South Texas has several federally-owned areas that are designated for use by campers. These spots offer a variety of topography, climate, skill-level and related outdoor activities to please campers seeking recreation. These spots include more than a million acres of pristine ocean beaches, stunning deserts plunging canyons and mountains that tower more than a mile high.
Locations
There are three main locations for federal camping in south Texas: Guadalupe Mountains National Par--home to the highest mountain in Texas, Padre Island National Seashore--the largest undeveloped barrier island in the world--and Big Bend National Park--one of the least visited, and largest national parks in the United States.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located near El Paso and is home to Guadalupe Mountain, which is 8,749 feet high. The park was founded in 1972 and encloses 86,416 acres.
Padre Island National Seashore offers more than 70 miles of beaches and covers 130,434 acres near Corpus Christi along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
Big Bend National Park is located south of Alpine and encompasses more than 800,000 acres and includes canyons, deserts and mountains with topography ranging from 2,000 feet to 8,000 feet above sea level.
Fees
Each federally managed area has its own usage fees. As of July 2010 Guadalupe Mountains charges a $5 entry fee for adults 16 and older. Family campsites cost $8 per night and are available on a first come-first served basis. The park website states that the campsites rarely fill up, though the most popular times for campers are spring break and late October when the trees change colors.
As of July 2010, Padre Island charges a $10 per vehicle entry fee or a $5 per person walk-in fee. There are five designated camping areas and all require a permit to camp, which can be obtained at park headquarters. Malaquite campground has an $8 per night usage fee, camping at Bird Island Basin is $5 per night. Camping on North Beach, South Beach and Yarborough Pass are free.
Big Bend National Park has three designated campsites, Chisos, Cottonwood and Rio Grand Village as well as back country camping available. The campsites cost $14 per night in July 2010. Backcountry passes are required to camp outside of designated campsites. These cost $10 per pass as of July 2010.
Activities
A wide variety of activities are available to campers at the federal parks. Padre Island offers fishing, nature viewing, family beach activities, surfing and swimming. Big Bend National Park features hiking, climbing, nature viewing, star gazing and river rafting. Guadalupe Mountains offers hiking, backpacking wildlife viewing, star gazing and photography.
Warnings
Carry water as there is no water available in the backcountry of any of the three federal camping areas. The National Park Service recommends that each camper carries one gallon of water for each day he will be camping. All three areas can experience excessive heat, so sun block, long sleeve shirts and hats are also recommended.
Snakes and dangerous animals exist in all three parks. Do not agitate a snake if you encounter it. Is against the law to harm wildlife in a park--even if it is dangerous. Guadalupe Mountains has five varieties of poisonous snakes, other animals exist in the park but are not considered high risk. Padre Island has two poisonous species of snake, jellyfish and stingrays are also dangerous. Big Bend also has poisonous snakes and has occasional mountain lion attacks. If you are injured seek immediate medical attention at a ranger station.
Flash floods are potentially fatal hazard in Big Bend. Campers are advised to not camp in canyons or dry washes. Carry a flashlight and a mirror with you in case you need to contact rescuers.
Regulations
Each camping site has its own unique rules and regulations campers must follow. All three sites only allow camping for up to 14 days.
Ground and wood fires are prohibited in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and in the Big Bend National Park. Fires are permitted at Padre Island in designated burn areas or in pits dug into the ground.
Generators are not allowed to run between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. at Padre Island. Generators are prohibited in the backcountry of both national parks.
Pets are not allowed on trails in the backcountry of Big Bend or Guadalupe Mountains National Parks but are allowed at Padre Island as long as they remain leashed.
Mountain bikes are prohibited on all trails at Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend but are permitted at Padre Island.
Metal detecting is forbidden at all three parks.
Campers must camp at least 100 yards away from water sources at Big Bend.
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