South Beach, Mile 0-5, Padre Island, TX
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 permit is required to camp here, which can be obtained for free on site at the information kiosk.
North Beach, Padre Island, TX
North Beach is one of four dispersed camping areas in Padre Island National Seashore. A permit is required to camp here, but the permit is free and can be obtained at the information kiosk on site. In addition, there is a park entrance fee that must be paid at the gate. You can buy a 1-day, 7-day, or year pass. An Interagency Pass works here too.
Labonte Park, Corpus Christi, TX
Named for famed race car driver Bobby and Terry Labonte, natives of Corpus Christie, this park is set up specifically for camping and fishing along the Nueces River. The campground has 20 sites marked by picnic tables and parking spaces. However, you are required to get a camping permit first.
Magnolia Beach Park, Texas
One of the top boondocking destinations in Texas, Magnolia Beach Park offers hard packed sand on the beach right in the town of Magnolia Beach. With room for a few dozen full-sized RVs on the beach, and more room for smaller vehicles in surrounding areas, it still gets packed in, and is often difficult to find a space.
Indianola Beach Park
Indianola is a famous place in Texas history going back into the 1600s. This is a free campground located at the point. There are nine (9) covered picnic tables on the shore side of the road, and three (3) more at the inland side of the road. No reservations required, first-come, first-serve.
Olivia Haterius Park
This is a small boat ramp and parking lot with picnic tables and trash cans. There is a sign stating that camping is limited to five days, without mention of fees. Vehicles are not allowed on the grass, but tents are still allowed. Otherwise, RVs and vehicles must camp on the dirt, or in the parking lot, as long as it doesn't block traffic.
Oyster Lake Park, Collegeport, TX
This small fishing park is located at the bridge separating Matagorda Bay with Oyster Lake. It's too small for large trailers and motorhomes, and better suited for vans, truck campers, and small trailers. There are no amenities here, not even trash cans.
Carl Park, Palacios, TX
This county park is located on the Tres Palacios River, below the FM 521 bridge, about two miles north of where it empties into Tres Palacios Bay and the greater Matagorda Bay. The park was set up for fishermen and boaters, and include a boat ramp and a boardwalk.
West Mooring Dock Park
This moring, park, and boat ramp is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, but maintained by the County of Matagorda. It's used mostly as a parking lot for weekend beach goers, but is also popular with local teens and their cars late at night. It's also used by travelers as an overnight rest.
Sargent Beach Park
Also known as "Chamber Park", this is the parking lot for a small stretch of beach. The lot is owned by the County of Matagorda, while the beach adjacent to it is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers. The parking lot offers a restroom along with picnic tables and trash cans.