Here are some travel tips we've learned along the way. Note it is home to a lot of winter Texans who come in to stay for a month or more. You can contact the site through their website or by calling. In our estimation, its better than the other options. We often saw white pelicans, bitterns, great blue herons and other birds almost within arm's reach. California is home to the most national parks of any state, nine in total. (Source: Adolph Thomae Jr. Cameron County (cameroncountytx.gov)). This KOA also has a free boat ramp for use and a sunset deck to enjoy a drink in the evening time. Yes. Choose a sun-covered picnic table at your favorite pavilion by the main entrance to the beach. Graceful windsurfers come to surf on Bird Island Basin. Make sure you check out the official websites of the RV sites and campground mentioned above. This popular park is a more affordable and conveniently close RV park compared to its counterparts on the island. Take note this park is more for people who live there versus vacationers.

The idea behind running this extensively-equipped RV resort is to keep campers coming back for longer stays all the time. Whether one wants to sunbathe or go fishing, there is something fun to do for everyone in the family. Pier 19 Restaurant on site with 10% discount for KOA campers. The row of campsites on the beach side face the Gulf of Mexico, though you need to walk to the beach entryway to get out on the beach. Then there were the special events musical entertainment on the sunset deck, spuds night, Super Bowl Party, a group trip to Mexico, card making parties, on & on. Oh my we had a very lovely time, a lovely time indeed. , Sunset Palms RV and Mobile Home Park is built for campers and RV-camping lovers in South Texas. Also a 55+ RV Park. Top 15 Best Things To Do With Kids In Austin, 21 Superb Things To Do With Kids In Savannah, Georgia. Weve gathered 9 of the best South Padre Island RV parks for you to explore. The location was gorgeous as there were a lot of vi", "This is the spot to go to for camping in South Padre! Click here to learn more about Palmdale RV Resort. It is affordable with choices from dry camping to full hookups. The KOA had cable tv, but didnt have Davids Big 10 channel so we used KOA cable for local TV news and our DirectTV for Davids Big 10 Channel sports. When the wind blows, it means that the sand is blowing and will sift into your rig. Max RV length: 98 ft. Visitors and campers find it appealing to bring their furry pet along with them to take long walks on the beach. The park has installed optical fiber cables near each pedestal. Plus, you and your trip-mates will get a chance to dine at some of the most popular restaurants in the area. With snack bars, hot tubs, and other RV resort facilities, you can rest easy. All campgrounds are open year-round. Its primary nesting territory is the Gulf Coast of Texas. There is a 50% discount for holders of the Golden Age, Golden Access or America the Beautiful Senior Pass. With full hookups, this park is a great alternative to regular RV parks in the area. The 3rd week in February is Bike Week, which if youre a biker could be lots of fun, but if not, the traffic may be nightmarish. "This is a really pretty campground that has a lot of great things! South Padre Island has a well-developed public transportation system, which means that one can park the RV and explore the island without having to worry about transportation or parking. 78480.

