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Texas enjoys incredible access to the Gulf of Mexico, along with a plethora of other beaches, lakes, and bays. As a result, there is absolutely no shortage of gorgeous, waterside landscapes to enjoy a weekend away. Below, you’ll find five of our favorites. Enjoy!
The Padre Island National Seashore park protects 70 miles of coastline, prairies, dunes, and wind tidal flats. It is home to over 380 species of birds and many Spanish shipwrecks. Camp right on the beach away from civilization. Keep in mind: there are no RV hookups, so you’re better off setting up camp right on the sand. Don’t forget your permit (available from kiosks at the campground entrance).
Galveston Island State Park is home to both a beach and a bay, depending on which side of the park you decide to camp on. Common activities include swimming, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and more. Rent a cabin or a campsite and choose between one with water and electricity or go without.
Roll up with your RV, rent a cabin, or stay at the Discover Event Center to enjoy the 52-acre Quintana Park beachfront. Enjoy the excellent bird watching, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, surfing, and nature viewing year-round. Quintana Beach County Park does not offer primitive tent camping on-site, although the nearby towns and other beaches can accommodate tent campers for up to two weeks.
Mustang Island State Park near Port Arkansas, Texas, offers more than five miles of coastline, perfect for swimming, surfing, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and more. The park boasts 48 water and electrical campsites and 50 drive-up primitive sites with water, cold-water rinse showers, and portable toilets along the beach. Full restrooms are on-site, too, and are located near the water-electric campground for easy access.
Texas invites you to stay at the Sea Rim State Park near Sabine Pass, Texas. With over 5.2 miles of Gulf shoreline and 4,000 marshland acres, you’ll never run out of opportunities to go beach combing, paddling, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or even hunting (in season). Choose from 15 campsites equipped with utilities, their cabin, or many primitive camping options right on the beach.
