There is no in-park lodging at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, but its proximity to nearby towns means there are a wealth of overnight options available, in addition to two developed campgrounds and primitive beach camping.
Lodging Options
Camping
Below is a quick rundown of the two developed campgrounds at Padre Island National Seashore. For more detailed information, click on each campground name.
Sites at the Malaquite Campground, Padre Island National Seashore / NPS file
Malaquite Campground is located on the gulf side of the island just north of the visitor center, a short walk from the beach. There are 48 sites (6 tent only), including 2 sites (#12 and #13) designated as accessible. There are 24 sites, 40 ft (12 m) long by 18 ft (5.5 m) wide that are paved and back up to a sand dune. None of them are designated as accessible, although each are flat and navigable in most situations. Each site has a picnic table, none are wheelchair accessible.
Charcoal barbecue grills are available at designated sites. Ground campfires are permitted on the beach east of the vegetated dunes below the campground on open sand areas as long as they are built where flames or embers cannot threaten or blow into the grasslands, equipment, or property.
Flush toilets are available year-round as are cold showers.
Of the paved and gravel campsites, some have grills and shade structures. No hookups but a dump station and potable water are on the road to the campground. Campers with a paid site in the campground can pitch a tent either at the site or on the beach in front of the campground.
Malaquite Campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are limited to 2 vehicles, 2 tents, and 8 people. Nightly camping fee is $14 and Senior/Access passholders receive a 50 percent discount.
Bird Island Basin Campground sites, Padre Island National Seashore / NPS file
Bird Island Basin Campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. This campground is located next to the calm waters of the laguna and 35 primitive designated sites for RV or tent camping plus and 10 additional tent only sites. Nightly camping fee is $8. Senior/Access passholders receive a 50 percent discount. None of the sites are designated as accessible. All sites are limited to 2 vehicles, 2 tents, and 8 people.
There are no charcoal grills or campfire rings. Wood burning fires are not allowed. You are permitted to use a personal propane or gas grill that can be shut off. Vault toilets are available. RVs/Trailers are allowed. Maximum RV length is 45 ft (13.7 m).
Primitive Beach Camping
There are four sites for primitive beach camping. 4-wheel drive is recommended and, in some cases, required to access some of these sites. Below is a quick rundown of each site. For more detailed information, click on each site link.
The 1.5-mile-long (2.4 km) North Beach, is open to primitive beach camping. North Beach is generally open to two-wheel drive vehicles, although four-wheel drive is always recommended.
The first five miles (8 km) of South Beach, between beach mile marker 0 to 5, is open to primitive beach camping. Mile 0 to 5 is generally open to two-wheel drive vehicles, although four-wheel drive is always recommended.
Looking north along South Beach near Mile 60, Padre Island National Seashore / NPS-Caitlin Drummond
The last 55 miles (88.5 km) of South Beach, between beach mile marker 5 to 60, is open to primitive beach camping. Mile 5 to 55 always requires four-wheel drive vehicles. Popular destinations along this stretch of beach include the sections of beach known as Little Shell Beach and Big Shell Beach, as well as Yarborough Pass, a high-clearance four-wheel drive road with access to the Laguna Madre.
Yarborough Pass is the only down-island access to Laguna Madre, Padre Island National Seashore / NPS file
Yarborough Pass, along the Laguna Madre, is open to primitive camping. It is accessed near the 15-mile mark on South Beach and requires a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle.
