What Are the Best Beaches to Camp on in Texas?

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

What Beaches Can You Camp On In Texas?

The Lone Star State is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and many of them offer camping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to pitch your tent or a campground with all the amenities, you’ll find it in Texas.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best beaches in Texas that allow camping. We’ll cover everything from amenities to accessibility, so you can find the perfect beach for your next camping trip.

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Beach Camping Area Amenities
Galveston Island State Park Primitive camping Restrooms, water, fire rings
Matagorda Island State Park Primitive camping Restrooms, water, fire rings
Padre Island National Seashore Backcountry camping No facilities
Port Aransas State Park Campground with RV hookups Restrooms, showers, water, laundry, dump station

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Texas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, and many of them offer camping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to pitch your tent or a campground with amenities like showers and laundry facilities, you’ll find it at one of Texas’s many beaches.

This guide will provide you with information on the best beaches in Texas for camping, as well as the regulations and tips you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Beaches with Designated Camping Areas

The following beaches in Texas have designated camping areas:

  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Galveston Island State Park
  • Matagorda Island State Park
  • Mustang Island State Park
  • Port Aransas Beach Park

These beaches offer a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabins. They also have amenities such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and dump stations.

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is the largest protected barrier island in the United States. It stretches for 130 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and offers a variety of camping opportunities, including primitive camping, RV camping, and cabins.

The primitive camping areas are located on the beach and in the dunes. They have no amenities, so campers must bring their own water, food, and gear. The RV camping areas are located in the dunes and have restrooms, showers, and dump stations. The cabins are located near the beach and have air conditioning, heat, and kitchenettes.

Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a variety of camping opportunities, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabins. The tent camping areas are located in the dunes and have restrooms and showers. The RV camping areas are located in the park’s campground and have restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The cabins are located near the beach and have air conditioning, heat, and kitchenettes.

Matagorda Island State Park

Matagorda Island State Park is located on Matagorda Island, which is a barrier island off the coast of Texas. The park offers a variety of camping opportunities, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabins. The tent camping areas are located in the dunes and have restrooms and showers. The RV camping areas are located in the park’s campground and have restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The cabins are located near the beach and have air conditioning, heat, and kitchenettes.

Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park is located on Mustang Island, which is a barrier island off the coast of Texas. The park offers a variety of camping opportunities, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabins. The tent camping areas are located in the dunes and have restrooms and showers. The RV camping areas are located in the park’s campground and have restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The cabins are located near the beach and have air conditioning, heat, and kitchenettes.

Port Aransas Beach Park

Port Aransas Beach Park is located on Mustang Island, which is a barrier island off the coast of Texas. The park offers a variety of camping opportunities, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabins. The tent camping areas are located in the dunes and have restrooms and showers. The RV camping areas are located in the park’s campground and have restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The cabins are located near the beach and have air conditioning, heat, and kitchenettes.

Beaches with Informal Camping

In addition to the beaches with designated camping areas, there are also a number of beaches in Texas where you can camp informally. These beaches do not have designated camping areas, but you can still camp on them as long as you follow the local regulations.

Some of the beaches where you can camp informally include:

  • Access roads to beaches
  • Beach parking lots
  • Beach dunes
  • Beachside RV parks

Access roads to beaches

Many beaches in Texas have access roads that lead to the beach. These roads are often wide enough to accommodate a car or truck, and they can be used for camping.

When camping on an access road to a beach, be sure to park your vehicle in a safe location and avoid blocking the road. You should also be aware of the tides, as they can quickly flood low-lying areas.

Beach parking lots

Some beaches in Texas have parking lots that are located near the beach. These parking lots can be used for camping, but be sure to check the local regulations before doing so.

Some parking lots may have restrictions on the length of time you can camp, and others may not allow camping at all.

Beach dunes

The dunes on some beaches in Texas are

What Beaches Can You Camp On In Texas?

Texas has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches, and some of them allow camping. If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, consider one of these beaches in Texas.

Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles southeast of Houston. The park has over 3,000 acres of land, including beaches, dunes, marshes, and forests. There are over 200 campsites available, most of which are located near the beach. The park also has a swimming pool, a playground, and a boat ramp.

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is located on the Gulf of Mexico, about 100 miles south of Corpus Christi. The park is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, and it has over 100 miles of beaches. There are over 600 campsites available, most of which are located near the beach. The park also has a visitor center, a museum, and a ranger station.

Matagorda Island State Park

Matagorda Island State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles southwest of Houston. The park has over 3,000 acres of land, including beaches, dunes, marshes, and forests. There are over 100 campsites available, most of which are located near the beach. The park also has a swimming pool, a playground, and a boat ramp.

Port Aransas Beach Park

Port Aransas Beach Park is located on Mustang Island, about 30 miles north of Corpus Christi. The park has over 1,000 acres of land, including beaches, dunes, marshes, and forests. There are over 200 campsites available, most of which are located near the beach. The park also has a swimming pool, a playground, and a boat ramp.

Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park is located on Mustang Island, about 30 miles north of Corpus Christi. The park has over 4,000 acres of land, including beaches, dunes, marshes, and forests. There are over 300 campsites available, most of which are located near the beach. The park also has a swimming pool, a playground, and a boat ramp.

These are just a few of the beaches in Texas that allow camping. If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, consider one of these beaches. You’re sure to have a memorable trip.

What beaches can you camp on in Texas?

  • [Galveston Island State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island): This park offers primitive camping on the beach, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • [Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/matagorda-island/visit/camping): This refuge offers backcountry camping on the beach, with permits required in advance.
  • [Padre Island National Seashore](https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/camping.htm): This seashore offers a variety of camping options, including primitive camping on the beach, RV camping, and cabin rentals.
  • [Port Aransas State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/port-aransas): This park offers primitive camping on the beach, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • [Sea Rim State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sea-rim): This park offers primitive camping on the beach, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What are the rules and regulations for camping on beaches in Texas?

  • Camping is only allowed in designated areas.
  • Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits.
  • Trash must be packed out.
  • Pets must be leashed at all times.
  • Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

What should I bring when camping on a beach in Texas?

  • A tent or other shelter
  • Sleeping bags or blankets
  • Rugs or towels to protect your gear from the sand
  • Food and water
  • Cooking utensils
  • Camping stove or fire pit
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • First-aid kit
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Water shoes or sandals

What are the risks of camping on a beach in Texas?

  • Heatstroke is a serious risk, especially during the summer months. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.
  • Sunburn is also a common risk, especially during the summer months. Be sure to wear sunscreen and reapply often.
  • Rip currents are a dangerous hazard that can sweep swimmers out to sea. Be sure to swim in designated areas and stay aware of the current.
  • Sharks are a rare but potential hazard. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to frequent.

What are some tips for safe camping on a beach in Texas?

  • Choose a campsite that is in a safe location, away from cliffs, rocks, and other hazards.
  • Set up your tent in a location that is protected from the wind and rain.
  • Keep your food and gear in a safe place, away from animals.
  • Be aware of the weather forecast and be prepared for changes in the weather.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Wear sunscreen and reapply often.
  • Swim in designated areas and stay aware of the current.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to frequent.

    Texas has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or a lively beach with plenty of activities, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Texas. So next time you’re planning a beach vacation, be sure to put Texas on your list!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.