The beach will eventually end and water comes through before it turns into South Padre, so don’t think you can travel the entire length. Primitive Points of InterestĪs you’re driving down the beach check out the Little Shell beach area, South Beach, and eventually Big Shell Beach. Cell service here isn’t always super reliable either, so don’t count on calling someone to get out. Take proper precautions for driving on soft sand, and make sure you have a way to get unstuck. Cell service down here is extremely spotty, and the only toilet is at the very beginning of this stretch. 60 miles on the beach is a long way to travel, and know that there are mile markers posted every five miles.ĭon’t risk being stranded on this beach without a plan in place. There are a few points of interest on the map that you can seek out, but travel along the coastline with limited visibility of other guests. Both are available from the entrance or the self-registration kiosk. All you’ll need is the entrance fee and a camping permit. Primitive Beach Areaįor approximately 60 miles beyond the paved area, you can take your vehicle on soft sand and explore what makes this national seashore truly remarkable. One side of the road features campsites on the beach and the other side, well, in a parking space with a picnic table. There are 48 campsites that are slightly primitive. It was the busiest of the campsites on this particular day, and you feel secluded because it’s tucked away behind the sand dunes. The Malaquite Campground felt like a small beach community. The camp host site did have a shaded picnic area though, so that was nice.Ĭampground Fee: $8.00/day or $4.00/day with the Senior or Access passes Malaquite Campground All campsites are first come, first serve. And there are no reservations to camp here. It’s important to note here that there are no options for RV camping at this park. The only part of this park that looked a little neglected actually. On paper, the Bird Island Basin campground is here, but the camp host was gone, and it didn’t look like it was maintained. You’ll also find the windsurfing rentals here from Bird Island Basin windsurfing where you can take a class and get out on the water and fly across the water. This is also the location of the boat ramp. The water here is about knee-deep nearest the shore, and there is plenty of room to catch some great fish. If you’re here for fishing, the bay side is a great option for anglers. The bay side of the island is where you’ll find the windsurfing rentals, boat ramp, ‘camping’ facilities, and some additional primitive options. Who knows how long this petrified wood has been sitting here. The entire area is expansive, and it can feel a little overwhelming, so just pick your spot and enjoy the views. There are no amenities here like covered beach chairs, or covered shelters, so bring what you’ll need to stay safe from the sun. This is the gulf side of the island, and the water offers great waves for body boarding and light surfing. There are sporadic picnic tables along the beach, but as opposed to Port Aransas, you cannot drive on the beach here. Day Use Picnicking- Coastal Sideįrom the visitors center, you can access multiple entry points to the lovely, sandy beaches.

In fact, be on the lookout for the ceremonial turtle hatch trot. There’s a little bit of history about the park here, and some information about the nesting turtles that you’ll find at the park. The visitor’s center has showers (that were under construction at the time of this posting), shaded picnic areas, a gift shop, a scenic overlook, and a separate open shower area to rinse off sand before jumping back into your vehicle. Otherwise, head over to the visitor’s center, and from here you can park, grab some souvenirs and then make your way to the beach day use area. Once you’re paid up you can either head straight to the visitor’s center, or actually backtrack a bit and visit some additional beach access with a pier. Eventually, the road will take you to the familiar national park checkpoint. Head south and instead of turning to visit Mustang Island SP, just keep going straight. Miles and miles of pristine coastline at PINS Visiting Padre Island National Seashore

South padre national seashore map