White sands, water sports, and 300 days of sunshine—welcome to Texas’ tropical island.
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The best camping in Isla Blanca Park, TX guide
Overview
About
South Padre Island is all about beachside fun—this is Texas’ only tropical island, after all. At Isla Blanca Park, you can rent a cabana by the beach, go snorkeling or scuba diving along the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoy water sports like kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. Sailors are welcome at the park’s full-service marina, while the South Padre Island jetties are a popular spot for surf fishing, with views out to neighboring Boca Chica Beach. Campers can check in to the massive Isla Blanca Campground, which has 600 RV sites, plus everything from 60-foot RV sites with full hookups to tent camping and cabanas in a great location right by the beach.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- All campsites and cabana rentals at Isla Blanca Park can be made online at the Cameron County Parks website up to six months in advance.
- While there’s usually space available at the campground, the cabanas and RV sites closest to the beach can book up fast. Reserve at least three months in advance to avoid disappointment.
When to go
Camping, boating, and water sports can be enjoyed year-round at Isla Blanca Park, but the busiest months are June through August. While summer is all about cooling off at the beach, the windy winter weather is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. The campground stays open year-round, but you’ll get the cheapest rates in the shoulder season months of April, May, September, October, and November.
Know before you go
- Isla Blanca Park is located at the southern tip of South Padre Island, under 10 minutes’ drive from Port Isabel, over the Queen Isabella Causeway. There’s plenty of parking available.
- Per-vehicle day-use fees apply at Isla Blanca Park, as do camping fees.
- Isla Blanca Park facilities include the Beach Park water park, several restaurants and food concessions, a full-service marina, various water sports tours and rentals, a bait stand, a boat ramp, restrooms, and picnic areas. The South Padre Island Visitor Centre is set at the entrance to the island.
- There are accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms at Isla Blanca Park.