Beach fun could turn into sandblasting quickly! If beach access is on your list for an RV park in South Padre Island, you wont have trouble finding a stay. If youve been to the South Texas RV sites, you must have experienced the hustle and bustle. This place isnt like other congested RV sites that may offer similar services. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Located right on the water, this park is a great vacation getaway with island vibes and a relaxing atmosphere. take a shower or use the restroom do NOT choose Isla Blanca RV Park unless youre not picky the restrooms we saw were metal toilets (the kind with no seat) and some were even common showering areas, although some had concrete block stalls. When both sides of our site were full, often it was hard to park. This is the primary phone number for the Malaquite Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore. There were a lot of great amenities that worked really well. The nearest amenities from the park entrance station are about 12 miles away, so please come prepared. 17 FUN Tips for Visiting South Padre Island, TX, Custer State Park Campground: South Dakota. The location makes it an important and necessary stopping point for migrating birds who need to stop to rest and for resident birds who use the diverse habitat for nesting and breeding. These RV parks are located in Port Isabel which is just a short 5-minute drive across the bridge from South Padre Island. While the land covers 150 acres, the RV sites are at least 50-55 feet apart, which means you dont have to worry about social distancing when enjoying your stay at Tropical Trails. Does Lowes Sell Tiny Houses or Tiny House Kits? As we were traveling in an RV, we were concerned about availability of fresh water and a dump station. Padre Island is on the Central Flyway, a major migration route for birds traveling between North, Central and South America. Communications/Satellite TV: Verizon had 4-5 bars and our Verizon Wifi worked great. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. ), and everything was so nicely kept. In the evenings, the day visitors and windsurfers went home, and we enjoyed the beautiful sunsets on Bird Island Basin in quiet solitude. The area is walkable and well-maintained. Isla Blanca is a huge RV park over 600 spots with few amenities other than the beach & jetty at the far south end of the island. However, anyone who drives on the beach does so at their own risk, and there are some important tips for driving on the beach. 956-761-3700. 15 Best South Padre Island Vacation Rentals For An Amazing Vacation! Bring a pop-up camper or even an RV up to 98 meters long! This is also an ideal location for kayaking, windsurfing, birdwatching and fishing. From kites and bikes to portable fire pits, RV life is getting better every time we head out! The Dark Side of Towing a Travel Trailer with a Toyota 4 Runner, Top 10 Fun FREE Things to do near Garden of the Gods, IL. The Malaquite Campground is near the Malaquite Visitor's Center and is designed or RVs and motor homes. The camera swinging on its strap might upset your balance and there's a LONG cliff below? Jan. Nice article. The swimming pools are open all year round, and you can enjoy free WiFi and cable TV. Your guess is as good as mine! Campsite: #90 was our spot. The northern-most area of the park. At South Padre Island KOA Holiday RV Park, they are ready to accommodate. For a great outdoors trip to the Rio Grande Valley, consider putting Palmdale RV Resort on your must-visit list. A replacement fee will be assessed for each replacement tag. Your RV should meet the size limit of 16 feet high and 60 feet long. Bird Island Basin is used as a training location for beginning windsurfers as well as more experienced sportsmen. But these 4 books have earned their place on the bookshelf! Be sure to put Andy Bowie County Park on your list to visit while in the South Padre Island area. And EVERYONE says avoid the month of March like the plague. The shower heads in the womens were way above my reach (Im 53) so there was no adjusting. The resorts customer service team is sure to answer all questions and resolve all issues promptly. This park is beautiful and peaceful, as well as very well-kept. There is a place here waiting for you! Plus you can be dolphin watching right from your RV depending on where your site is. Not only does t". This park has a small-town laid-back feel but has many things to offer so that one can stay as long as they want without lacking a thing or being bored. Access to Essentials: IGA and Ace Hardware are right on the island as is a gas station. 18 Amazing Things To Do In Big Bend National Park, 15 Authentic New Mexico RV Parks Worth A Visit, 23+ Fun Things To Do In South Padre Island, Texas. Plenty of hot water and water pressure! Holders of the Golden Age or American the Beautiful Senior pass will get a 50% discount. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Top 10 RV Parks Near the South Padre Island, TX Area. This park prides itself with security and location. It is located in Brownsville about 30 minutes from South Padre Island. It is one of the best parks for birdwatching in the area. The hardest sand is closest to the tide-line. You won't want to plan to use your microwave or electric appliances to make meals only to find out that you aren't allowed to run your generator. ), Anyone with other comments about camping on South Padre Island?

Palmdale RV Resort is located in Los Fresnos, Texas about 40 minutes from South Padre Island. Life-long friendships are made at Sunset Palms RV and Mobile Home Park. Sanderling on Padre island National Seashore. Unfortunately online it states that the nicer sites with patios are only for big RVs but we saw 5th Wheels and even a trailer in one, so be sure to ask. Campers, including beach campers, must have a camping permit, which is available from the kiosks at the entrances of each campground. 956-761-3700, Danielle Delgado, Assistant CoastalParks Manager Your email address will not be published. Camping at Bird Island Basin is $5 a day or $10 for an annual pass. With 200 RV sites available, their facilities include a high-speed internet connection, comfortable rental beds, and hot tubs, making it an excellent vacation stop. Isla Blanca Park: (956) 761-5494 Whether you visit on sunny days or plan a great outdoors trip during the winter season, you will have a great vacation at Palmdale RV Resort. Local Park Telephone Number:956-761-5665; email: southpadre@koa.net. Many visitors continue to return regularly due to their positive experience at this County Park. This park strives to create a community where visitors are welcome. Because of this, many bird lovers come to Padre Island during migration season to watch birds. From beach rentals and private swimming areas to food concessions at the park, this site has it all. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. 7 RV Campgrounds Along the Natchez Trace Parkway, RV Campgrounds Along Florida’s Overseas Highway. There are cold water showers at the Malaquite Visitor Center and a dump station and water filling station near the Malaquite Campground. People who overland equip their veh How to Stay Safe During Wildfire Season: Introducing Campendiums New Smoke Map Feature. Check this out! This fantastic RV Park in South Texas covers a huge area of over 150 acres.

