Is it legal to camp on the beach on South Padre Island?

Camping in South Padre Island, TX, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

United States
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Texas
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South Padre Island

100% (94 reviews)

Popular camping styles for South Padre Island

Dog-friendly getaways

Top camping destinations

Camp anywhere on the beach, no designated sites!

Mustang Island State Park

114 campgrounds

Padre Island National Seashore

52 campgrounds

Lake Corpus Christi State Park

261 campgrounds

Goose Island State Park

Under $50

100%

(1)

CD&J Mini Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Green Valley Farms, Cameron

CD&J Mini Ranch is a 35-acre farm and ranch in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. We became Certified Naturally Grown and started thinking about and implementing ways to treat our land better. We raise and sell beef, pork, chickens, eggs, holiday turkey and seasonal vegetables. We are on a lake that normally has a lot of fish, and excellent bird watching. At this time, Nov 2023, our lake is dry. It is the first time that our lake has dried up and it is definitely due to our extra hot and dry year. We have a quiet place for you to rest with the sounds of our animals. We have picnic tables under shade trees and an available flushing outhouse for those in smaller camping set ups. We really love what we do here at our mini ranch and hope you will too.

Further We Go

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Los Fresnos, Cameron

2 acres on water, with access to kayaking, birding, and secluded camping Learn more about this land: Enjoy the tip of Texas, where the beach, fishing and birding all come together. At Further We Go, we offer tent camping, 2 rv spaces with electric. Two bathrooms with showers and hot water. Kitchen space with counter and sink. Kayaking available on site. Two kayaks avaible. 20 miles from South Padre Island. Starlink internet access

Basecamp Starbase

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Brownsville, Cameron

Basecamp Starbase is just 20 minutes away from Starbase. This is a bare bones setup with no amenities. You are welcome to walk around the ranch but don't disturb the tenants on the North side of the property please. There are several fences dividing different parts of the ranch so be careful if you go exploring which you are welcome to do, just be safe.Learn more about this land:Stay 21 minutes from starbase on this very rustic, no amenity farm land. Park your vehicle and find a comfortable place to camp on the farmland. The best place to camp right now is closer to South Oklahoma road because the grass is lower but if you are feeling adventurous feel free to camp anyplace south of the driveway.

JP Rustic Ranch Campground ⛺

6 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Lasara, Hidalgo

Immerse yourself in the quintessential camping experience at JP Rustic Ranch Campground, beautifully nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Monte Alto, Texas. Perfectly designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families who love to reconnect with nature, our campground presents a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Whether you are a fan of tent camping, have an RV ready to relax, or prefer a night under the stars in the comfort of your truck, we provide a perfect setting that meets various camping styles and preferences. JP Rustic Ranch Campground offers five distinct campsites, each equipped with a six-foot table for your outdoor meals or late-night card games, trash bins for maintaining cleanliness, and a fire pit to warm up those chilly Texas nights. A BBQ pit is also at your disposal at each site for the grilling enthusiasts to cook up a feast under the open sky. We understand the joy of camping with your furry friends, which is why our campground is pet-friendly. However, for the safety and comfort of all our guests, we request all pets to be leashed. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of Monte Alto as you spend your days exploring or simply unwinding amidst nature. From the gentle whispering of the trees to the brilliant Texas starscape at night, JP Rustic Ranch Campground is a place to rejuvenate and create unforgettable memories. We invite you to unplug, relax, and enjoy the simplicity and pleasure of outdoor living at its best. Our campground is not just a place to stay; it's an opportunity to forge a deep connection with nature and spend quality time with your loved ones in a peaceful and friendly environment. This ranch offers quiet surroundings with plenty of mesquite trees and lots of wildlife. This is a paradise for birdwatchers as well. There are a few acres that have been cleared up to park your car, truck, RV, or to set your tent. During your stay, you can visit Port Mansfield (man’s best kept secret for fishing!!) as well as La Sal Del Rey, a lake that sits atop four million tons of salt, ten times saltier than the ocean!! This location is an hour away from South Padre Island and SpaceX. J.P. Rustic Ranch Campground is only 15 mins from town. Nearby stores include: HEB, Dollar Store, Subway, Tractor Supplies Co, and CVS. 45 minutes from McAllen or Harligen Airport. Other great places to visit nearby: Alpaquita Ranch, Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Hilltop Gardens (5mins away) • 5 DISPERSED CAMPSITES • DESIGNATED TENT SITE • PIT FIRE AND MESQUITE WOOD PROVIDED • PINIC TABLE AND TRASH BIN • RETREATS AND LARGE GROUPS WELCOME • GREAT FOR DESTINATION BIRD WATCHERS AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

7 top campgrounds near South Padre Island

100%

(12)

