🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Padre Island National Seashore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Padre Island adventure.

The best camping near Padre Island National Seashore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Padre Island adventure.

Camping near Padre Island National Seashore

100% (24 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Padre Island adventure.

Surf-fishing, sea turtles, and seaside camping await at this coastal wilderness.  

Popular ways to camp

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Padre Island National Seashore

Top-rated campgrounds near Padre Island National Seashore

Saved 1 time

6 acres Outside Riviera, Texas

1 site ¡ RV6 acres ¡ Riviera, TX
Learn more about this land:343 feet of frontage to FM 771 which is a paved road that arrives to Riviera Beach in 7.5 miles. Less than 2 miles from Riviera and easy access to Highway 77. A Great Opportunity for those looking to escape the congestion of the City and enjoy a more rural lifestyle. Natural brush. Just minutes from launching your boat in Baffin Bay!
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(1)

Horse House

2 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs20 acres ¡ Corpus Christi, TX
The Horse House Corpus Christi is located at 1325 Yorktown Blvd. in Flour Bluff. This stunning privately owned and operated facility is located on 20 acres, with rolling green pasture grass, pond, beautiful landscape and gated entrance. There is plenty of ridding room for those who like to trail ride. We have two large out door round pen's one 60' and the other is 45', outdoor arena 60'x145', 3 set of adjustable jumps, schooling cones, trotting poles, and trail obstacles, barrel pattern and poles. Large temperature control tack room, feed room, and wash rack. We have been improving our facility and amenities and will continue to do so. Our goal is to provide our clients with an affordable, beautiful, safe and fun experience and provide our horses with the best of the best care. We would love to show you our facility please reach out to schedule a tour, we look forward to meeting you and your four legged friend.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$65
 / night
Saved 2 times

Padre Island National Seashore

1 site ¡ Lodging100 acres ¡ Corpus Christi, TX
Padre Island National Seashore is a national seashore located on Padre Island off the coast of South Texas. In contrast to South Padre Island, known for its beaches and vacationing college students, PINS is located on North Padre Island and consists of a long beach where nature is preserved.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$475
 / night
Saved 7 times

Dos Rios Lodging

1 site ¡ Lodging300 acres ¡ Rio Hondo, TX
A unique property only accessible by boat a beautiful peninsula that is completely private and one of a kind.Learn more about this land:This beautiful 300 acres of land full of wildlife, 3300sqft private lodge what more could you ask for in a vacation, a hunting/fishing spot, a place to hold retreats and getaways (with or from the family). Lodging where you can kick back and relax when you need a break from the outdoors; watch TV or use the wifi and stream whatever you like. Either way Dos Rios Rod and Gun Club is the place for you! Hurry and get your bookings in we are filling up fast, and you don't want to miss out on this one of a kind experience!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$499
 / night

The best camping near Padre Island National Seashore guide

Overview

About

Stretching for more than 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, the Padre Island National Seashore is a wild slice of coastal paradise. Head to the oceanside beaches to hit the surf, cool off with a swim, and explore off-road by 4WD, or enjoy boating, kayaking, and windsurfing along the Laguna Madre. Pack your binoculars along with your swimsuit, as this barrier island is a birdwatching hotspot with more than 380 species to spot, as well as a nesting ground for sea turtles. Campers can choose from the park's two seafront campgrounds or enjoy primitive camping right on the beach.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for ocean views: Malaquite Campground has 48 RV and tent sites with basic facilities on the Atlantic seafront.
  • Best for water activities: Bird Island Basin has RV and tent camping sites with easy access to the boat launch and the waters of the Laguna Madre.
  • Best for beach camping: South Beach Primitive Camping has 60 miles of shoreline where you can pitch your tent or park your camper (4WD recommended) right on the beach.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. All campsites at Padre Island National Seashore are first-come, first-served only—no reservations are accepted.
  2. Camping permits are required for all sites, including primitive camping, and are available from the self-serve kiosks at the campground entrances. 
  3. Some of the more popular campsites can fill up fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends, so plan an early morning arrival to snag the best spots.

When to go

With long, balmy summers and mild winters, Padre Island National Seashore is a four-season destination with year-round camping. Prepare for high humidity through the summer months—temperatures can reach 95°F. The best time for birding is from late fall through early spring, when thousands of seabirds migrate through the park, but wildlife enthusiasts will also want to stop by in summer (from mid-June through August) when sea turtle hatchling releases take place.

Know before you go

  • Padre Island National Seashore is 35 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, about a 45-minute drive away crossing the JFK Causeway.
  • The seashore requires an admission fee, and camping fees also apply. Fishing and boat ramp permits are required.
  • Park facilities include a visitor center, boat ramp, restrooms, picnic areas, and a dump station. The park has no electric hookups, and the closest gas station and grocery stores are about 12 miles from the park entrance. Cell phone service is patchy throughout the park.
  • There are accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms at Padre Island. Beach wheelchairs are also available for free use.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.