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Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

The best camping in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, TX

Discover the wild charm of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

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Stories from the community

Mark

2 weeks ago

19 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

We had a great time at Titus’ waterfront lot! The setting is great (right on Copano Bay) and the utilities are all in place for a super simple and relaxing time. The check in instructions were very clear and Titus was a great communicator. I would recommend booking this private waterfront lot and we would certainly consider coming back.

Zach

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dead End Creek

This was an amazing place - secluded, peaceful, and beautiful. I fed the turtles and fish in the creek a few yards away. Skull Tree was magical. I had to leave early for a personal emergency, but I'll definitely return. Hope you get to enjoy it!

Glynette

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dead End Creek

We had a great time! Lots of space at Coyote Corner for a large group and Skull Tree is a pretty cool more intimate spot with a lot of shade. There was a nice peaceful spot to sit overlooking the creek. Outhouse was solid and had a solid toilet to sit on, very clean. It was nice seeing the cows up close and our dogs had a blast out there. Alana was a five star host and went above and beyond to take care of our needs. We look forward to booking there again soon.

Barbara

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

3 nights at On The Beach RV Park

Maybe the happiest and most helpful ever! Location is super!

Dexaiver

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at River Creek Campgrounds

If you’re wondering, if you should go, I’m here to let you know, Yes! With the river nearby, adding more nature sounds. Also let you have target practice if you’re into that. Long story short….. Land Huge & View Beautiful

Your site provides you exclusive use of the whole 50-ft wide by 125-ft deep lot.

Toby

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at A Pirates' Paradise

Great location. Easy walking distance to dinner. Will stay here again.

Beth Anne

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

Beautifully quiet and private with the water right at our fingertips! Pups able to swim and play!

Gilbert

October 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to A Pirates' Paradise

We were pleased with our weekend stay. The neighbors are close but not a bother to us, in fact we only had seen them out on one occasion. We loved the convenience of having everything close by to us. The owner was available to answer some quick questions we had and that’s always a plus in our book! All hookups work well. We will stay here again in the future. I give this little spot a 4 out of 5 stars!

Katharine

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Creek Campgrounds

We had a wonderful experience. The grounds were gorgeous and the perfect disconnect we were looking for. We loved that the property had horse, cows and a lot of armadillo. It was a short walk to the river. I'd definitely stay here again.

Lauren

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dead End Creek

Was a great experience at the skull tree. Loved how many butterflies were around and the creek was nearby. Such a secluded site which id exactly what I wanted. The outhouse was also very convenient. Only issue I had was some noisy neighbors at the coyote corner that were playing loud music until 2ish in the morning.

Errin

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Creek Campgrounds

Beautiful, secluded spot by the river. James is a great host and has an adorable dog. Will definitely get out there again for some much needed nature time.

Ernesto

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Dead End Creek

I had an amazing experience at Dead End Creek. It's a very private location and lots of wildlife to observe.

Marc

September 2025

26 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

Such a great spot. Lots of jelly fish at night but the fishing was still fun and we were visited by dolphins in the morning!

Marc

September 2025

26 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

Loved the spot and stayed for an additional day for a bit more fishing. Kids had fun, which is always the end goal.

Suzanne

September 2025

38 ft travel trailer

3 nights at BayRock Retreat at Copano Bay

Awesome place to get away. The views were beautiful. The site was clean and as promised. We will be back.

Braden

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Carly's Bait And Boondocking

Great place to stay. Good fishing. And a great host who goes out of the way to make the stay more comfortable.

Bonnie

August 2025

25 ft toy hauler

4 nights at Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

Great spot to watch the sunset. Hook up was easy.

Rod

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to On The Beach RV Park

We enjoyed our stay very much at On The Beach, The folks who ran it were very friendly and the park was very well kept. The beach was terrific, clean and not too crowded. We look forward to our next stay with them very much!

Jules

August 2025

Weekend Trip to River Creek Campgrounds

James is an awesome host and his property is amazing! We had a great time! Thank you!!

Kellie

August 2025

45 ft toy hauler

3 nights at A Pirates' Paradise

Great set up, quiet neighborhood and an overall super easy transaction.

Top-rated campgrounds

Dead End Creek

100%

(89)

41mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Goliad, TX

South Texas off-grid camping at its most rugged. No running water, no paved roads, no electricity.... but you get total privacy! Get away from it all and pitch your tent, hang a hammock or boondock your camper van in total seclusion. Approximately 20 acres on a creek to explore with lots of curious wildlife including turkey, deer, and armadillos. Walking trails abound with 2 reservable campsites with firepits, and an unbeatable sunset view overlooking a quiet creek. Contactless check in, unique gate code provided prior to arrival. Centrally located shared outhouse, just a 1-2 minute walk from any campsite.

Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

96%

(38)

20mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · Rockport, TX

Adventure Bay, an exclusive and spacious RV site that is truly one of a kind. (RV not included, no tent camping, no bathroom facilities) Are you tired of overcrowded RV parks and tight spaces. Enjoy the peace an quiet of Copano Bay. A private, waterfront RV spot with water, 12v, 30amp or 50amp hook-ups, can accommodate up to a 40ft rig. Perfect for fishing, crabbing, or just relaxing. The site has a concrete slab, picnic table, yard and even a little beach. Fenced on 3 sides except the waterfront. Plenty of space to park your RV, boat, and the vehicle you tow it all with. Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of Copano Bay with extraordinary sunsets. You won’t want to miss this! Pets may never be left unattended outside or create a noise disturbance. No Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows and or wolf hybrids are allowed.

A Pirates' Paradise

100%

(17)

17mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · Fulton, TX

A Pirates' Paradise is a RV lot in the small, cozy downtown of Fulton, which is along the Texas Tropical Trail and a significant stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. You are only three blocks to the bay, harbor, fishing pier, bars and restaurants. You have exclusive use of a 50- by 125-ft lot with water, sewer and electric included in the rate. The driveway and RV pad are grass over a hard-packed, crushed limestone base. Nearby attractions include the Fulton Fishing Pier (0.5-mile), Fulton Mansion (0.5-mile), Rockport Beach and Harbor (3-miles), Rockport Center for the Arts (3.5-miles), Port Aransas (23-miles), Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (45-miles) and quite a few bars and restaurants within walking distance.

Camp by the Sea

29mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · Port Lavaca, TX

This gorgeous property located a block away from the ocean. This spot will bring you peace of mind. Come enjoy the peaceful quiet area. Great for fishing, boating, kayaking, and nature.

River Creek Campgrounds

98%

(20)

47mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent · Quail Creek, TX

Welcome to River Creek. An Oasis in Mission Valley Texas that is the ideal weekend get away for the Primal Camper. Fishing, Kayak easement, swimming, access to monitored short gun range, exploring the old homestead site, or even hunting arrowheads along the river, a stocked catch and release pond, and meals can be purchased at the time of Reservations..Just bring your Tent/s, and your personal beverages of choice. Burn pits are at each campsite, and there are several community pits. There is an archery range and an In Case You Forgot Store that carries most camping and cooking items,plus soaps, first aid kits and even some otc medications..ALL ON a secluded Ranch. There are other events available at an extra cost. Standard Camping starts at 35 USD per tent. Other amenities available at Time of Reservations. Horseback riding Basic Camping skills, Campfire cooking, shelter, Fishing, Gun Safety, Bushman Survival, and even a Campsite Contest for those competitive campers who love to compete, all also available on set dates. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the Great Outdoors whether New to Camping, Novice, or experienced We at River Creek have a great experience ready for you to enjoy. River Creek Campgrounds give us a Try. Grand Opening after Valentines. We also have Single Camping available for 1 to 3 days. Reservations still apply. Come See us at RIVER CREEK CAMPGROUNDS rivercreekcampground.rcc@gmail.com

Carly's Bait And Boondocking

100%

(15)

29mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Port Lavaca, TX

Beautiful off grid dispersed camping on Lavaca Bay, steps away from the beach and marsh. Sunrises and sunsets are unobstructed from this location. Quiet and peaceful, yet just close enough to the local marina, shopping, and restaurants. Easy access to camp from Ocean Drive. Zero overhead hazards on property, ex. no overhead power lines or tree limbs. Excellent fishing on both the Lavaca Bay/ beach side, and the marsh side of the property. Bring your own kayak or small boat. Launch from the property or anywhere else near by. Shore fishing can be excellent at times. Bird enthusiasts will love the Magic Bird Sanctuary located directly behind the property. Bring your binoculars to get closer to the action. If you are looking for space, relaxation, beautiful scenery and the chance to wet a line, this may be the place for you. Carly's Bait and Boondocking will soon have a small bait shop. Until then, your host will provide you with bait, fish, and crab traps that will be located in the marsh. Feel free to take as much bait from the traps until the actual bait shop is up and running. We are just starting here, and more amenities will be available soon. Until then, please enjoy your stay, and "tight lines" to everyone.

Aloha Beaches RV

100%

(2)

21mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rockport, TX

-Aloha Beaches RV Park- ALOHA, ROCKPORT FRIENDS! Tropical RV Living Awaits You! NOW AVAILABLE: 2 RV Slots just one mile from beautiful Cove Harbor Location: 1520 S Kossuth St, Rockport, TX 78382 FEATURES: • Huge 12x50 lot — plenty of space for RV & vehicles • Private 8x15 patio — perfect for soaking up the sun • Water & Garbage services included • Electricity at just $0.20 per kilowatt PRICING: • Vacation/Short-Term Stay: $400 per month • Long-Term Stay: $450 per month • Weekly stay: $175 per week • Daily stay: $55 per day Don’t miss your chance to live the coastal dream! Limited spots available — reserve yours now! Call or Text: 830-521-9806 Live where others vacation — your paradise is waiting!

