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Established Camping

Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore

5 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bird Island Basin Campground, near Corpus Christi, Texas, is a unique spot right on the water at Padre Island National Seashore. This place is perfect for those who love windsurfing and fishing, with easy access to the Laguna Madre and stunning sunsets right from your campsite.

The campground offers a laid-back vibe with basic amenities like fresh drinking water and accessible vault toilets. Visitors have mentioned that it’s a bit primitive, but that’s part of its charm. As one camper noted, “Quiet. Peaceful. Place we enjoy. 10' from the water. Beautiful!!”

If you’re into fishing, you’re in luck. The intercoastal channel is teeming with redfish and other saltwater species, making it a great spot for anglers. Plus, there’s a boat ramp and kayak launch just a short walk from the tent camping area, so you can easily get out on the water.

While some campers found the sites a bit tight, the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature make it a worthwhile experience. Just be prepared for the wind, as it can be quite breezy here. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Bird Island Basin offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for adventure.

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Location

Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore is located in Texas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the park entrance station, travel south on Park Road 22 for 0.8 miles (1.2 km). Turn right on Bird Island Basin Road. Travel 1.4 miles (2.2 km) to the campground. Bird Island Basin Campground is located 4.4 miles (7 km) northwest of the Malaquite Visitor Center.

Address

Padre Island National Seashore 20420 Park Road 22
Corpus christi, TX 78418

Coordinates

27.466794 N
97.313693 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Brackenridge Park & Campground

Brackenridge Park & Campground

2 hrs 34 min away

Long Island Village

Long Island Village

3 hrs 15 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

David S.
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2023

Windy

It’s windy most of the time. Perfect for windsurfing and fishing. There’s about a 50 foot waist high depth off of your campsite which is right next to the water. the wind is brutal to tents so be weary.

Site24 and 25
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by David S., March 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by David S., March 1, 2023
Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2023

Tight but on the water - Wind Surfers Paradise

BIRD BASIN: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:

Overall Rating: 3.5 Usage during visit: full every night Site Privacy: 2 Site Spacing: 1. Tight. Campground Noise 4 Road Noise: 5.
Bathroom Cleanliness:5. Nice pit toilets Cell Service (Verizon): 0 to 1 bars Setting: on bayside , nice sunsets out the back door ! Weather: Windy - great for wind surfing Solar: 5. Excellent Host: 5. Excellent Location: On the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Laguna Madre ASSESSMENT: Nice people here all, around. Spots are too tight for our liking . Be prepared for wind, wind. I think Malaquite is nicer, especially sites on the sand dune side.

Site3
Month of VisitFebruary
Linda G.
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2022

Laid back and peaceful

With national senior park lifetime pass, $4/night. No amenities but there is a dump station and fresh water. Quiet. Peaceful. Place we enjoy. 10' from the water. Beautiful!!

Site18
Month of VisitFebruary
Cireena K.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2020

Nice and Calm

After spending time at PINS with the surf and soft sans, this was a good, calm change. The cost is less that the other side of the island, but it's so much better.

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  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by Cireena K., November 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by Cireena K., November 30, 2020
Dan D.
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2019

Hidden Oasis

Can’t say enough good things about this place. First time to Texas and was pleasantly surprised with the national park and this specific camp ground. The beach was closed for camping (September 17-21) due to high tides so I decided to stay at bird island basin. 20+ RV spots (without electric hookup so bring that generator) and a designated tent camping area on a small beach in the back of the grounds. Toilets at either side of the camp ground. Boat ramp and kayak launch 100 yards from the tent camping area. Also, if you’re a windsurfer, their is a rental shop and world class windsurfing 5 ft from your camp ground. I stayed for 5 nights and the cost was 40$ plus the 10$ park entrance fee for a weeks access. The intercoastal channel runs directly parallel to the beach and its teeming with redfish and plenty other species of saltwater fish. Showers are a 2 minute drive down the road to Malaquite beach and they also have a gift shop that sells ice (7.50 for 20 lbs). The only downside is their is no cell service until you leave the national park and the closest gas station and reasonably priced ice is 12 miles away. Also bring a canopy because their are only 3 spots with shade and they fill up fast.

  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by Dan D., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by Dan D., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore by Dan D., September 20, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bird Island Basin Campground located in relation to Corpus Christi?

Bird Island Basin Campground is located within driving distance of Corpus Christi on Padre Island. It sits on the Laguna Madre (bay side) of the island, offering calmer waters compared to the Gulf side beaches. The campground provides an accessible natural retreat from the city while remaining close enough for day trips or supply runs to Corpus Christi. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions typical of this coastal area.

What amenities are available at Bird Island Basin Campground?

Bird Island Basin Campground offers minimal amenities, providing a more primitive camping experience. There are no electrical hookups at the RV sites, but the campground does have pit toilets that are well maintained. A dump station and fresh water are available for campers. The campground is situated right next to the water, about 10 feet away, making it convenient for water activities like fishing and windsurfing. For campers with a National Senior Park Lifetime Pass, the cost is $4 per night.

Is Bird Island Basin Campground part of Padre Island National Seashore?

Yes, Bird Island Basin Campground is officially part of Padre Island National Seashore. It's an alternative camping option within the national park, especially when beach camping might be closed due to high tides or other conditions. The campground provides a different experience from the Gulf side of the island, with calmer waters and less soft sand. As part of the National Seashore, it's managed by the National Park Service.

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