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.

Bird Island Basin lies along Laguna Madre with easy access for fishing, birding, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are 35 RV and tent sites and 10 additional tent-only sites. All sites are side by side on gravel. The tent-only sites are walk up to a sand flat. This area is also for day use activities. Vault toilets are available at the north and south ends with day use areas in between.

Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Chapman Ranch, TX has a lot to offer. Chapman Ranch is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Chapman Ranch, TX. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Chapman Ranch

The Best Camping Near Chapman Ranch, Texas

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. 

Hidden Oasis

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.

Nice and Calm

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!!

Laid back and peaceful 

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. 

Tight but on the water - Wind Surfers Paradise

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.

Photos of Bird Island Basin Campground — Padre Island National Seashore

Real photos from real campers