South Beach, Mile 0-5, Padre Island, TX

National Park Service

Free Camping on Padre Island

Miles 0-5 along South Beach, Padre Island is open for free, dispersed camping. This section of South Beach is open to 2WD vehicles, whereas South Beach Miles 5-60 requires 4WD. The only amenities at Miles 0-5 are vault toilets and trash dumpsters. A camping permit is required to camp here, which can be obtained for free on site at the information kiosk.

Authority

Padre Island NS logo

National Park Service

No office prepend found.

Tel: Park Office Phone not available.

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 27.4152, -97.3015

Elevation: 0 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: Yes

Max stay: 14 days

Amenities: Vault toilet, trash cans

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

South Beach, Mile 0-5, Padre Island, TX

In addition to obtaining a free camping permit, you must also pay the entrance fee, which varies at 1-day, 7-day, and annual pass. The Interagency Pass also works here.

The sand here is generally firm packed, however depending on the weight of your RV or trailer, it could sink in. We found many RVers will bring strips of plywood to drive over and park on. However, be aware that the tide will come in, and you will want to move. Keep your trailer hitched and ready to move at a moments notice.

Also steer clear of the sand dunes because the sand is more soft there.

It’s also a good idea to bring some tow rope in case you need to ask someone to pull you out.

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