Falcon County Park
This county park has the dubious reputation of having no time limits on camping, thus you'll find several campers who are staying here indefinitely. Some camps look like homeless encampments with tents and junk laying around, but other "lifers" appear to keep their camp neat and clean.
Boca Chica Beach, Texas
Boca Chica Beach lies near the southern tip of Texas along the shore, at the end of State Highway 4. Ownership of the area is a convoluted mess between Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife, US Fish & Wildlife Service, SpaceX, and a few other land owners representing oil companies.
Yarborough Pass, Padre Island, TX
Yarborough Pass is a primitive camping area located along the Laguna Madre. It is accessed by driving down South Beach for approximately 15 miles then traversing on a high clearance four-wheel drive sand and caliche road for 1.6 miles. There are four campsites with shade structures, but dispersed beach camping is also allowed.
South Beach, Mile 5-60, Padre Island, TX
South Beach, Mile 5-60, differs from Mile 0-5 in that 4WD is required, whereas at Mile 0-5, 2WD is allowed. The entire 60 mile stretch of Padre Island National Seashore is accessible from only one entrance, and that entrance starts at the north with Mile 0, thus if you went the full 60 miles, you have to retrace your route back north to get out.
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.