Further We Go

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Los Fresnos, Cameron

2 acres on water, with access to kayaking, birding, and secluded camping Learn more about this land: Enjoy the tip of Texas, where the beach, fishing and birding all come together. At Further We Go, we offer tent camping, 2 rv spaces with electric. Two bathrooms with showers and hot water. Kitchen space with counter and sink. Kayaking available on site. Two kayaks avaible. 20 miles from South Padre Island. Starlink internet access

JP Rustic Ranch Campground ⛺

6 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Lasara, Hidalgo

Immerse yourself in the quintessential camping experience at JP Rustic Ranch Campground, beautifully nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Monte Alto, Texas. Perfectly designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families who love to reconnect with nature, our campground presents a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Whether you are a fan of tent camping, have an RV ready to relax, or prefer a night under the stars in the comfort of your truck, we provide a perfect setting that meets various camping styles and preferences. JP Rustic Ranch Campground offers five distinct campsites, each equipped with a six-foot table for your outdoor meals or late-night card games, trash bins for maintaining cleanliness, and a fire pit to warm up those chilly Texas nights. A BBQ pit is also at your disposal at each site for the grilling enthusiasts to cook up a feast under the open sky. We understand the joy of camping with your furry friends, which is why our campground is pet-friendly. However, for the safety and comfort of all our guests, we request all pets to be leashed. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of Monte Alto as you spend your days exploring or simply unwinding amidst nature. From the gentle whispering of the trees to the brilliant Texas starscape at night, JP Rustic Ranch Campground is a place to rejuvenate and create unforgettable memories. We invite you to unplug, relax, and enjoy the simplicity and pleasure of outdoor living at its best. Our campground is not just a place to stay; it's an opportunity to forge a deep connection with nature and spend quality time with your loved ones in a peaceful and friendly environment. This ranch offers quiet surroundings with plenty of mesquite trees and lots of wildlife. This is a paradise for birdwatchers as well. There are a few acres that have been cleared up to park your car, truck, RV, or to set your tent. During your stay, you can visit Port Mansfield (man’s best kept secret for fishing!!) as well as La Sal Del Rey, a lake that sits atop four million tons of salt, ten times saltier than the ocean!! This location is an hour away from South Padre Island and SpaceX. J.P. Rustic Ranch Campground is only 15 mins from town. Nearby stores include: HEB, Dollar Store, Subway, Tractor Supplies Co, and CVS. 45 minutes from McAllen or Harligen Airport. Other great places to visit nearby: Alpaquita Ranch, Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Hilltop Gardens (5mins away) • 5 DISPERSED CAMPSITES • DESIGNATED TENT SITE • PIT FIRE AND MESQUITE WOOD PROVIDED • PINIC TABLE AND TRASH BIN • RETREATS AND LARGE GROUPS WELCOME • GREAT FOR DESTINATION BIRD WATCHERS AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Basecamp Starbase

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Brownsville, Cameron

Basecamp Starbase is just 20 minutes away from Starbase. This is a bare bones setup with no amenities. You are welcome to walk around the ranch but don't disturb the tenants on the North side of the property please. There are several fences dividing different parts of the ranch so be careful if you go exploring which you are welcome to do, just be safe.Learn more about this land:Stay 21 minutes from starbase on this very rustic, no amenity farm land. Park your vehicle and find a comfortable place to camp on the farmland. The best place to camp right now is closer to South Oklahoma road because the grass is lower but if you are feeling adventurous feel free to camp anyplace south of the driveway.

Goats Gone Wild!

5 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Bayview, Cameron

We started our farm in 2010 with the desire to teach our kids about hard work and where food really comes from. We purchased goat milk after our daughter had trouble digesting cow milk as a child. Then we bought a goat, and a few more, and the rest is history! We now sell cheese and milk all over the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas via HEB!Learn more about this land:Set up camp here at Thompson Dairy Farms, a small goat dairy located about 15 minutes off the coast of the southern tip of Texas. A fully functioning farm complete with about 70 dairy goats, cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, guinea fowl, and a donkey! Bathroom and showers available, as well as breakfast!

CD&J Mini Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Green Valley Farms, Cameron

CD&J Mini Ranch is a 35-acre farm and ranch in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. We became Certified Naturally Grown and started thinking about and implementing ways to treat our land better. We raise and sell beef, pork, chickens, eggs, holiday turkey and seasonal vegetables. We are on a lake that normally has a lot of fish, and excellent bird watching. At this time, Nov 2023, our lake is dry. It is the first time that our lake has dried up and it is definitely due to our extra hot and dry year. We have a quiet place for you to rest with the sounds of our animals. We have picnic tables under shade trees and an available flushing outhouse for those in smaller camping set ups. We really love what we do here at our mini ranch and hope you will too.

Selva Campgrounds

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Chula Vista, Cameron

Coming soon** Experience some off the grid camping and explore the outdoors at Selva. We offer a cabin with gorgeous treeline sunset views or if you’re interested in primitive camping we also have elevated campsites. Fire pits available for outdoor cooking or roasting s’mores. 15 minute drive from South Padre Island off main highway.

