Family-friendly beach camping near Matagorda

Sandy beaches, shorebirds, and sea fishing await at the mouth of the Colorado River.

100% (68 reviews)

United States
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Texas
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Matagorda

100% (68 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Matagorda

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Private Gulf Front RV Site

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Sargent, TX

Private lot on the Gulf of Mexico in Sargent, Texas. Just walk across the cleared foot path to the Gulf of Mexico. Full RV Hookups - water, electrical (50A/30A/20A), and sewage. 70+ feet of concrete pad and driveway inside the fenced yard with plenty of space for all RVs. The property is fully fenced. The entrance gate is 16' wide. The yard is all St. Augustine grass. Very clean and maintained. Pets are welcome. This property is tailored for RVs, 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, and Motorhomes that have black and grey tanks and can hold their waste water (shower, toilet, and washing) for dumping into the on-site water treatment unit. You must have your own shower, sinks, and toilet on your rig with holding tanks for black and grey water and the ability to dump into the dump location on the property. The property is not designed for tent campers. The electrical and sewage hookups are on the left side of the property. Motorhomes (Class A, Pushers, and Class C RVs can pull directly into the space with hookups in the usual location. 5th wheels, travel trailers, and campers that are pulled by a vehicle will need to back into the space as there is no room in the front of the property to drive in, unhook your vehicle, and drive the vehicle off the slab. When you back in, the hookups will be on the the opposite side of your connections. Depending upon your travel trailer and where you place your travel trailer on the slab, you may need electrical or sewage extensions to reach the connections. The vast majority of the renters who use the property used a 5th wheel, travel trailer or camper that is pulled by a vehicle. The pictures of the property show a line of granite blocks between the property and the beach. The granite forms a seawall (called the revetment wall) that was installed by the Corp of Engineers and prevents beach erosion. Depending on the tides, sometimes the Gulf waters hit the wall and there is very little beach area in front of the property. Sometimes, there is a large beach area. If the water is against the seawall and you’re looking for beach area, there are several beach entrances along Canal Drive within driving and walking distance.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family-friendly beach camping near Matagorda guide

Overview

The Colorado River meets the Gulf Coast at Matagorda, and these vast wetlands are made for exploring. Rivers and creeks flow down to the seashore, where beaches, coastal lagoons, and sand dunes stretch along the coast. Whether paddling the waterways by kayak, hitting the surf, or cruising the coast, getting on the water is a must. Sink your wheels into the sand for a drive along Matagorda Beach, where you can camp right on the beach, or check in to one of the many RV parks. Bring your binoculars and your fishing tackle—Matagorda is a paradise for fishing and bird-watching.

Where to go

Matagorda Bay

Fifty-eight miles of beaches stretch along the Matagorda peninsula, and campers can enjoy primitive camping along much of the seashore. Around 22 miles are accessible by vehicle, but you’ll need a boat to explore further afield. Fishing, kayaking, and surfing are the main activities along the beaches and tidal marshes, while bird-watchers will want to add the Mad Island Marsh Preserve and Matagorda Bay Nature Park to their itinerary.

Galveston Bay

East of Matagorda, coastal wetlands stretch along the coast to Galveston Bay. Nature walks and bird-watching opportunities abound in the San Bernard and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges, while primitive camping is possible within the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area. Campers will find numerous options along Galveston Island, but for the best views, park your RV or pitch a tent by the beachside in the Galveston Island State Park.

South Houston

Urban campers have options around Houston, and camping to the south and West of the city is the best way to avoid the crowds. Riverside campgrounds dot the banks of the Brazos River, where you can camp on a working cattle ranch or choose from RV sites, group camps, and cabins in Stephen F. Austin State Park. There’s also RV camping with electric hookups as well as primitive camping in Brazos Bend State Park.

When to go

When the summer heat kicks in, the Gulf Coast is the best place to cool off from the Texan sun. Summers stretch from May through September, and this is peak season, so reserve campgrounds well in advance. The Gulf waters are often warm enough for swimming and water sports in spring and fall, while winter temperatures are still mild enough for camping along the coast. Birding opportunities are best during the spring and fall migrations.

Know before you go

You’ll need your own transportation to get to and around Matagorda—better yet, bring your boat. A 4x4 is recommended for beach driving, and a 15mph speed limit is in place along Matagorda beach.
There are shops in town where you can pick up groceries, camping supplies, and fishing bait and tackle. Bring everything you need with you if camping along the beach.
Tent and RV camping is permitted on the beaches in Matagorda. An annual beach vehicle permit is required for driving on Matagorda Beach, but there are no additional camping fees.