South Padre Island, located at the bottom tip of Texas, has long been known as a popular destination for spring breakers. Outside of those few weeks, South Padre returns to its usual self, a calm, peaceful slice of semi-tropical paradise. There are more than thirty miles of beachfront that are open to driving and camping on the island. If you’re seeking privacy, you can often find it by driving just a few more miles north.
What We Like About Camping on South Padre Island
If you’ve visited other beaches in Texas, what may strike you the most is how blue and clear the water is down here. With very few rivers emptying into the Gulf, and little industrial activity, the water is much clearer along South Padre Island, especially in the late summer and early fall, when winds subside.
Camping Tips For South Padre
- Bring a shade shelter, and lots of stakes and line to secure it. Winds can pick up anytime.
- Don’t forget extra water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring mosquito repellent – They Come out at Night
- Don’t camp next to the surf!
- Report nesting or injured sea turtles to 956-243-4361
- Beach bonfires are allowed. For your feet and tires sake, please don’t burn pallets and old boards with nails.
Tips For Driving on The Beach at South Padre Island
- Heading north on State Park Rd. 100/Ocean Blvd, look for beach access points #5 and #6
- Four-wheel-drive is recommended, especially if driving farther north on the island.
- Stay in vehicle ruts when possible, maintain a steady speed.
- Airing down tires helps with traction
- Have a full tank of gas.
- Carry a shovel, traction mats/boards and other recovery gear.
- Travel with other vehicles, when possible
- There’s no cell phone reception farther north on the island.
- Never drive between the water and vehicles or groups parked next to the surf.
- Fees are charged part of the year. You may pay $12, plus $2 for a trash deposit. You’ll get the $2 back when you bring back a full bag. (Trash, mostly flotsam, is a problem here, please do your part!)
- Lastly, wash your vehicle thoroughly (especially underneath) when leaving, to prevent rust. There’s a car wash on the right hand side, as you’re coming back into town.
Driving on the beach is easier at low tide. During high tide, you may be forced to drive higher up, where there’s more loose sand. You can visit TideForecast.com for updates.
Interesting Things to See Along The Way
Beachcombing can be excellent on South Padre Island, especially early in the morning, on weekdays. We found several nice shells, sea beans, even some volcanic tuff, which must have traveled far.
Look for the abandoned lifeboat, about ten miles up the beach. It’s been decorated with shells and other odds and ends, and “Nude Beach” written across it. There’s no official nude beach on the island, but this point is just outside the jurisdiction of local law enforcement, so some people do come here to nude sunbathe.
(Above) A bit farther up, someone has erected a “hard hat tree,” filled with dozens of them that have washed ashore from offshore oil rigs.
Just south of the Port Mansfield cut, we came across this beautifully painted dorado or mahi-mahi mural on an old metal tank.
Below: The end of the line, at the Port Mansfield Jetty
There’s lots to do down this way besides camping and driving on the beach. You’ll find all the typical beach shops in the town of South Padre Island, along with some great restaurants. Adventure lovers can enjoy paragliding, zip-lining, paddle boarding and more. Space enthusiasts may want to make the 45 minute drive over to Boca Chica Beach, where you can get a close-up view of Starbase and the Space X launch facility.
Check out the Port Isabel Lighthouse
One your way to or from South Padre Island, be sure to stop and check out the old Port Isabel Lighthouse, home to one of the few remaining Fresnel lenses – and a nice view from the top!