Rental cottages, on-site diners, and the availability of bars make this gorgeous place a prime choice for many. This park is located right on the beach, which allows the visitors to take advantage of the beach relaxation and water activities right where they are. There is a dump station and a fresh water filling station just outside of the campground where you can empty your waste tanks and get fresh water. sites, cabana rentals, tent sites, a boat ramp, numerous restroom/shower facilities and shaded picnic areas. The Sundeck. South Padre Island KOA Holiday has all the amenities you need to take a break from your daily life. Click here to learn more about Tarpon RV Park and Marina. It backed up to the marina building and marina doors when the marina guys were cutting or welding, it could be noisy. The Boat Ramp is open to the public. COUNTYS VETERANS POLICY: Vehicular passes will be offered to veterans at 50% with proper identification Only one Veterans discount pass per month or per year. This large park has many resort amenities and an island dcor and vibe that helps one just kick back and relax. South Padre Island is on the Gulf Coast, the Southwest lowest point in Texas, just be fore the border to Mexico. The onsite deluxe cabins and KOA Patio make the RV sites a memorable experience for all people who come to enjoy. Box 181300 You must be self-contained to stay here. But all those sites were already reserved when we made up our minds to go to South Padre Island. With an excellent reputation for providing comfort and leisure, RV parks in South Texas offer various amenities. Which means only people 55 years or older can stay here. Leaving windows open on the windward side of the rig can mean lots of sand in everything. The idea of camping right on the beach appeals to many people, and we were certainly anxious to try it. While planning a trip can be difficult, fully furnished South Padre Island, Texas RV parks dont need much planning. As a county park, this park is in nature and supports local outdoor activities and flora/fauna appreciation and education. Corpus Christi Although the majority of the parks in South Texas offer beach access, not all of them fulfill campers needs. Those who are interested in trying the sport can rent equipment and sign up for lesson at the store not too far from the camping area. You will find nearly 36 facilitated RV slots at the Tarpon RV Park and Marina. On the other hand, South Padre Island has its own charm and is far far far less expensive than the Florida Keys! Amazing! No food, firewood, or fishing licenses are sold in the park, and the park does not have a gas station. Since we retired almost 15 years ago and travel at least six months a year, we've learned a thing or two. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. The entire site offers plenty of affordable accommodations. The beach can get busy on the weekends when people come to visit. In Landlocked New Mexico? I have been thinking of going there. Plan a night or day fishing trip using the boat slips provided by Tarpon RV Park and Marina. There are also 6 tent sites here, although tent campers are also allowed to set up their tents on the beach. You will never have a dull moment when visiting Palmdale RV Resort in South Padre Island, Texas. Tom & Stacie are amazing people. Like most National Park campgrounds, this one does not have either electric or water hookups. Watch the sunrise on the Gulf of Mexico when you park your RV right on the beach in Padre Island National Seashore. This park is a Winter Texan paradise, especially for retirees. In general, books don't earn space in our #Lance1685 20' travel trailer - just not enough room. Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites #8 - 16, How and Where to Get a First-Come, First-Served Campsite. Plus, if you love cooking, you will love grilling BBQ at your very own RV site. The park also offers a number of concessions that provide an array of recreational amenities. We ended up getting stuck because we drove too close to the dunes when turning around. Royal Tern on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore. If your goal is to spend the week on South Padre Island we highly recommend Isla Blanca County park or Edwin King Atwood park if you prefer boondocking and arent scared about getting stuck in the sand or the tide sneaking up! It is safe to drive 2-wheel drive vehicles on the beach from the access road and many people drive motor homes and campers out onto the sand where they can park at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Want to plan a South Padre getaway with your family and friends? Having said that we also would NOT choose the other small sites, they were worse. Located next to the calm waters of the laguna, this campground is a great place for tent or RV camping. Most visitors who came with a small group of friends have left with a larger one. and a full service marina. Located within the park, there is over a mile of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico that offers an abundance of water-front recreational facilities. The Great Workout Room/Gym. Since the park is gated, one must let the office know if arriving during lunch hour or after 3 PM.

