If you are headed to South Padre Island in South Texas for some fun in the sun and wondering which campground is the best for you, then this guide will help! South Padre Island offers miles and miles of beautiful beaches but there are only 4 RV parks located on the island. Of the parks, 3 are county parks and only one private park. I have stayed or visited all of them, and there are pros and cons to each. So let this be your guide on which of the South Padre Island RV Parks to consider for your vacation.
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Private South Padre Island RV Parks
South Padre Island KOA Holiday
Website:https://koa.com/campgrounds/south-padre/
PROS: Laguna Madre and waterway view, nicely maintained grounds and many amenities
CONS: No beach access, highest price
The KOA is the only private campground on the island. It is a great place that is very well maintained with white gravel sites and pretty palm trees through out. Offering many amenities such as 50 amp power, cable, wifi, swimming pool, hot tub, playground, propane and use of the boat ramp. And also the METRO shuttle stop is right on front of the campground, making it very easy to get around.
Prices start at $64 per night and offer a 10% KOA rewards discount. It is also big rig friendly with a 98′ max length. The park is located on the lagoon side of the island with some water view sites. And really the only thing not making this the best choice, is that it is not located on the beach. So you will need to go to either Isla Blanca Park and pay a day fee or drive down to another beach access.
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Cameron County South Padre Island RV Parks
Isla Blanca Park
Website:https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/parks-coastal-parks/parks-isla-blanca/
PROS: Direct beach access, some sites have water views and day use of Isla Blanca Beach Park
CONS: Not all sites created equal, no laundry facilities, many stickers burrs in the grass and the RV park could use some landscape and road maintenance
Isla Blanca RV Park is located within the Isla Blanca County Park at the south end of the island near the jetty. The day use area, with two large beach pavilions include concession stand, picnic table, beach chair and umbrella rental and outdoor showers, foot wash, walking and biking trails is also open to the public. Therefore this area does get busy during season and especially on weekends.
Isla Blanca’s day use area was recently renovated but unfortunately the RV portion of the park is in need of some updates too. The RV area is very large park and therefore not all sites are created equal. And you will find that some are better than others. But the reason you stay at this park is because of the location to the beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico. With direct beach access and nice boardwalks surrounding the beach and dunes, it’s the next best thing to staying on the beach.
The price ranges from $20 to $70 depending on the season and site. And site selections range from tent sites to dry camping to 50 amp full hook up with cable RV sites. Basic amenities like showers and restrooms are available and a pickle ball court if you like to play.
TRAVEL TIP: The park office and check in for the RV Park is located a before the park entrance. So make sure to stop and check in before you head to the entrance gate. As the park office is located just after the turn for the KOA on the right and its only a short drive from check in to the park entrance.
Andy Bowie Park
Website:https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/parks-coastal-parks/parks-andy-bowie/
PROS: Beach access, small park
CONS: No beach view, some sites not level and no laundry facilities
Andy Bowie park is a much smaller version of the Isla Blanca RV Park and both are run by the county. Like Isla Blanca, the park offers restrooms and shower amenities to campers. And day use pavilion picnic areas that is open to the public. The RV camping area is a mixture of gravel and asphalt with grass surrounding the paved area. All the sites are about equal in size and distance from your neighbor. The beach is just a short walk beyond the sand dunes, accessible by the boardwalk located at the rear of the RV park.
The price ranges from $20 to $60 depending on the season and site, offering dry camping to full hook up 50 amp without cable.
Edwin King Atwood Park
Website:https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/parks-coastal-parks/parks-edwin-king-atwood/
PROS: On the beach view and low cost
CONS: Lots of sand, sand can be soft and high tides
If you are looking for camping directly on the beach then this is for you. Once you are on the island, just drive north and head towards beach access number 5 where you will find the beach entrance at Edwin King Atwood. As you drive in, stay to the right where RV and large vehicles enter. The fee is only $14 per day for beach camping.
As you enter the beach turn left and then drive until you find a spot that is right for you. Also, 4 wheel drive is recommend as the sand can be soft and tides can come up fast. But other than that, its beach camping at its best!
Other RV Parks near South Padre Island
These other parks are also options when visiting South Padre Island, they are however not located on the island:
1. Tarpon RV Park and Marina
2. Port Isabel Marina and RV Park
3. Port Isabel Park Center
4. Tropical Trails RV Resort
5. Palmdale RV Resort
So What are the Best South Padre Island RV Parks?
The answer is all of them, or at least some parts. Like I said before, they all have pros and cons. It just depends on what is most important for you and your desires. For us, we selected Isla Blanca County Park because of its location on the beach and we were able to get a spot were we could see the ocean from afar. But regardless of which one you choose, I think you will be surprised by South Padre Island Texas and all it has to offer!