Camping on the gulf shore is a one-of-a-kind experience. Galveston may prevent tent camping on its beaches, but there are still plenty of places nearby you can pitch a tent or bring your RV and relax for a few nights right on (or near) the beach.
Read or scroll through this guide to learn about some of the best beach campgrounds in Gavelston, Texas or within an hour’s drive.
READ MORE: The Top 8 Texas Beach RV Parks
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park tops this list as one of the best places you can tent camp in Galveston because of its proximity and easy access to the beach. It offers choices between several camping locations throughout the park, including tent camping sites adjacent to the gulf beach and a large RV campground with additional tent spots on the bayside.
There are 36 campsites available on the gulf side that are equipped for both RV’s and tents with 30 and 50 amp hookups with water. All of those have their own picnic table and fire ring you can sit and enjoy the beach from.
The bayside has another 30 sites; 10 that are tent only and 20 with full hookups. The tent sites have their own tables and fire rings, but you’ll share picnic tables and fire rings with other guests at the RV sites. Those are spacious and easy to back-in when you arrive.
Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula
Looking for somewhere you can camp directly on the beach? Take the ferry from Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula and park your car or camper anywhere along the 27 miles of beaches of Crystal Beach and the Bolivar Peninsula.
This spot is incredibly unique and lets you park almost right up on the water. Just be careful of where you set up to avoid the water getting close during high-tide. Campfires are allowed but you may struggle to get them started on windier nights.
As far as restrooms, there are porta-potties lining the peninsula that you can use. There are also trash bings setup you can use to dispose of trash and help keep the beaches clean.
Note: All vehicles parked on Bolivar Peninsula must show a Bolivar Beach parking pass. Those can be purchased at just about any store on the peninsula.
Brazoria County Beach
Brazoria County Beach is another lovely free beach campsite near Galveston. Though you’ll be a little farther away from Mardi Gras festivities, you’ll find solitude here with a few other campers around and plenty of beach to sprawl out on.
The sand is hard-packed and makes it easy to drive on and pitch your tent if you’re boondocking. Note that the drive from Galveston does require a $2 toll and has a Kroger you can stop at for anything you need before setting out on the drive.
There are also two RV campgrounds in Brazoria County if you’re bringing an RV and prefer somewhere with full hookups. If you want to take the drive, the Brazoria Wildlife Refuge is nearby and hosts a driving tour with youtube narration where you’ll see lots of alligators!
Jamaica Beach RV Park
Jamaica Beach has everything you could need for a relaxing vacation during any season of the year. The park’s crown jewel is its 700-foot lazy river. Spend your time floating there, and all your worries will float away too!
Jamaica Beach RV Resort is the perfect Texas beach RV park for families as it’s filled with games to play and activities to try out for all ages. Every member of the family will stay relaxed and entertained throughout your entire stay!
Stella Mare RV Resort
With so many amenities, it’s hard to pick just one to highlight at Stella Mare RV Resort, but the 3,000-square-foot observation deck has to be mentioned. This massive deck is the perfect place to take in a sunset after a long day relaxing on the beach.
When it’s time to head back, you’ll have all the space you need to sprawl on their large sites. If you’re feeling friendly, head to the Seabreeze Room to meet other guests of the resort or the Tiki Hut for volleyball, fire pits, and dog parks!
READ MORE: The Best Cheap Campgrounds in Highlands, NC
Galveston Island KOA Holiday
If you want to take the guesswork out of your Galeston stay, KOAs are the way to do it. You get all the benefits of a nationwide chain on top of beachfront relaxation. KOAs are always on the upper end of amenities, and this Galveston location is no different.
With updated amenities, Galveston Island KOA Holiday is one of the newer KOAs out there. If you’re looking for pure relaxation, this site is definitely more out of the way so you can focus on relaxation without worrying about overbearing traffic noise.
Dellanera RV Park
Rounding off this list is Dellanara RV Park, a beautiful park right on the beach in Galveston within distance from all the shops nearby. It hosts 65 well-spaced out sites with full hookups, each equipped with concrete pads and available to a range of different vehicle sizes. The facilities were also recently renovated and are top-notch.
Explore the beachfront, enjoy a picnic, sit and watch the birds, or just relax by your RV at this beautifully well-kept campground.
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