The best lakeside camping near Crystal Beach

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The unincorporated community of Crystal Beach (also known as Patton) sits on the Bolivar Peninsula and is a popular destination for camping and water sports in the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers can fish from rocks or designated jetties on miles of beach. Then set up at a nearby beach campsite where campfires are encouraged during safe conditions. It’s also possible to venture into parks like Galveston Island State Park and Sea Rim State Park that have dispersed, primitive beach camping, as well as RV and tent campsites, to spend a few days in nature. Or visit Big Thicket National Preserve to the northeast to explore forest and marshland from a campsite set up on sandbars.

87% (66) 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Crystal Beach

Magnolia Gardens Park

1. Magnolia Gardens Park

85%
(88)
41mi from Crystal Beach · 60 sites · Tents, RVs
Located steps from the San Jacinto River Historic Magnolia Gardens Park. Have your coffee riverside as the steam rises off the warm water. Observing the abundant wildlife. If a secluded GREEN space is what you're looking for, you fond it!Learn more about this land:Located on the sandy beaches of the San Jacinto River, Magnolia Gardens park. We offer a family environment you can picnic, camp, swim, fish, kayak, and rent jet skis. Set up your tent on the beach, or in the wooded areas. You can drive around the property till you find the perfect spot. There are areas near electric plugs 🔌 not Available in all areas of the park. If u wish for secluded camp site. We have plenty of space away from The world. Disconnect to reconnect
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

2. Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

100%
(2)
0.4mi from Crystal Beach · 53 sites · RVs
Bolivar Peninsula RV Park is centrally located in Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas. We have the comfort and amenities just right for your trip to Crystal Beach (Galveston), with our spacious super sites and full hook-ups with 30/50 amp service. Choose from Lakefront or pull-through sites. Bolivar Peninsula offers miles of sun, surf, and sand with a country-like beach atmosphere that makes this place unlike any other coastal community. Make Bolivar Peninsula RV Park your “home away from home. Our RV park boasts a massive dog park, a new WiFi system, a recently renovated bath house and washateria, and much more.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Highland Bayou Kayak and SUP Palapa

3. Highland Bayou Kayak and SUP Palapa

83%
(6)
21mi from Crystal Beach · 1 site · Lodging
OFF GRID Palapa. There's a private bath with a basic shower. No hot water. Take the kayak and stand up paddle board out to the lake. Child sup, single kayak and one tandem. Pet friendly. Two adult cots and one child cot. Bring your own amenities and supplies. JUST AS PICTURED.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Anahuac RV Park

4. Anahuac RV Park

21mi from Crystal Beach · 47 sites
Discover the charm of Anahuac RV Park, a unique and tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of Texas's alligator capital. This serene campground serves as the perfect launching point for adventurers eager to explore the natural wonders of Southeast Texas. With its proximity to stunning beaches, vibrant birdwatching spots, and thrilling boating and kayaking opportunities, Anahuac RV Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're interested in hunting or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape, there's something for everyone here. Don't miss the chance to visit the nearby National Wildlife Refuge, where you can immerse yourself in the local ecosystem. For fishing aficionados, both saltwater and freshwater fishing options abound, ensuring a fun-filled experience. Anahuac RV Park guarantees a memorable stay with a variety of engaging activities and attractions right at your fingertips.
Big State RV Park

5. Big State RV Park

22mi from Crystal Beach · 112 sites
Big State RV Park stands out for its prime location, just 30 minutes away from the beautiful Galveston Island and the vibrant Downtown Houston. This park offers 62 RV rental spots, including 16 extra-large spaces measuring 65 x 24 feet and 46 large spaces at 55 x 24 feet. With plans to expand to approximately 220 RV spots in the near future, the park will also feature convenient pull-thru spaces. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the park, and exciting developments are underway, including spacious laundry facilities, private restrooms with showers, dog runs, and a clubhouse equipped with a coffee bar and large-screen TVs. Additionally, the park boasts two freshwater lakes and a convenience store for all your needs. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's proximity to Highland Bayou Park, which is within walking distance. This nearby attraction features a bird sanctuary, an observation deck, and scenic hiking trails, perfect for outdoor activities. Book your stay at Big State RV Park and immerse yourself in the warmth of southern hospitality while enjoying the best of Texas outdoor living!
Cullen RV Resort