Towing A Travel Trailer With a 6 Cyl Toyota 4 Runner? Just a word of advice Edwin King Atwood Park is open to car traffic. A few years ago, I had a camping trip planned to Sequoia National Forest in California for Labor RV Camping Guide to Californias Lesser-Known National Parks. Click here to learn more about Tropical Trails RV Park.

TinyHouseDesign is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They go out of their way to make sure everyone is having fun and included even going as far as offering a weekly Free Hot Dog night and instructing FREE Zumba classes several times a week sometimes even in the pool! No reservations are accepted, as camping is first-come, first-served. But we discovered something about ourselves very quickly were not fans of commercial RV resorts. You can make financial transactions without worrying about security because the internet is secured and fortified through encryption protocols. The South Padre KOA sites are small, but again, Location, Location, Location. Some of these amenities include a world class water park, an assortment of restaurants, bay and offshore fishing trips, water sports (e.g. The registration office is open seven days a week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during peak season and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during offseason. The first place we wanted to try camping was on South Beach where RVs and other vehicles can drive on the sand and park on the waterfront. You certainly wont get bored with the availability of on-site dining options at the pavilion. Scenic Value/Claustrophobia Quotient: Sunsets from the Sunset Deck were nice, the views of Laguna Madre were good. The Commons Area. Be sure to read rules about use of generators carefully as the Park Service has strict rules about generator hours. If youre a new visitor at the Sunset Palms RV and Mobile Home Park, check out the ongoing new customer discounts and packages. island padre south bay inn texas There is much to attract nature lovers to North Padre Island. Youll find ample restrooms and a convenient boardwalk that offers beach access. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV snowbirds., Image Source: www.tropicaltrailsrvresort.com. This is a regulated community of property owners who rent or sublet their condominiums and RV lots with hookups for an extended amount of time. White Sands National Monument Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument How did parents keep kids from falling off the cliff? There was a plethora of things that will keep anyone in the family happy. If so, then going on a trip to some of the best South Padre Island RV parks can be just what youre looking for. Also, plan to drive on the beach it can work, but you can also easily get stuck. P.O.

This park is only a few miles away from the island. The island is approximately 300 miles from San Antonio, 340 miles from Austin, 370 from Houston, 560 miles from Dallas and 890 miles from El Paso. And dont forget the usual Bingo Night, Texas Holdem (Poker) Night, Games Night, Cards Night. Comfortable abodes and highly-equipped RV sites make South Padre Island KOA Holiday RV Park an amazing choice. This protected species is the only sea turtle known to nest in the daytime. Please discuss any specific needs with a qualified professional. Propane is refilled right at the KOA which was very convenient (and priced less than most outside places weve been!). There is one dump station and a place to get fresh water. The Park is situated on the banks of the Arroyo Colorado and is located within the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. You will have to cross the bridge to get to South Padre Island. It is recommended that vehicles without 4WD stay in the first 5 miles. Isla Blanca County Park Campground offers fully furnished beach rental concessions throughout the warmer months.

