Best Dispersed Camping near Thompsons, TX
Dispersed beach camping extends along several free access points near Thompsons, Texas, primarily on the Gulf Coast shoreline where overnight stays are permitted without reservation or fee. Multiple sites including Follett's Island, Brazoria Beach, Surfside Beach, and Gulf Side Oasis offer primitive camping directly on hard-packed sand beaches. These areas permit campers to drive vehicles directly onto the beach and set up camp with minimal restrictions, typically staying up to 14 days.
Access to these beach camping areas requires navigating sand-packed roads that generally support standard vehicles without four-wheel drive. Campers report that despite the beach location, most vehicles including RVs and camper vans can safely navigate the compacted sand without getting stuck. No facilities exist at these primitive sites - no drinking water, toilets, showers, or hookups are available. Campfires are permitted at most locations unless specific fire bans are in effect. Trash collection varies by site, with some areas like Follett's Island providing trash service while others require packing out all refuse. One camper noted, "You get what you pay for, but it's still not bad... plenty of trash cans but the beach is a bit dirty."
The beach camping experience offers direct ocean access with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and stargazing. Sites typically allow pets on leash and can accommodate various camping setups from tents to RVs. Visitors report varying levels of privacy depending on the season and day of week. A reviewer mentioned, "Great during the middle of the week. Very quiet during the week. Weekend it gets a bit crowded and because of the hard-packed sand, some people were going a lot faster than the 15-mile-an-hour speed limit." Seasonal considerations include summer heat, potential for strong coastal winds, and insects that can be persistent in warmer months. Cell service is generally good throughout the area, though signal strength varies by provider and exact location.
