Padre Island National Seashore
2 campgrounds in the park · 25 nearby · 2 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo
3 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- CautionCanine distemper is believed to be present in the park.Contact with saliva from wild animals can transmit distemper to pets, including from but not limited to water bowls, food bowls, trash etc. Distemper is not a threat to humans but can be deadly to pets. Ensure your pets are vaccinated or keep them home.
- InformationBe aware of changing beach conditionsBeach conditions are changing frequently. Check current tide charts and weather forecasts before traveling on the beach.
- Information4-wheel drive recommended for beach driving4-wheel drive is recommended if driving on North and South Beach.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 2 campgrounds
- Near the park
- 25 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 2 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $45Padre Island only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 2
Camping near the park 25
- Aerial viewRV Park
Loyola Beach RV Park & Campground
28 mi · Riviera, TX
- Aerial viewRV Park
RV park
35 mi · Port Mansfield, TX
Free and dispersed nearby 2
See them on the mapServices nearby: 1 dump station · 2 rest areas
About Padre Island
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, tidal mud flats teem with life. Native…
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, tidal mud flats teem with life. Native Americans, Spanish explorers and cattle ranchers have walked along its shores. Padre Island National Seashore is waiting to be rediscovered.
Photos: NPS Photo/ Sue Wolfe · NPS Photo/ Kara Rogers · NPS Photo
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Auto Off-Roading
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
The National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, southeast of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Visitors to the area should head east through Corpus Christi on Highway 358. After crossing the JFK Causeway onto…
Weather
Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Summers are very humid. Winter can bring strong cold fronts and gale force winds. Most rain falls near the beginning and end of hurricane season (Jun 1 - Nov…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Per person$15
- Padre Island annual pass$45
Hours
The park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, park facilities are not open 24 hours per day. Hours for the entrance station, where the required entrance pass is sold, vary from day to day. If the entrance station is not open when you arrive, you can proceed into the park. If you are camping, go back to the entrance station the next morning and obtain an entrance pass. If not camping, pay the entrance fee as you leave if the entrance station is open.
Getting there
The National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, southeast of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Visitors to the area should head east through Corpus Christi on Highway 358. After crossing the JFK Causeway onto Padre Island, Highway 358 changes to Park Road 22. Continue about 10 miles south on Park Road 22 to reach the park entrance.
Weather
Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Summers are very humid. Winter can bring strong cold fronts and gale force winds. Most rain falls near the beginning and end of hurricane season (Jun 1 - Nov 30). Average seasonal temperatures (Fahrenheit): Spring - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Summer - high mid-90s, low 70s; Fall - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Winter - high 50s-70s, low 30s-40s. Year-round, average wind speed ranges from 5-25 miles per hour. Relative humidity seldom drops below 70%.
Camped at Padre Island? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Bird Island Basin Campground and Malaquite Campground.