The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds near Crystal Beach, Texas

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.

94% (64)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

94% (64)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Magnolia Gardens Park

85%

(88)

41mi from Crystal Beach · 60 sites · Tents, RVs · Sheldon, TX

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

2. Salty Dog Holidays

100%

(4)

2.1mi from Crystal Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Crystal Beach, TX

Short-term RV campground with private access to fishing, crabbing, and boating less than a mile from Crystal Beach, Texas! Choose to stay in our beautiful brand new 35’ travel trailer or choose to bring your own. Whether you’re boondocking, traveling, or camping, our private spacious RV lots are truly one of a kind.

3. Dell Creek RV Park

40mi from Crystal Beach · 1 site · RV · Crosby, TX

17 acres to roam. Large Guest sites. Full water & Sewer Hookups with 30 & 50 amp power. Free Wi-Fi. On-Site Laundry, dog wash. Walking trails, fishing pond & playground. Gated for your security. Enjoy the surrounding attractions of Lake Houston, San Jacinto River, Pirates Bay Water Park, Nasa, Galveston, Museums, Plays, resturants, movies, bowling, & shopping.

4. Brickhouse RV Resort

24mi from Crystal Beach · 87 sites · RVs, Lodging · Kemah, TX

Brickhouse RV Resort is Kemah’s premier RV destination, perfectly nestled in Clear Lake Shores just off FM 2094 behind Jackie’s Brickhouse Restaurant. Designed for comfort and convenience, the resort offers a wide range of amenities to enhance your stay. Guests can relax in the beautiful, crystal-clear pool located along the peaceful Jarboe Bayou, where the natural breeze creates a cool, enjoyable atmosphere throughout the day. The pool is shaded with a sail canopy, providing extra relief during hot Texas summers. For pet owners, our fenced dog park is the perfect place for your unleashed pet to roam and enjoy the pet exercise equipment. Complimentary pet waste bags are available throughout the park for your convenience. At Brickhouse RV Resort, RV travelers can enjoy spacious, well-designed sites perfect for rigs of all sizes. We offer both 65-foot back-in RV sites and wide 45-foot back-in sites, providing plenty of room for comfort and convenience. Each site is equipped with 20/30/50-amp hookups and built with a 60-degree slant for easy maneuvering. Whether you’re setting up for a weekend stay or a longer retreat, our layout makes arrival and departure smooth and hassle-free. Our wide RV sites offer enough room for extra vehicle parking or the option to set up a picnic area beside your RV. With forty-seven well-maintained sites throughout the resort, guests are guaranteed ample space to stretch out and settle in. These thoughtfully arranged sites offer both privacy and community, making it easy to relax or connect with fellow travelers during your stay. For guests seeking an elevated RV experience in Kemah, TX, we offer four Premium RV Sites located along the scenic Jarboe Bayou. These sites boast refreshing sea breezes year-round and are ideal for up to four guests. With their tranquil waterfront setting, they provide a peaceful backdrop for your stay. Our Premium RV Sites are also located near some of the resort’s top features, including the pool, dog park, fishing pier, and relaxation park. This convenient access allows you to enjoy all the best that Brickhouse RV Resort has to offer right outside your door.

5. Fish Tales

11mi from Crystal Beach · 1 site · RV · Bolivar Peninsula, TX

You'll cherish your time at this unforgettable destination. Situated within walking distance from the beach, this property boasts a spacious yard right on the canal, perfect for fishing and crabbing. Just a mile down the road, you'll find access to the beach along with a private boat ramp. The RV site is conveniently covered and located on a large concrete area. The cover offers shade from the scorching Texas heat and protection from any unexpected rain showers. Full hookups, septic,water,and electric! And of course the wonderful cool sea breeze coming off the water! Great for crabbing and fishing. You can drive your boat right up to the campground.

6. Bella's Place on The Bayou

100%

(3)

49mi from Crystal Beach · 1 site · RV · Angleton, TX

Imagine your own private, waterfront, two acres on Bastrop Bayou with just a short fifteen minute drive to one of the best beaches on the Texas coast. Surfside beach is just a thought away from this quiet, secluded RV campsite, tucked away from the crowds. Enjoy the fifty foot boat dock, and RV hook ups with both 50A and 30A power. Water and septic included. This beautiful property also comes with a fenced in dog yard, so bring the pups.

Stories from the community

A

Alan

September 2025

21 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magnolia Gardens Park

My dog and I enjoyed a quiet peaceful visit to Magnolia Gardens and were so relaxed walking along the San Jacinto River while the train made its way across the old trestle bridge at the far end of the park. Very nice place and the sunset over the river was icing on the cake! Thanks!

S

Steven

September 2025

37 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bella's Place on The Bayou

We had a great time. Took the family and three dogs. Has a dedicated fenced dog run. Very private location right on the Bayou. Has a great private dock with good fishing. Caught redfish, blue crabs, spotted sea trout, black drum, catfish, bluegill, ladyfish and alligator gar all in one spot. The hookups were in the perfect location and did not require a long 50amp cord or septic hoses. Surfside beach is only 18 minutes away for your beach fix and good food. 10/10 would recommend to anyone. Great host and great spot.

C

Corrianne

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Magnolia Gardens Park

Very laid back camp ground with options to camp under the trees or on the river bank. We will definitely return.

Karen

June 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Salty Dog Holidays

Perfect little camp spot for teaching the grandkids how to crab and learning how to cast for our 6 year old. No keepers but they had lots of fun! We’ll be back soon to try again! ☀️🏝️⛱️🦀

A

Angeles

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magnolia Gardens Park

Open to public 7am-7pm very lively with jet skies, people playing, music, and cook outs. Once all non-campers leave its very calm area and you have the whole property to yourself. Wake up to a beautiful scenery. There're lose dogs but calm and don't bother anyone. Staff is very friendly. Clean place trash cans placed around property and dumped out daily, clean restrooms, rarely any branches

b

beau

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Magnolia Gardens Park

It was pretty good overall. Camping was fun fun funny a grand jolly time! The beach was cool too

D

Denise

April 2025

28 ft travel trailer

1 night at Magnolia Gardens Park

It was a little confusing as there was no designated Campspot. Just a lot of picnic tables. So we parked near one and set up camp with our RV for the night. We loved how private it was and quiet it was. Now that I understand how it works. I would definitely go back again.

A

Aaron

March 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magnolia Gardens Park

It was the perfect camp set up. A hill overlooking the river and nobody crowding your site. The Managers were sincere and friendly. Maria brought fresh coffee at 7 am and hung out with us. Real good people. Loved everything about it! Definitely coming back!

J

Janine

February 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magnolia Gardens Park

So much space and nice sandy beach. Staff all friendly and ready to help you out if needed. Even gave some good recommendations on what spot to best use for camping

M

Melissa

January 2025

24 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bella's Place on The Bayou

Nice, quiet, clean, and secluded camp. Right on the water. Helpful hosts as well. We couldn't ask for more.

N

Nathan

December 2024

Tent

1 night at Magnolia Gardens Park

Nice place along a beautiful the river. Not a lot of other folks here in December so you have your choice of camping spots. Bring bug repellant. Two things to note, the gates are closed from 7pm - 7am. I believe you can make arrangements for later arrival but I would do so well before arriving. Also, there are a few off leash dogs that seem to be full-timers. They keep to themselves for the most part but consider this if you have your own pets with you.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek RV 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.