6. Cullen RV Resort

43mi from Crystal Beach · 31 sites
Welcome to our exceptional RV resort in Pearland, TX, where comfort meets convenience just 3 miles off HWY 288 and 5 miles from the Sam Houston Tollway. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a top-notch experience for all our guests, ensuring that every stay is memorable. Our resort features 20/30/50-amp electric service, all concrete pads and roads, and robust Wi-Fi connectivity. Enjoy a variety of amenities designed for relaxation and recreation, including a fitness center, a scenic walking trail, and a fully stocked fishing lake. Our clean and modern facilities include showers, restrooms, and a laundry room for your convenience. Gather with friends and family in our clubhouse, where you can play billiards, table tennis, or board games, and catch your favorite shows on TV. We are also excited to announce that a new swimming pool is currently under construction, promising even more fun and relaxation for our guests. Come and experience the perfect blend of nature and modern amenities at our RV resort!

The unincorporated community of Crystal Beach (also known as Patton) sits on the Bolivar Peninsula and is a popular destination for camping and water sports in the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers can fish from rocks or designated jetties on miles of beach. Then set up at a nearby beach campsite where campfires are encouraged during safe conditions. It’s also possible to venture into parks like Galveston Island State Park and Sea Rim State Park that have dispersed, primitive beach camping, as well as RV and tent campsites, to spend a few days in nature. Or visit Big Thicket National Preserve to the northeast to explore forest and marshland from a campsite set up on sandbars.

87% (66) 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Crystal Beach

Magnolia Gardens Park

1. Magnolia Gardens Park

85%
(88)
41mi from Crystal Beach · 60 sites · Tents, RVs
Located steps from the San Jacinto River Historic Magnolia Gardens Park. Have your coffee riverside as the steam rises off the warm water. Observing the abundant wildlife. If a secluded GREEN space is what you're looking for, you fond it!Learn more about this land:Located on the sandy beaches of the San Jacinto River, Magnolia Gardens park. We offer a family environment you can picnic, camp, swim, fish, kayak, and rent jet skis. Set up your tent on the beach, or in the wooded areas. You can drive around the property till you find the perfect spot. There are areas near electric plugs 🔌 not Available in all areas of the park. If u wish for secluded camp site. We have plenty of space away from The world. Disconnect to reconnect
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

2. Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

100%
(2)
0.4mi from Crystal Beach · 53 sites · RVs
Bolivar Peninsula RV Park is centrally located in Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas. We have the comfort and amenities just right for your trip to Crystal Beach (Galveston), with our spacious super sites and full hook-ups with 30/50 amp service. Choose from Lakefront or pull-through sites. Bolivar Peninsula offers miles of sun, surf, and sand with a country-like beach atmosphere that makes this place unlike any other coastal community. Make Bolivar Peninsula RV Park your “home away from home. Our RV park boasts a massive dog park, a new WiFi system, a recently renovated bath house and washateria, and much more.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Highland Bayou Kayak and SUP Palapa

3. Highland Bayou Kayak and SUP Palapa

83%
(6)
21mi from Crystal Beach · 1 site · Lodging
OFF GRID Palapa. There's a private bath with a basic shower. No hot water. Take the kayak and stand up paddle board out to the lake. Child sup, single kayak and one tandem. Pet friendly. Two adult cots and one child cot. Bring your own amenities and supplies. JUST AS PICTURED.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Anahuac RV Park

4. Anahuac RV Park

21mi from Crystal Beach · 47 sites
Discover the charm of Anahuac RV Park, a unique and tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of Texas's alligator capital. This serene campground serves as the perfect launching point for adventurers eager to explore the natural wonders of Southeast Texas. With its proximity to stunning beaches, vibrant birdwatching spots, and thrilling boating and kayaking opportunities, Anahuac RV Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're interested in hunting or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape, there's something for everyone here. Don't miss the chance to visit the nearby National Wildlife Refuge, where you can immerse yourself in the local ecosystem. For fishing aficionados, both saltwater and freshwater fishing options abound, ensuring a fun-filled experience. Anahuac RV Park guarantees a memorable stay with a variety of engaging activities and attractions right at your fingertips.
Big State RV Park

