Camp on Padre Island National Seashore's North Beach

The largest undeveloped barrier island on Earth, the seashore is more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches. Drive over 60 miles along the beach to choose the perfect camping spot. Four-wheel drive is recommended to drive the full length of beach; however, two-wheel drive vehicles are able to safely drive down the first 5 miles of beach. Primitive camping is open to RVs and tents. There are no facilities and no designated sites. Campers are required to pay the designated entrance fee ($10/day) and obtain a free camping permit. Flush toilets and rinse showers are available at the Malaquite Visitor Center or campground. Campfires are permitted on the beach. For more information, head to the Padre Island National Seashore page on NPS.gov. 

There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained if you do not want to sunbathe, relax, and ride the waves all day. There is a scenic Grasslands Nature Trail, plenty of wildlife viewing, and fishing. One of the most exciting activities on the Seashore is watching a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle release! If you time your visit right, you can watch the hatchlings make their way back to the sea. You can check the projected hatch dates here: https://www.nps.gov/pais/learn/nature/2016-nesting-season.htm

Note:

• Dogs are welcomed if kept on leash
• Can be fairly windy at night
• Moderate traffic flow along first 5 miles of beach