Saved 7 times

Dos Rios Lodging

1 site · Lodging300 acres · Rio Hondo, Cameron

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!

Available this weekend

Saved 2 times

Selva Campgrounds

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Chula Vista, Cameron

Coming soon** Experience some off the grid camping and explore the outdoors at Selva. We offer a cabin with gorgeous treeline sunset views or if you’re interested in primitive camping we also have elevated campsites. Fire pits available for outdoor cooking or roasting s’mores. 15 minute drive from South Padre Island off main highway.

JP Rustic Ranch Campground ⛺

6 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Lasara, Hidalgo

Immerse yourself in the quintessential camping experience at JP Rustic Ranch Campground, beautifully nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Monte Alto, Texas. Perfectly designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families who love to reconnect with nature, our campground presents a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Whether you are a fan of tent camping, have an RV ready to relax, or prefer a night under the stars in the comfort of your truck, we provide a perfect setting that meets various camping styles and preferences. JP Rustic Ranch Campground offers five distinct campsites, each equipped with a six-foot table for your outdoor meals or late-night card games, trash bins for maintaining cleanliness, and a fire pit to warm up those chilly Texas nights. A BBQ pit is also at your disposal at each site for the grilling enthusiasts to cook up a feast under the open sky. We understand the joy of camping with your furry friends, which is why our campground is pet-friendly. However, for the safety and comfort of all our guests, we request all pets to be leashed. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of Monte Alto as you spend your days exploring or simply unwinding amidst nature. From the gentle whispering of the trees to the brilliant Texas starscape at night, JP Rustic Ranch Campground is a place to rejuvenate and create unforgettable memories. We invite you to unplug, relax, and enjoy the simplicity and pleasure of outdoor living at its best. Our campground is not just a place to stay; it's an opportunity to forge a deep connection with nature and spend quality time with your loved ones in a peaceful and friendly environment. This ranch offers quiet surroundings with plenty of mesquite trees and lots of wildlife. This is a paradise for birdwatchers as well. There are a few acres that have been cleared up to park your car, truck, RV, or to set your tent. During your stay, you can visit Port Mansfield (man’s best kept secret for fishing!!) as well as La Sal Del Rey, a lake that sits atop four million tons of salt, ten times saltier than the ocean!! This location is an hour away from South Padre Island and SpaceX. J.P. Rustic Ranch Campground is only 15 mins from town. Nearby stores include: HEB, Dollar Store, Subway, Tractor Supplies Co, and CVS. 45 minutes from McAllen or Harligen Airport. Other great places to visit nearby: Alpaquita Ranch, Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Hilltop Gardens (5mins away) • 5 DISPERSED CAMPSITES • DESIGNATED TENT SITE • PIT FIRE AND MESQUITE WOOD PROVIDED • PINIC TABLE AND TRASH BIN • RETREATS AND LARGE GROUPS WELCOME • GREAT FOR DESTINATION BIRD WATCHERS AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Basecamp Starbase

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Brownsville, Cameron

Basecamp Starbase is just 20 minutes away from Starbase. This is a bare bones setup with no amenities. You are welcome to walk around the ranch but don't disturb the tenants on the North side of the property please. There are several fences dividing different parts of the ranch so be careful if you go exploring which you are welcome to do, just be safe.Learn more about this land:Stay 21 minutes from starbase on this very rustic, no amenity farm land. Park your vehicle and find a comfortable place to camp on the farmland. The best place to camp right now is closer to South Oklahoma road because the grass is lower but if you are feeling adventurous feel free to camp anyplace south of the driveway.

Goats Gone Wild!

5 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Bayview, Cameron

We started our farm in 2010 with the desire to teach our kids about hard work and where food really comes from. We purchased goat milk after our daughter had trouble digesting cow milk as a child. Then we bought a goat, and a few more, and the rest is history! We now sell cheese and milk all over the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas via HEB!Learn more about this land:Set up camp here at Thompson Dairy Farms, a small goat dairy located about 15 minutes off the coast of the southern tip of Texas. A fully functioning farm complete with about 70 dairy goats, cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, guinea fowl, and a donkey! Bathroom and showers available, as well as breakfast!

Camping near South Padre Island guide

Looking for the best camping near South Padre Island? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Texas hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near South Padre Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is legal to camp on the beach in South Padre Island. South Padre Island is located near Corpus Christi, Texas, and offers beach camping in designated areas. The Padre Island National Seashore allows beach camping in specific zones, including North and South Beach. Keep in mind that you need to follow the park's rules and regulations, such as maintaining a safe distance from the dunes and observing the Leave No Trace principles. You can also find various activities such as beach camping, surfing, fishing, and swimming in the area.