Most self-contained motorhomes and trailers are perfectly equipped to handle a week or two of dry camping, but it is important to know ahead of time what to expect. The security at Tropical Trails RV Resorts makes it the ideal option for campers looking to rest in a spacious site with their favorite RVs. This gave us a front row seat for watching the many different kinds of birds that feed and swim in the shallow water. The site offers beach access, showers, and restrooms for all visitors and campers. Brownsville is the largest city that is closest to South Padre Island. Located 15 miles down South Beach, Yarborough Pass provides access to the laguna for 4WD vehicles. This is a Boondocking location which means no hook-ups. Padre Island National Seashore has several options for RV and tent camping. Were we happy with our choice? A big RV park right on the coast, the Isla Blanca Park is a great spot when staying in the area. As a community, it is being very well maintained. There were some fun and relaxing water based activities that were great for the entire family. A variety of water sports activities make this VIP South Padre Island RV Park an excellent option for beach lovers. And Tom & Stacie!!! Mosquitos/Bugs: When the wind dropped we had a few bees and flies, but the wind didnt drop more than a few days, so no problem. We travel and love to experience new cultures, new areas of the country & world. Called by many visitors the nicest park on the island, this park does not take the details that make a difference between good and great for granted. If palm trees and sandy beaches are what youre looking for, the South Padre Island KOA Holiday will not disappoint. The location is close to everything on the island and the staff puts forth effort to make it a comfortable and friendly stay. The staff was very kind and helpful! Please read my disclosure for more info. While all information shared here is believed to be accurate, the owner/operator of this website specifically disclaims all warranties expressed, implied or statutory, regarding the accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the information contained herein. There are chemical toilets near the camping area, but, when you need to dump or get fresh water you will need to drive back to the dump and water filling station near the Visitor Center. Ramp time limit is 5 minutes to unload and load,NO FISHING FROM BOAT LAUNCH. This park is level, laid out well, with spacious sites and shade trees. Travel Tips I Wish I Had Known 20 Years Ago. The mile-long beach where the park meets the Gulf of Mexico is breathtaking. Theres also no shortage of showers or restrooms, along with shaded picnic areas. This is truly a one-stop shop when searching for an RV resort in South Padre Island. Bird Island Basin campground is on the Laguna Madre, a shallow saltwater lagoon with a sandy bottom. There were a lot of great, spacious, sites to choose from that would a lot of size rigs. Camping is permitted only in the five following areas. Reviews from RV Park Reviews give the KOA a 4 Star Rating, Click Here for More Reviews. It attracts migrating snowbirds like ourselves as well as thousands of migrating birds in the winter months. Cheers!

Its a locally-owned and managed RV resort, so no one feels like a stranger. Port Isabel Marina and RV Park is located in Port Isabel just across the bridge fro South Padre Island. Located just across the bridge from South Padre Island in Port Isabel. Some will spend the night in the back of their truck or van! Over 380 species of birds, over half the bird species of the U. S., may be on Padre Island each year. During the weekend and busy times, the bridge can be backed up. Camping here is primitive, with no dump stations or showers, but it is by far the nicest place to camp if you want privacy and a beautiful view. Since this South Padre Island RV Park is located at the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, youre sure to have easy access to waterfront activities. It is right next to a sea turtle hatchery. This RV Resort has been popular for quite some time and houses the best facilities any camper could wish for. There are five different tiers of site choices, depending on site size and spacing. From surfside picnicking to surfing on the cobalt tides under the pavilion, you will find plenty of waterfront activities to choose from. All vehicles driving on the beach must be legal street vehicles, and drivers must be licensed drivers. Andy Bowie Park: (956) 761-3704. Camping right on the water's edge, we had a perfect view of beginner and expert windsurfers skimming the water and executing their complicated maneuvers in Bird Island Basin. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Or just fish from the piers at the RV park. We had a picnic table and gravel patio we should have been smarter and opted for one of the premium sites with a nice patio, picnic table and adirondack chairs. Beaches on in Texas are considered highways, and the same driving rules apply to beach driving as to any Texas roadway. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to South Padre Island from Brownsville. snorkeling, diving, jet skis, parasailing, etc.) When coming from the North, one can take US Highways 77 and 281 South, and 83 from the West. Consider visiting Tropical Trails RV Resorts to escape your hectic schedule. With limited time, which to visit? The staff was amazing, always so happy (I mean who wouldnt be happy working in a place like this? 60 miles of primitive beach is available for camping with 4WD access. Click here to learn more about Port Isabel Marina and RV Park. Although we've had a lot of experience driving our jeep in beach sand, driving a motor home was different. The park Wifi worked sometimes, but was slow and other times wasnt slow, and sometimes didnt work at all. Youll find onsite food services at the beachfront pavilions with over 600 RV sites that offer complete hook-up facilities. This Resort has an HOA/owner-rented-sites place for 55+ community and with this, it has its own rules and regulations, as well as a cumbersome reservation process. There are so many fun things to do on the island from horseback riding to surfing and bird watching, plus be sure to check out the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Be sure to check out our 17 FUN Tips for Visiting South Padre Island for all the fun we had and things we did during our month stay on South Padre Island! Padre Island, located along the Gulf Coast of Texas, is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped barrier islands in the world. The important thing to know before you drive your motor home to the Padre Island National Seashore is that all campgrounds are dry camping only; there are no utility or water hookups at any campsites.