We’re all about camping in Texas, but we never hear much talk about camping on the beach! It’s probably because most people don’t know it’s possible, but we assure you… it is. There’s just something about being in near seclusion with the lulling sound of waves lapping against the shore that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. These five beaches perfect for beach camping in Texas definitely belong on your ASAP bucket list.

1. Sea Rim State Park (Port Arthur)
Sea Rim State Park, 19335 TX-87, Sabine Pass, TX 77655, USA
Flickr/msciba
Sea Rim State Park has 15 campsites with electricity, located right next to the beach and boardwalk. These sites include picnic tables, an outdoor grill, a tent pad, water hookup, a lantern post and a 50/30 amp hookup. There are also 75 primitive campsites that don't require a reservation and one boat-accessible site in the park's marsh.

2. Matagorda Bay Nature Park (Matagorda)
Matagorda Bay Nature Park, 6430 FM Rd 2031, Matagorda, TX 77457, USA
Yelp/Matagorda Bay Nature Park
There's a primitive campground at the docking area at Matagorda Bay Nature Park with 13 sites available on a first come/first served basis. You'll find barbecue pits, fire rings, and plenty of shade to keep you comfortable, and a shower and bathroom facility is located nearby. Just a heads up, though - you will need either a Limited Use Public Permit or an Annual Hunting Public Lands Permit to camp here!
3. North Beach (Padre Island)
North Beach Camping, N Beach Access Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA
Flickr/monad68
This beach is open to RV and primitive tent camping with no reservations required at North Beach in Texas . There are no designated sites, so you can set up wherever you'd like. Toilets and showers are available at the Visitor Center, and the nearest amenities (ice, food, firewood, etc.) are about 12 miles away.

4. South Beach (Padre Island)
South Beach, Texas, USA
Flickr/qnr
South Beach at Padre Island is much the same as North Beach in terms of campsites, amenities, etc, the only notable differences being that South Beach is a much longer stretch of land (60 miles) and has a chemical toilet and dumpster at the entrance.
5. Mustang Island State Park (Corpus Christi)
Mustang Island State Park, 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA
Flickr/mcalderon
Mustang Island is incredibly camp-friendly, with 48 sites with electricity and 50 primitive. The former aren't actually located on the beach but rather 40-75 yards from the water, while the latter are on a 1.5-mile stretch of sand.

Can’t get enough? These rustic campgrounds in Texas are some other awesome places to go camping this season. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait! Have you ever camped at any of these beaches? Are there any other beaches in Texas that are open to campers? Where have you gone beach camping in Texas? Let us know!

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Beach Camping Texas

Tori Jane | April 10, 2023
  1. Where can I go Texas beach camping? 

Texas may not be the first state to come to mind when anyone thinks about beaches or beach camping, but yes – there is a such thing as Texas beach camping, and it’s glorious. Some of our favorite by-the-water campgrounds in Texas are ones like:  

  • Padre Island National Seashore – With more than 64 miles of amazing shorelines, this incredible seashore is easily one of the most beautiful places in Texas. And you can camp here!  
  • Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Camp at Isle du Bois and camp right up along the water. It’s a special kind of relaxation we can’t get enough of.  
  • Sea Rim State Park – This one’s a little smaller, with just 15 electric campsites and 75 primitive sites that are first-come, first-serve.  

Learn more about all these awesome Texas beach camping options, and then some.   

  1. Where are some of the best options for beach camping in Texas?

Of course, the list of awesome beaches in Texas doesn’t end with the short list above. Nope, there are many more. Some other awesome options for beach camping in Texas are:  

  • Mustang Island State Park – With just 50 campsites available, this smaller hidden gem is an awesome beach camping option. 
  • Possum Kingdom Lake – Don't let the strange-sounding name fool you: Possum Kingdom is a delight and a half, and it’s one of the best places to camp on the beach. 
  • Lake Whitney State Park – This little spot near Waco is known not just for its lakeside wonders but also for its awesome hiking and camping.  

Learn all about Mustang Island and its amazing beaches.  

  1. What are some of the best locations for camping in Texas? 

Of course, being as enormous as it is, camping in Texas is a fairly easy feat. No matter where you are, there’s going to be a campground nearby. Some of the best options for camping in Texas are campgrounds including:  

  • The Colorado Bend Cabins – An amazingly scenic campground AND some of the best fishing in the entire state? We think yes.  
  • Bluebonnet Cove Casitas – If this place sounds like it’s absolutely heavenly in its beauty, you’d be right. It is.  
  • Hidden Grove RV Resort – All the amenities and fun of a resort with the glamping aspect that comes with RVing.  

Learn more about each of these excellent choices for camping in Texas!   

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