South Beach

We come here a lot... stay for free right on the beach! We came on the first weekend in May heralding the soft reopening of life activities in Texas: the first 5 miles of beach were packed cheek to jowl with family cars and vans playing along the shore! It was like the 4th of July! Sand was fluffy so we were only able to take our class C RV just beyond the 6.5 mile marker, feeling someway crowded with the nearest fishermen about 1/8 mile away. We are used to having the beach to ourselves. Lots of vehicle traffic on this weekend made us feel the beach was more like an airport runway. Winds were unusually gusty (>15 mph) creating a distressing fine layer of sand over everything. Balmy and sunny in the 80’s: we loved the water and swelling waves. But we got tired of the sticky sand and damp clothes after 2 nights and left to seek a car wash and laundromat. Until next time!

We spent a few nights here in January. The beach didn't have any camping fees, but there is an entrance fee to the park. A water filling station and dumping station were available near the Malaquite parking lot style campground. We didn't have any issues navigating the sand on the beach, and the first 5 miles are generally safe for two-wheel drive vehicles. There are 60 miles of beach open for camping on South Beach. Watch the tide charts, as we had to move higher up the beach to avoid getting swamped. No hookups and bathrooms are limited.

The visitor's center was running free birding tours at the time, where they would take you to areas not publicly accessible which was worth our time.

I stayed here twice in Jan 2018 & 2019. It was an amazing experience to be on a wild beach where the only noises are the birds and surf. I found an alcove where I could pitch my tent away from the wind, but that was not a problem.
There is fresh water & cell service at V.C, and potties at end of pavement before you hit the beach, but you need to be self supporting out here. Bring a good book or 2, a fishing pole and some sun screen and enjoy!! Driftwood on beach is good for campfires.
The park rangers patrol the beach regularly to give a sense of security, but there were no problems.
The night skies were fantastic. I did some night photography, and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility here. Try getting up for the sunrise - it was like having a front row seat in a theater.
Winter nights can be chilly, but with proper gear, you will be fine.
Beach sand is mostly hard packed, with little chance of getting stuck, but after 5-10 miles south, be careful as sand is larger grained and looser, so big rigs should avoid after 5 miles or so. Don't be the most southerly rig.
I was down here to see the Whooping Cranes at Lamar & Aransas, but found this place, and found it hard to leave.

The beach was crowded, but if we had gone further down we would have had more privacy. There are 60 miles of beach. If you want to go past 5 miles you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The sand is hard packed and we had no issues with driving our Subaru Outback. They have a dump station and potable water near the visitors center. We will be back.

PROS: It was free! Right on the beach-- we parked past the 4-wheel-drive-only sign (I have a 4x4 truck). The kids had a blast! Lots of people fishing and having a great time. The Park Rangers are super awesome-- they answered all of my kids' questions, gave tons of recommendations, and seemed to really love their jobs. Ice is available for sale at the Ranger Station by Malaquite Campground. Showers are free at the Visitor's Center too. I totally recommend getting there early on weekends because it looks like the good, easy spots to get to fill up fast. What we thought was trash on the beach was actually jellyfish! Kids were super excited to see those up close. Also, later in the year they have sea turtle hatchings! Be sure to wear sunscreen, even in March (we got burned badly because I'm an idiot).

CONS: I'm sure its awesome in an RV. I learned that I don't like beach camping, but that's just because the sand gets everywhere, and I hate sand.The ocean was VERY LOUD, but I guess that's what the ocean is like there--I had thought the gulf would have been calmer, but the kids loved it. Can't really fault the park for that-- its not their fault! I'm just grouchy about sand, and waves so loud I couldn't sleep at night. Also, the beach has a good deal of trash on it, but as part of the Junior Ranger badge, you get a trash bag and help clean up the beach, (which was really pretty cool to help out the park). Couldn't find a level site, but we made do. No real amenities, but its free so whatever!

Overall: I think an RV would love it! If in a tent, may want ear plugs for night time (or be a HARD sleeper) due to waves. Access to the beach is wonderful, and everyone was polite and considerate. I love National Parks!!!

Had a lovely time beach camping. Like previous reviewers have stated, the key is to exercise caution and best judgement when beach camping. If you're starting to feel wary of the rising tide, it's probably best to move.

Stop in at the visitor center to talk to the rangers and to get a tide chart, which will help you gauge the highest point the waters should reach on the beach. Beyond that, enjoy the views and the sound of the waves!

Oh and try the free birding tour if you can. You can sign up the day before at the visitors center or show up day of to try and participate. The tour lasts roughly 3 hours and you're driven around to visit various sites along the seashore. We saw roughly 33 different species of birds during our visit. I'm not a birder myself but enjoyed the lesson. Binoculars were provided for use on the tour.

This was our first experience with beach camping and we were not disappointed!
You do need to watch the tides and the visitor's station will give you a paper copy if you need one.
You will get sandy and get a little rusty, but I thought it was worth it because of the coolness factor.
We loved waking up to the sounds of the waves and seeing the sunrise right outside of our door.
We were here from Jan 30 to Feb 4 and the weather was mostly great. Mid 70's, but it stayed slightly windy most of the time.
In Texas, the beaches are considered state highways, so there is some traffic, but for the most part, drivers kept there speed down.
If you go past mile marker 5 they strongly suggest that your vehicle has 4 wheel drive. We had heard all kinds of stories about the cost of having to be towed off of the beach (anywhere from $250 to thousands of dollars). We played it smart and stayed close to the entrance of the beach and stayed on the packed sand.
We have a cell booster so our phones had great service.

This spot was great. Its FREE, and right on the beach. There is over 60 miles of beach shore line that you can camp on along south Padre Island. Most people stop within the first 5 miles because after that you need 4 wheel drive to continue. Be sure to sign in at the registration area right as you enter the beach so you do not have to come back later.

This is a pretty stretch of beach, besides some washed up trash, and the RV's space themselves out about every 100 yards. You do need to park on the highest piece of land you can find without getting stuck in the sand. The water came within a few feet of our rig sometimes and was a bit scary. It was also hard to find a area big enough to turn the rig around, we had to detach our car to make the turn. It rained on us the night we were there and was a bit sketchy getting out of there in the morning. Definitely check the weather and surf report before heading to this spot unless if you want to do some unplanned boating.

It is a great area to relax, do some surf fishing, or walk the beach. The waves are pretty weak to surf, and the windsurfing is much better on the bay side of the island. Wish we could have stayed here longer but we have car troubles and need to get it taken care of before our next move. There is also little to no cell service here. With a booster you might be able to get something.