This website provides info on how to get a permit: https://www.galvestoncountytx.gov/county-offices/parks-cultural-services/bolivar-peninsula/bolivar-beach-stickers.

Buy one at the Big Store a few miles north of the free beach.

Depends how far up the beach you want to go. Within a half mile or so of the access point you don’t need a permit. Keep going north on the beach and you will.

Free Parking Areas 1. Approximately 2.5 miles east from Rollover Pass to Dirty Pelican Pier is paid parking. Traveling from there (east) to the Chambers County line is free beach. 2. Rettilon Road east to the washout (approximately 1/4 of a mile is free beach).

Most of the conveniences stores along the strip have them. I think I paid $12. Last year.

I think this is off-season so you may not even need one.