Beach camping dominates the shoreline near West Columbia, Texas, with options scattered along the Gulf Coast within a 20-30 mile radius. Most beaches feature firm, compact sand that supports standard vehicles without requiring four-wheel drive. Temperatures average 92°F during summer months with high humidity, while winter camping sees milder 65-70°F days with occasionally strong coastal winds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Follett's Island Beach, fishing remains a primary activity with several campers reporting successful catches. "Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Surfside Beach Access Road #4...I moved up here from Access Road #1 two days ago to get away from people and noise congestion and was successful...Apparently, the fishing is pretty good, too," noted one visitor.
Beach hiking: The extensive shorelines offer miles of walking possibilities between different access points. "This is a 13 mile Long Beach, so amenities may be far and few. There are multiple beach access points and you can drive right on and drive where you need to get privacy," explains a camper about their November experience.
Shelling excursions: Hollywood Bottom Park offers "very soft sand and great shell spot" opportunities according to visitors. The Colorado River access point creates unique conditions where river and gulf influences create shell deposits different from purely coastal locations.
What campers like
Privacy options: Surfside Beach Dispersed Camping offers significant space between campsites during weekdays. "This is theeeeee spot to be! You can drive right on the beach! Sunsets are amazing but watch out for the bugs at night!" reports one camper about the spacious setting.
Off-season experiences: Winter camping provides different advantages with fewer crowds. "Free beach camping between access 3 and 5. Stayed here end of December. Nice temperatures and great view on the gulf. A lot of space. Some campers but a lot privacy," shared a winter camper at Follett's Island.
Oceanfront proximity: The ability to position tents close to the water creates a distinctive camping atmosphere. "We had a blast! We were living on the beach in our 39ft skoolie for 5 days over christmas!" exclaimed a visitor about their holiday stay directly on the beach.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes pose a serious challenge, particularly at dusk. A camper at Bryan Beach warned, "The biggest problem however, was the mosquitoes! At dusk we had to retreat to our tents immediately or be eaten alive. So beware!"
Weather fluctuations: Gulf Coast weather patterns change rapidly and can impact camping experiences. "We only had water touch our tires one night" reported a September camper, referencing hurricane activity and higher-than-normal tides that affected their stay.
Sand conditions: Vehicle access requires awareness of changing beach conditions. "We camped out on the beach for three days at a few different locations and had no problems other than soft sand at one of the access roads (check before you drive into the sand)...Overall, great spot! Just pick your driving lanes and parking spots carefully without 4x4."
Tips for camping with families
Shade solutions: Houston West RV Park provides tree coverage lacking on exposed beaches. "The environment is clean and quiet," mentioned a visitor, making it more suitable for families needing breaks from direct sun exposure common at shoreline sites.
Activity planning: Beach camping requires additional entertainment for children. "Beautiful night stargazing and relaxing with the ocean waves. The days bright sun and cool water gave us great joy," reports a family about balancing daytime water activities with evening sky observation.
Supply logistics: Stock up before arriving as shopping options are limited. "Plan ahead, stores are few and far between. NO amenities, water, showers or hookups of any kind," advises a camper who stayed during peak July season, emphasizing the need for complete self-sufficiency.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Jamaica Cay and similar coastal areas require careful positioning to avoid tide issues. "Parked on beach with nobody else in sight. Hard to beat free camping on the beach," shared an RV camper who found an optimal spot away from potential water encroachment.
Temperature management: Gulf Coast humidity creates specific challenges for RV camping. "Fabulous night's sleep and morning swim and cup of joe! The stars were excellent at night and the sea breeze made for amazing sleeping weather," noted a camper who leveraged evening breezes to cool their vehicle naturally.
Generator considerations: Power management becomes essential without hookups. "Class B camping. Had beach mostly to ourselves. Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for. Clean and plenty of room. Good cell services," reported a camper who successfully managed their power needs despite the primitive conditions.