5. Big State RV Park

22mi from Crystal Beach · 112 sites
Big State RV Park stands out for its prime location, just 30 minutes away from the beautiful Galveston Island and the vibrant Downtown Houston. This park offers 62 RV rental spots, including 16 extra-large spaces measuring 65 x 24 feet and 46 large spaces at 55 x 24 feet. With plans to expand to approximately 220 RV spots in the near future, the park will also feature convenient pull-thru spaces. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the park, and exciting developments are underway, including spacious laundry facilities, private restrooms with showers, dog runs, and a clubhouse equipped with a coffee bar and large-screen TVs. Additionally, the park boasts two freshwater lakes and a convenience store for all your needs. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's proximity to Highland Bayou Park, which is within walking distance. This nearby attraction features a bird sanctuary, an observation deck, and scenic hiking trails, perfect for outdoor activities. Book your stay at Big State RV Park and immerse yourself in the warmth of southern hospitality while enjoying the best of Texas outdoor living!
Cullen RV Resort

6. Cullen RV Resort

43mi from Crystal Beach · 31 sites
Welcome to our exceptional RV resort in Pearland, TX, where comfort meets convenience just 3 miles off HWY 288 and 5 miles from the Sam Houston Tollway. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a top-notch experience for all our guests, ensuring that every stay is memorable. Our resort features 20/30/50-amp electric service, all concrete pads and roads, and robust Wi-Fi connectivity. Enjoy a variety of amenities designed for relaxation and recreation, including a fitness center, a scenic walking trail, and a fully stocked fishing lake. Our clean and modern facilities include showers, restrooms, and a laundry room for your convenience. Gather with friends and family in our clubhouse, where you can play billiards, table tennis, or board games, and catch your favorite shows on TV. We are also excited to announce that a new swimming pool is currently under construction, promising even more fun and relaxation for our guests. Come and experience the perfect blend of nature and modern amenities at our RV resort!

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The best lakeside camping near Crystal Beach guide

Where to go

Big Thicket National Preserve

Nine different ecosystems and habitats converge in Big Thicket National Preserve and its 113,114 acres. Open to campers year-round, popular activities in the preserve include camping, fishing, and hunting. Free permits are required to camp on-site though. Hiking trails twist alongside waterways and through longleaf pine forests and bayous. Hike-in or paddle-in primitive dispersed camping allows campers to spend the night right next to nature. Some of the sandbars in Big Thicket Bog even have unique primitive backcountry camping options. Just make sure camps are pitched 200 feet from roads, trails, and park boundaries.

Galveston Island State Park

A barrier island between Galveston Bay and the gulf, Galveston Island features dunes, estuaries, and wetlands encompassed by Galveston Island State Park. Campers can bring tents and RVs to campgrounds with electrical hookups and picnic tables. Then spend the day fishing in the gulf, mountain biking through forest trails, or taking nature walks along the beach and its native wildlife. Galveston Island also has dedicated bay and beach camping, each with hookups and firepits, as well as reservable ADA-compliant vacation rentals with full kitchens and air conditioning. For an extra treat, go glamping in a raised tent platform with queen beds and adirondack chairs.

Sea Rim State Park

Sea Rim State Park is a remote coastal park where marshlands meet the Gulf of Mexico, meaning campers can take canoes and kayaks from the gulf to the marshes. However, campers should keep a watch out for alligators. Boat-in to primitive beachside camping on horse-friendly Gulf Coast beach fronts. Then, swim, fish, or hunt around the state park or enjoy a hike along Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk for migratory bird sightings. For a more relaxing retreat, stay at a beachside, ADA-compliant cabin adjacent to an accessible boat ramp.

When to go

Bolivar Peninsula experiences average year-round temperatures ranging from 50°F to 90°F. The area can experience longer summers with high heat. In winter, campers can enjoy quieter trips to the beach in mild temperatures. Most campgrounds are open year-round in the area for convenience.