Camping near Rockport
Cast a line or watch nesting sea turtles from beachside campsites near Rockport.
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Camping near Rockport guide
Overview
Take sunrise walks on the beach, fish on the Gulf Coast, and spot dolphins from oceanfront water towers when camping in Rockport, Texas. Framed by Copano Bay and Aransas Bay along the Gulf of Mexico, the area invites camping enthusiasts to explore its barrier islands, pristine beaches, and world-class fishing opportunities. From the bay or pier to a charter boat or kayak, fishing near Rockport challenges anglers of all skill levels to reel in redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and even yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and blue marlin. Private RV parks and resorts in town offer access to Rockport Beach Park for sunbathing and swimming as well. Or spend a day in nature at Goose Island State Park—it features one of America’s largest live oaks among marshes and beaches. Both state parks offer RV camping and tent sites on the beach with flush toilets, picnic tables, and cold-water showers. A ferry ride away is Port Aransas and Roberts Point Park—keep an eye out for dolphins, alligators, and roseate spoonbills. Venture farther outside of Rockport to horseback ride on the beach or explore nature trails on Padre Island and Mustang Island. Here, check in at a family homestead with private campsites that welcome kids and provide electric and water hookups, picnic tables, bathrooms, shared kitchens, firepits, and televisions. And Padre Island National Seashore offers tents right on the beach among nesting sea turtles. For glamping, reserve a brand new camper trailer in Corpus Christi and visit Oso Bay Wetlands Preserves, just 30 minutes from Rockport.
Where to go
Rockport Beach Park
Especially popular among locals and campers in summer, Rockport Beach Park is an excellent spot to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Across the wide sandy area, find picnic tables and cooking grills, perfect for cleaning up and grilling catches from the fishing piers. While there is no overnight camping on Rockport Beach itself, private RV resorts in the area offer comfortable amenities, and some are within reasonable walking distance of the beach.
Goose Island State Park
Goose Island State Park spans over 300 acres of marsh and prairie, featuring camping opportunities right along the coastline. Most campsites by the bay are on the waterfront and have up to 50-amp electric hookups, water hookups, a shade shelter, and a picnic table. Restrooms with showers are also nearby. Other campsites are in a wooded area with large oak trees, like the suitably-named Big Tree. As one of the largest live oaks in the United States, it is thought to be over 1,000 years old. Birding, fishing, and kayaking are popular activities here, but watch out for alligators.
Padre Island National Seashore
A notable coastal home for nesting sea turtles in summer, Padre Island and Mustang Island offer amazing beach camping about an hour drive south of Rockport. The 66 miles of wild coastline make up one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the country. Park your RV next to the beach, or set up a tent right on the sand dunes. Operated by the National Park Service, Malaquite Campground has restrooms with flush toilets and cold showers, but no hookups for water or electricity. Shared access to potable water is available.
When to go
Summer temperatures in the Rockport area can get into the high 90s. But, it is also from June to August that Hipcampers have the opportunity to witness sea turtle nesting season on Malaquite Beach by Padre Island visitor’s center. Summer also coincides with excellent fishing in Rockport waters, with chances to hook snapper and mahi mahi. For thinner crowds, consider camping in fall with cooler weather and reduced humidity. Heading into November, migratory birds like whooping cranes start to visit the area.