apparently, the fishing is pretty good, too," after observing several anglers with success.
What campers like
Privacy during weekdays: Beach camping areas experience significant differences in crowding between weekdays and weekends. A reviewer at Brazoria Beach shared, "Very quiet during the week. Weekend it gets a bit crowded and because of the hard pack sand, some people were going a lot faster than the 15 mile an hour speed limit."
Mobile vendors: Despite the remote setting, ice cream and food trucks regularly travel the beaches during peak periods. Initially skeptical visitors noted, "We were a bit irritated at first but then bought ice-cream LOL," showing how these unexpected amenities can become welcome diversions.
Strong cellular coverage: Most beach camping locations maintain reliable connectivity. One camper at Follett's Island Beach confirmed having "3 bars LTE" with Verizon, while another mentioned, "Cell signal is strong," making these areas suitable for remote workers.
What you should know
Beach cleaning schedule: County maintenance crews regularly clean certain beach sections. A camper observed, "They were combing the beach section I came in on," while another noted, "the beach was still cleaned of seaweed and debris daily due to the hurricane and higher tides."
Limited nearby services: Prepare by stocking up before arrival. As one visitor at Gulf Side Oasis Beach Dispersed advised, "There are a few convenience stores nearby, but it's highly recommended to stop for groceries elsewhere."
Parking strategy matters: Choose your spot carefully relative to dunes and water. "Parked parallel to the dunes off the packed down sand! We're a good distance from all the houses to avoid any potential issues," advised one experienced beach camper, highlighting the importance of strategic positioning.
Traffic speed concerns: The hard-packed sand enables faster driving than might be expected. Multiple reviews mention vehicles exceeding the 15 mph speed limit, particularly on weekends when beach traffic increases substantially.
Tips for camping with families
Bring shade structures: The Texas Gulf Coast sun can be intense, especially with limited natural shade. "Recommend some type of canopy or awning, Texas Sun is HOT!" advised a summer visitor to Brazoria Beach Camp from Seagull Ave.
Consider timing for less crowding: School breaks and summer weekends draw larger crowds. For families seeking quieter experiences, weekdays provide significantly less congestion and more space between campers.
Pack extra water: With no potable water sources available, families need to bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Calculate at least 1 gallon per person per day, with additional water during summer months.
Bug protection strategies: Evening insects can be problematic, particularly during warmer months. One camper warned, "Sunsets are amazing but watch out for the bugs at night!" suggesting families bring insect repellent and screen tents for evening comfort.
Tips from RVers
Beach access road selection: Not all access points accommodate larger rigs equally. "Check before you drive into the sand," advised one camper, while another specified, "Pulled in with 23 ft trailer and no problems," at Brazoria Beach.
Distance from tide line: Multiple RV campers emphasized parking well above the high tide mark. "Tide is safely far from the rig," noted one RVer, while another mentioned, "we only had water touch our tires one night," indicating occasional high tides.
Driving technique for sand: Even with hard-packed sand, driving technique matters. "Just pick your driving lanes and parking spots carefully without 4x4," suggested one camper who successfully navigated a larger rig through the beaches without incident.
