Camping is a breeze on South Padre Island. There are plenty of camping sites to choose from, whether you're looking to pitch a tent or camp in style with your RV. Here is a list of the available camping spots and everything you need to know about them for your next adventure on South Padre Island.
South Padre Island KOA
The South Padre Island KOA is open year-round and has accommodations for the biggest of RV’s all the way down to spots to pitch a tent. In addition to spots for RVs, trailers, and tents, there are small cabins available for rent as well. And, you don’t have to feel like you’re roughing it — the campgrounds have plenty of amenities, including power outlets, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a pool open year-round, a hot tub and sauna, propane, and a fishing area.
Island Insider Tip: Even your furry friends are welcome! Check out Club K-9, a small dog park available to KOA campers, to get your pets some exercise while you're on vacation.
What truly makes the KOA stand out is the activities that the campgrounds facilitate — winter months being particularly popular at the grounds. You can enjoy sunset socials, live music, and themed parties. As a special treat on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the campgrounds throw a free feast with turkey, ham, potatoes, and gravy.
Island Insider Tip: Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share!
Isla Blanca Park
Isla Blanca Park offers facilities that provide easy access to the beach. There are tent sites and full and partial RV hookups. The grounds have two newly renovated beachfront pavilions with food and beach rental concessions, as well as walking trails and a boat ramp. The views from this campsite are absolutely beautiful, however, the beach can get crowded in the summer months. Visit in the fall or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Island Insider Tip: It’s not uncommon to see dolphins playing in the surf and sea turtles swimming close to the beach and Jetties!
Andy Bowie Park
Andy Bowie Park is on the north side of the Island with full RV hook-up sites and tent sites, as well as amenities including access to the beach, picnic and BBQ pavilions, beach rental concessions, and a fishing area. The crowds tend to be a little thinner at this part of the beach, especially in the fall. Andy Bowie Park is great for travelers looking for peace and tranquility, but still, want access to basic amenities.
Beach Camping
The beach on South Padre Island is open to camping starting from Beach Access #5 to any point north. There is a fee to access the beach by vehicle and the first several miles are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles and RVs. From that point on the beach is really only accessible to vehicles with four-wheel drive. There are no amenities, cell service can be spotty, and it is recommended to be aware of tides and weather conditions. Despite not having the amenities that other campsites have, some major benefits to beach camping on the Island are that bonfires, pets, and fishing are allowed!
Island Insider Tip: There are showers/restrooms at Beach Access #5 as well as a large dumpster to empty trash.
Whether you like to be close to nature in a tent or in a fully stocked cabin, South Padre Island has everything you need for a fun-filled camping experience.
