The Texas Gulf Coast spans over 600 miles miles and is home to dozens of small towns and islands, as well as many parks and state recreation areas.With plentiful hiking and water sport opportunities to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy for at least a few days, the Gulf Coast is popular among tent and RV campers interested in exploring the Gulf region.
Public Campgrounds
Most Texas public campgrounds offer at least some water and electric hookup sites, and some even offer sewer sites. RV and tent sites, and even cabins and cottages, are available at most campgrounds. Backcountry or "dispersed" camping with no electric or water hookup is available at most Gulf Coast state parks and protected areas. Popular public camping areas on Texas' Gulf Coast include Possum Kingdom State Park, Fort Travis Seashore Park, Falcon State Park and Goliad State Park. Nearly all Texas state park campgrounds have restroom and shower facilities.
Privately Owned Campgrounds
Private campgrounds on Texas' Gulf Coast tend to offer more amenities and services than their public counterparts, but also tend to charge higher nightly rates. Families with young children will likely be happier at private campgrounds because of amenities such as game rooms, playgrounds, swimming pools and camp stores. Because the Texas Gulf Coast is popular with older travelers with RVs and trailers, many campgrounds cater to RV campers, but most have at least a few tent sites. Gulf Coast private campgrounds include: Aransas Bay RV Resort, Brackenridge Plantation Park & Campground, Serendipity Resort, Lazy Longhorn RV Park and Park Island Park Center.
Camping Considerations
Texas Gulf Coast campgrounds tend to fill up in spring, summer and fall, so it's wise to book ahead of time in order to guarantee a campsite. Remember that summer temperatures on Texas' Gulf Coast can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you plan to do a lot of outdoor exploring, be sure to pack the sunscreen and plenty of water. Hikers should bring bug repellent and appropriate hiking gear, such as hiking boots and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved pants in order to reduce the risk of snake bites.
Texas' Gulf Coast has a hurricane season between June 1 and November 30. Although camping is popular during these months, you'll want to be sure to check weather conditions before heading to the coast.
Water-based Activities
As a Gulf Coast visitor, you're likely hoping to participate in water sports along Texas' 600 miles of coast. Water-based activities include: boating, jet-skiing, water-skiing, diving, swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, parasailing, paragliding, kayaking, canoeing and surfing. With dozens of beaches and lakes, campers can enjoy water sports at: Isla Blanca State Park, Surfside Beach, Sylvan Beach Park, Goose Island State Park, Galveston Island Beach and Mammoth Lake Scuba Park.
Land-based Activities
Campers who prefer to stay active on land can enjoy golfing at Tyrell Park, Moody Gardens, Riverside Park, or Pleasure Island, or can go hiking, biking or birdwatching at Goliad State Park, Highland Bayou Park or Lake Texana State Park.
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