RV camping near West Columbia, Texas offers year-round access with seasonal considerations for Gulf Coast weather patterns. The area sits at low elevations near the Gulf Coast and Colorado River watershed, with several waterways creating opportunities for fishing and water recreation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings mild days averaging 60-70°F.
What to do
Fishing at riverfront sites: Matagorda Bay Nature Park provides direct access to where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. "Great spot for bird watching and fishing! The staff is incredible nice. Full hookups on flat concrete drives," notes one visitor, who appreciated the "beautiful sunset" and proximity to the beach.
Beach activities within walking distance: Happy Camp RV Park offers convenient beach access with amenities like free WiFi and clean facilities. As one camper mentioned, "I was here to stay for 3 days due to some work. This was a park close to my work location. I don't regret my decision. Free wifi, Clean Washroom that very important. Good environment."
Miniature golf for family recreation: Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers putt-putt golf for $10, adding recreational options beyond water activities. "Park is located inside the Matagorda Nature Preserve and located directly on the ICW with a beautiful view from pretty much every camp site," reports one camper who appreciated the "beautiful sunset over the water."
What campers like
Concrete pads at waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the level concrete pads at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, especially for larger RVs. A visitor noted, "Campsite concrete pad level and in good condition. Park roadways good condition with no speed bumps and easy to maneuver."
Modern facilities: Eric and Jays RV Resort receives praise for contemporary amenities. "The welcome building, bathrooms/showers and gym are all brand new and updated with modern design. There is coffee available for free to guests in the rec room, which is a nice place to relax," according to one review. Another camper added, "The amenities were amazing. We had live music and food trucks available."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks provide fishing access, with Matagorda Bay Nature Park offering "2 large wooden Colorado River fishing piers which are lighted from dusk to dawn." One visitor shared, "This location is absolutely awesome. Right where the Colorado River flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The fishing is awesome and the sunsets are spectacular!"
What you should know
Limited shade available: Most RV parks in the area have little to no shade coverage. At Matagorda Bay, a camper reported, "No shade what so ever. Some sites had a pergola over their concrete picnic table; Our site had no table covering. Brisk ocean 'breezes' made it impossible to deploy our trailer awning."
Mosquito preparation essential: Gulf Coast insects can be intense during warmer months. One camper at Matagorda Bay warned, "The mosquitos at night were insane," while another mentioned, "Thank goodness we had our Clam screenroom with us, because the mosquitos got really bad at times."
Extended-stay policies vary: Some parks cater primarily to long-term campers. Bayou Oaks RV Park has a long-term only policy, as one frustrated visitor discovered: "I wanted to make a two day reservation for a business trip. The park has good reviews so I thought I would stay as it is close to my event. The online system would not work so I called and found they are for long term only."
Tips for camping with families
Bring protective footwear: Natural hazards can affect barefoot activities. At Matagorda Bay, one camper warned, "There are a lot of prickly thorns, so need to be careful walking dogs, as they tend to pick up thorns easily."
Schedule around high traffic times: Popular areas can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. A visitor to Matagorda Bay observed, "This is an awesome beach to visit becoming more popular over the years but still great. Miles and miles of beaches to drive on and enjoy, plus tons of small ponds on the other side of the dunes."
Consider beach cabin alternatives: Angleton RV Park & Resort offers clean facilities with good site spacing for families. "The lots are good size, Mariam is a great park manager. The dumpster is never overflowing because trash gets picked up 2× a week," notes one reviewer who stayed long-term.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Approach routes can be problematic for large rigs. The Gulf Coast area includes urban driving that can be challenging, with a Matagorda Bay camper noting their campground had "park roadways good condition with no speed bumps and easy to maneuver."
Dual sewer connections: Some sites at Matagorda Bay Nature Park feature two sewer connections, providing flexibility for different RV layouts and extended stays.
Ice availability: In remote areas, plan ice needs accordingly. At Matagorda, "Their is a self-service ice machine right across the street and that a plus because their is virtually nowhere to buy ice on the island and the closest convenient store is about 15 minutes away."
