What Beaches Can You Camp on in Texas?

There are 350 miles of beaches you can camp on in Texas, including some incredible options at Padre Island National Seashore such as North Beach Campground, Yarborough Pass Campground, Malaquite Campground, Bird Island Basin Campground, and South Beach Campground to name only a few! While the Lone Star State has a strong camping culture, not enough people are aware of its beach camping options so close to Houston, San Antonio, Galveston, and Corpus Christi.

Padre Island National Seashore is the world’s largest barrier island. You can explore the coastline, dunes, and tidal flats along the island’s 70-mile radius, and get a closer look at its 380 bird species. Areas within the park require a camping permit, which can be found at the kiosks at the entrances.

Many Texas beach campgrounds are primitive and offer very few (if any) amenities, however if you prefer camping and glamping near the beach with more amenities such as toilets, showers, and WiFi, be sure to check out the many unique Texas beach camping options on Hipcamp and scroll down to see photos of some of our top picks.

The best Texas beach camping options at Padre Island National Seashore

1. North Beach Campground: For camping done the ol’ fashioned way, the completely free North Beach Campground site is a great option. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the site invites tents and RVs to mount up wherever they see fit. During the summer, you might even spot a baby turtle … or ten.

2. Yarborough Pass Campground: This isolated campground is free. The catch? You have to work for it. Yarborough Pass can only be accessed through the 4-wheel drive area of South Beach and by boating down the Laguna Madre. The nearest amenities are 12 miles away, so make sure you come prepared for an au naturel experience.

3. Malaquite Campground: Catch the baby sea turtle release and bask in the comforts of available showers and toilets in this semi-primitive location. This campground holds an $8 fee per night and can be paid only in cash or via check.

4. Bird Island Basin Campground: Offering tent and RV camping for $5 per day (payable by cash and check only), The Bird Island Basin Campground is perfect for water-centric activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.

5. South Beach Campground: This free primitive site is open to both tents and RVs. It runs along the Gulf of Mexico, from the end of Closed Beach to Mansfield Channel.

8 great Texas beach camping & glamping options on Hipcamp 

Glamping on the Texas beach at Coastal SEAclusion. (Photo by Stephanie Olejniczak)

1. Coastal SEAclusion: Enjoy the comforts of glamping with this waterfront RV near Galveston Island State Park. Take in the peacefulness of the bay or explore the beach before fixing yourself a meal in the fully stocked kitchen.

Crystal Beach Cabanas, comfy beachside glamping with a Tempur-Pedic bed in Texas.

2. Crystal Beach Cabanas: Glamp along a gorgeous private saltwater lake in an aqua trailer near Galveston Island State Park. You can spend time outdoors on the nearby beach, or take in the lake views from your hammock. The site also features a comfy Tempur-Pedic bed, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom.

At Goats Gone Wild, you can camp 15 minutes from the beach in Texas on a goat dairy farm.

3. Goats Gone Wild: Just 15 minutes off the coast of the southern tip of Texas near Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, you’ll find a unique experience, the camp at Thompson Dairy Farms, a small goat dairy complete with about 70 goats, cows, chickens, ducks, and pigs. You will have to bring your own tent or RV, but bathrooms, showers, and breakfast are readily available.

This Treehouse on a Creek campsite near Houston is another highly Instagrammable alternative to Texas beach camping.

4. Treehouse on a Creek: OK, so it’s not exactly the beach, however we thought you might like to know about this secluded Texas treehouse on a creek that’s located near Stephen F. Austin State Park and Lake Somerville State Park, not far from Houston. There is a toilet available, and you also get to enjoy the campground’s amenities including a hot tub, pizza oven, and fire ring, BBQ rack and, of course, a beautiful creek to explore.

5. Oxbow Paradise: Set up shop on this property, located right on the Guadalupe River. The campsite is secluded and rustic, with plenty of wildlife in sight.

6. Texas Treehouse Swings Camp: Surfside Beach is only 17 miles away from this camp that has six swings and a treehouse for kids and adults to enjoy. Swing high and sip your favorite beverage under the biggest three Live Oak trees in Texas. There is no electricity or running water, however there are Porta Pottys on the property.

7. Beach Front With a Secluded Beach: Wake up next to a private beach in this peaceful spot near Brazos Bend State Park. Water and electricity are readily available, however, there is no sewer.

8. Galveston Island Beach Side Campground: Wake up to magical sunrises right on the Gulf of Mexico at the Galveston Island Beach Side Campground. The 56-campsites wide location features water and electricity hookups, along with nearby restrooms and shower facilities.

Find out more about camping in Texas

Book your next Texas beach camping or glamping trip now

Now’s the perfect time to decide on your next camping and glamping adventure on Texas’ beaches. Whether it’s a first-come, first-serve campground or a comfortable glamping location, #FindYourselfOutside (TIP: Get $10 off your first booking when you create a new account here and use the referral code JOURNAL)

Ada Ciuca is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor enamored with creating lifestyle content. You're probably saying her name wrong.

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