The best camping in Padre Island National Seashore, TX

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.