Freedom Harvest Farms

100%

(15)

35mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Taft, TX

A 10 Acre Family Homestead. We grow food to feed our family here. While doing that we have developed a lovely farm to host on. Freedom Harvest Farms is a sanctuary for wellness and healing. Life, diversity and resources are respected here. This is a place of learning and teaching a constant interaction with vitality. On property there are humans, dogs, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits and a diverse parade of wildlife, plants and insects! Several large gardens, a pond, picnic tables, outdoor bathroom, kitchen, tv, fireplace, fire pits

On The Beach RV Park

80%

(5)

33mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 84 sites · RVs · Port Aransas, TX

On The Beach RV Park is located on the beautiful shores of Port Aransas just outside of Corpus Christi, TX. All of our sites are full hookups with high-speed wireless internet. You can’t get any closer to the sandy shore than On the Beach RV Park. All the amenities you look for are present at our family-friendly park with direct trails to the beach, public bathhouses, a fish-cleaning house, and award-winning landscaping. If you stay with us, you won’t want to go anywhere else!

BayRock Retreat at Copano Bay

100%

(41)

20mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · Rockport, TX

Beautiful Copano Bay waterfront single site with privacy fence and full RV hookups. Definitely more of a glamping experience with level pull through concrete pad with lots of space for setting up your site, fishing, kayaking and enjoying the cool sea breeze right on the water. Picnic table on site and 2 kayaks available for guest to use with easy access in and out of bay. Outdoor shower and fish cleaning station on property. Lots of gorgeous sunsets and fishing off the pier. High speed internet is included. Minutes drive into Rockport. Get away from the crowded RV parks and come enjoy a relaxing, fun and private getaway on the bay. *RV is not included. **Max RV or Fifthwheel lenght is 40ft and Max travel trailer lenght for easy and safe access to property is 35ft. Follow us on Facebook at "BayRock Retreat on Copano Bay" and on Instagram at @bayrock_retreat.

Cormorant Landing

100%

(7)

19mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · Rockport, TX

1/4 acre private RV lot with 40'x20' fishing deck over the canal waters leading to Copano Bay. Launch your kayaks (provided) or enjoy fishing right from the deck. Sports fishing light and fish cleaning stand complete the full fishing experience. This pet-friendly property boasts full hookups and WiFi. Lot is fenced on 3 sides, water side is not fenced, so you can let your dogs run and play. Concrete driveway is 20' wide and goes from the street to the deck. Hookups are conveniently located next to each other and everything is provided at no additional expense. Fire pit doubles as a grill, and there is also a big charcoal grill suitable for cooking a brisket or the catch of the day. For larger groups the house next door, Cormorant Crossing, is a vacation rental that is capable of sleeping 8 guests.

Lafittes Hideout RV Resort

31mi from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge · 93 sites · RVs · Port Aransas, TX

LaFitte’s Hideout RV Resort is located in Port Aransas, Texas, on beautiful Mustang Island. The resort is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi and roughly three hours from San Antonio. We are situated on seven secluded acres deep in the heart of the island, a walk or a golf cart ride away from all that Port Aransas has to offer. At Lafitte’s, you are within walking distance of great restaurants, nightlife, and a short golf cart ride to the beach. Named after the real pirate/smuggler James LaFitte, LaFitte’s Hideout RV Resort is on seven acres in Port Aransas and nestled on the secluded Mustang Island. It’s located about 30 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi, and about three hours from San Antonio and is considered by many as the “Best RV Resort” on the island.

The best camping in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, TX guide

Overview

About

This expansive sanctuary, renowned as the wintering haven for the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes, beckons with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the refuge offers a mosaic of habitats spread across an impressive 115,000 acres. A highlight for many visitors camping nearby is the 16-mile auto tour. As you journey through, the refuge unfolds its treasures, from diverse plant life to the myriad of creatures that thrive here. For those who prefer a closer look, several miles of walking trails await exploration. These paths lead to observation platforms equipped with spotting scopes, ensuring you capture every detail of the bay and its inhabitants. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line from the pier, while those looking to relax can find a spot for a picnic, overlooking the serene San Antonio Bay. And as you traverse the refuge, keep an eye out for the iconic whooping crane, a symbol of the refuge's commitment to conservation. Established in 1937, Aransas has since become a sanctuary for over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

When to go

The best time to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is during the cooler months from November to April. This period offers comfortable weather for outdoor activities and is the prime season for whooping crane viewing. Summer can be hot and humid, with mosquitoes, so plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Check the refuge's operating hours, typically from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Remember, the refuge is a cash-only location for entrance fees.
Prepare for the presence of mosquitoes and chiggers; bring repellent.
Be aware of the potential for venomous snakes; watch your step.
While pets are allowed, they must be kept on a short leash and under control at all times.

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