The 12 Best Beach Camping Spots in Texas

If you live anywhere in the large swath of Texas that’s a few hours’ drive from the coast, it’s easy to forget that the state boasts 360 miles of pristine beachfront — the sixth-longest coastline of any state.

Along Texas beaches, you can find the amusement parks of Galveston, the fishing havens of Rockport, and the laidback seaside town of Corpus Christi. But one of the best ways to experience Texas’ beaches is to pack up the camping gear, spend a few days disconnected from the grid, and enjoy the steady roll of the waves.

Texas’ beaches offer a wide variety of camping experiences, from backpacking in empty expanses of South Padre Island to children-friendly hookup and RV sites. The diversity of the Texas coast also means that one weekend, you can watch sea turtles hatch out of pristine white sands, and the next, you can paddle through coastal marshes in pursuit of vibrant avian life. Run the gamut of Texas beach camping with our list of top spots.

Primitive Campsites

Follett’s Island Beach: One of the Gulf Coast’s overlooked gems, Follett offers free, primitive campsites along a stretch of the coast with great fishing and swimming. Horseback riding is also allowed.

Matagorda Beach: Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Matagorda Bay, about halfway between Galveston and Corpus Christi, Matagorda Beach offers access to beautiful shoreline as well as the rich aquatic life of the bay. Although RVs are permitted on the beach, the soft sand tends to keep them away, and with no camping fees, all you need to enjoy this beachfront property is a tent.

North Beach, Padre Island: Like South Beach but a little more accessible to most Texans, North Beach offers a vast expanse that allows for primitive campgrounds wherever you can find a spot. There aren’t many amenities nearby, so be sure to pack what you need. Your reward will be some of the best sunrises in Texas.

Sea Rim State Park: The unique coastal ecology, which blends marshy grasslands and pounding surf, make this a special place to visit. Although the state park does have a few campsites with electricity, the highlight here is the primitive locations, which range from beachfront camping to floating docks in the marshland. If you want to access one of the floating campsites, you’ll need a canoe, kayak, or other boat. It’s worth the effort to enjoy one of Texas’ most unique and tranquil campsites.

South Beach, South Padre Island: To reach the best camp spots, make sure you have a vehicle you trust in the sand. From the beach entrance, there are 60 miles to explore between South Beach and the Mansfield Channel. That makes this stretch the perfect escape for campers looking to escape it all. You’ll have to register to attain access, but beach camping is free. Once you’ve settled in, enjoy some of the best windsurfing and offshore angling in the state.

Surfside Beach: Camping isn’t allowed in Surfside, but avid Texas beach lovers know that all you need to do to enjoy this beautiful stretch of the coast is to drive down County Road 257 and take Beach Access 1 to a spot on the beach just outside the town limits. You can pitch a tent or set up an RV for free right up to the water’s edge, but with the remote solitude of the spot comes some challenging conditions. Don’t expect facilities or easy access to supplies — you’ll have to pack what you need.

Campsite Hookups And Rvs

Crystal Beach, Bolivar Peninsula: There’s a reason why Crystal Beach is one of the most popular beachfront RV sites in Texas. RVs can either pull right out on the sand or park at one of several RV parks up and down the peninsula that offers access to both the sea and bay sides. Plus, with easy access to nearby dining and shopping, it’s perfect for people who love the outdoors as well as city life.

Galveston Island State Park: Sure, Galveston can get a little crowded during peak Texas beach season, but Galveston Island State Park is large and spread out enough to deliver the feeling of seaside seclusion at a convenient location. Campsites with water and electricity are located on the park’s beach and bay side. In addition to easy access to bustling downtown Galveston, the park offers hiking and biking trails, canoe and kayak trails, and great fishing.

Mustang Island State Park: If sleeping on the sand sounds a little too itchy for your taste, then Mustang Island’s family-friendly campgrounds offer the perfect balance of coastal access and campground relaxation. The 48 sites with electricity hookups sit just on the other side of the dunes for the beach. One perk: Mustang Island allows for small beach campfires, which is the perfect way to enjoy a beachfront sunset.

Piping Plover Campground, Sea Rim State Park: If roughing on a floating campsite sounds a little too intense, you can still enjoy the spectacular marshes of Sea Rim State Park by staying at the Piping Plover Campground. Drive-up sites with water and electricity cost $20 per night but offer easy access to the shoreline and the marshes.

Andy Bowie Park, South Padre Island: RV owners love this spot located steps from South Padre’s famous sea turtle hatchery. The location offers stunning coastline views, access to fantastic birding along the bayside Laguna Madre Nature Trail, as well as proximity to food concessions, a fishing and swimming area, and barbecue and picnic pavilions.

Glamping on the Beach

Although glamping sites that blend a little luxury living with the outdoors experience have been popping up around the state, there aren’t many options along the Texas coast. Our favorite is a little yurt village provided by Bolivar Glamping. Enjoy unobstructed oceanfront views from the cozy, rug-covered entryway to your comfortable tent. Camp restroom and shower are even included.

Sticking closer to home? Check out this cozy guide to glamping in your own backyard.