Description

The South Beach Campground is very similar to North Beach Campground, but it’s south (obvi.), and runs along the Gulf of Mexico from the end of Closed Beach to Mansfield Channel. All camping in this area is primitive, and open to RV and tent camping. There are no marked sites, so just close your eyes and pick a spot! If you’re looking for facilities, head over to the Malaquite Campground. Last but not least, unless there is a fire ban in effect, go wild and light ‘em up! Translation: fires are permitted in barbeque grills or a pit dug in the ground.
Campsite area
Tent or RV site
1 site
Up to guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Showers available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Fishing

Fishing at Padre Island is no relaxing afternoon at the water. As any local angler knows, fishing is the biggest game in town a...Read more

Paddling

If you can’t decide between saltwater or freshwater paddling, head to Padre Island Seashore, where there are scenic views, calm...Read more

Swimming

The warm waters and expansive, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico make it perfect for a dip in the ocean. There are no life...Read more

Wildlife watching

People aren’t the only species that come to Padre Island for its fantastic fishing opportunities. A diverse array of birds live...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at South Beach Campground.

Beach
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10 Reviews

750
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Hipcamper Matthew
Matthew P.
recommends this listing.
April 3rd, 2017

Check the weather and tides.

Hipcamper emily
Emily C.
didn't provide a recommendation.
November 7th, 2016

Who knew Texas beaches could look like this! Came down from Fort Worth on a whim and fell in love with this place. Malaquite campground was full but no worries, south beach was exactly what I needed.
Easy to drive out and snag a spot even with a non 4WD vehicle ( I have a Nissan cube).
You have a gorgeous front row seat to the ocean no matter where you settle. It can get pretty windy so be sure to secure all your gear, and maybe leave your tent fly off to check out the crazy awesome view of the night sky while you fall asleep to the sound of the waves

Hipcamper lindi
Lindi B.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 15th, 2015

We ADORED this National Seashore.

A couple of friends and I tent camped here over Spring Break. Besides the weather being a little chilly and mostly overcast, we had such a good time.

The primitive camp sites along South Beach are completely free, you just drive down until you see a place to call home for the next few nights and set up camp.

One of my favorite things about this camp site/beach was that it never got crowded the whole time we were there. And even with the people who were there, it was very quiet.

If you are looking for a place to camp on the beach, this is seriously it.

(side note: showers in the visitor center are at subarctic freezing temperatures...)

Hipcamper Christopher S.
recommends this listing.
November 6th, 2018
Hipcamper Brett N.
recommends this listing.
July 17th, 2018
Hipcamper Monte S.
recommends this listing.
July 10th, 2018
Hipcamper James W.
recommends this listing.
February 16th, 2018
Hipcamper Catherine O.
recommends this listing.
February 14th, 2018
Hipcamper Marty E.
recommends this listing.
September 12th, 2017
Hipcamper Mary G.
recommends this listing.
April 1st, 2017
Park
Padre Island National Seashore
State
Texas
Country
United States
Phone Number
(361) 949-8069
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
27.415° N, 97.302° W
Free
Tent / RV / Trailer: 1 Site
(Up to people per site)