The Incredible Campground In Texas Where No Reservation Is Required
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 20, 2024
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
I never went camping much as a kid, but as an adult, I’ve really come to value the act of unplugging and immersing myself in nature. Whether it’s the mountains, the woods, or the beach, nothing compares to pitching a tent and enjoying the simple things in life. If you’re looking for the best campground near North Padre Island, Texas, (on the Padre Island National Seashore) you actually have quite a few to choose from. You can camp primitively or at a designated campground and soak up the gorgeous views and refreshing waterfront air.
Overlooking the beautiful South Texas Gulf and/or Laguna Madre waters, the campgrounds on Padre Island are about as picturesque as it gets. No reservations are required, and both tents and RVs are allowed.
Two of the campgrounds, Bird Island Basin and Malaquite, are developed. Malaquite is located on the gulf side of the island just steps from the beach, while Bird Island Basin sits alongside the placid laguna waters.
Amenities at the developed campgrounds include paved and gravel campsites, restrooms with cold water showers, and picnic tables. Certain sites also have grills and shade structures. There are no hookups, but campers have access to a dump station and potable water on the road leading to the campground.
If you prefer a bit more seclusion, there are several primitive campgrounds to choose from. North Beach and the first five miles of South Beach can be accessed with a two-wheel drive vehicle, but miles five to 55 of South Beach always require a four-wheel drive.
No matter which campground you decide to stay at, you will need to fill out a camping permit and pay your camping dues upon arrival. The cost includes the standard park entrance fee, plus either a seven-day or annual pass.
Visit the National Park Service’s website for more information about camping on the Padre Island National Seashore.
Have you ever gone camping on North Padre Island? If so, which campground do you think is the best campground near North Padre Island, Texas? Let us know in the comments! Check out our previous article below for a super secluded beach in the area that’s covered with seashells. If you’d like to rent an RV for your trip, you can do so through RV Share.