The best camping near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Aransas National Wildlife Refuge adventure.

Discover the wild charm of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

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Community favorites near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

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Dead End Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Goliad, TX

South Texas off-grid camping at its most rugged. No running water, no paved roads, no electricity.... but you get total privacy! Get away from it all and pitch your tent, hang a hammock or boondock your camper van in total seclusion. Approximately 20 acres on a creek to explore with lots of curious wildlife including turkey, deer, and armadillos. Walking trails abound with 2 reservable campsites with firepits, and an unbeatable sunset view overlooking a quiet creek. Contactless check in, unique gate code provided prior to arrival. Centrally located shared outhouse, just a 1-2 minute walk from any campsite.

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River Creek Campgrounds

1 site · Tent50 acres · Quail Creek, TX

Welcome to River Creek. An Oasis in Mission Valley Texas that is the ideal weekend get away for the Primal Camper. Fishing, Kayak easement, swimming, access to monitored short gun range, exploring the old homestead site, or even hunting arrowheads along the river, a stocked catch and release pond, and meals can be purchased at the time of Reservations..Just bring your Tent/s, and your personal beverages of choice. Burn pits are at each campsite, and there are several community pits. There is an archery range and an In Case You Forgot Store that carries most camping and cooking items,plus soaps, first aid kits and even some otc medications..ALL ON a secluded Ranch. There are other events available at an extra cost. Standard Camping starts at 35 USD per tent. Other amenities available at Time of Reservations. Horseback riding Basic Camping skills, Campfire cooking, shelter, Fishing, Gun Safety, Bushman Survival, and even a Campsite Contest for those competitive campers who love to compete, all also available on set dates. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the Great Outdoors whether New to Camping, Novice, or experienced We at River Creek have a great experience ready for you to enjoy. River Creek Campgrounds give us a Try. Grand Opening after Valentines. We also have Single Camping available for 1 to 3 days. Reservations still apply. Come See us at RIVER CREEK CAMPGROUNDS rivercreekcampground.rcc@gmail.com

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Freedom Harvest Farms

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Taft, TX

A 10 Acre Family Homestead. We grow food to feed our family here. While doing that we have developed a lovely farm to host on. Freedom Harvest Farms is a sanctuary for wellness and healing. Life, diversity and resources are respected here. This is a place of learning and teaching a constant interaction with vitality. On property there are humans, dogs, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits and a diverse parade of wildlife, plants and insects! Several large gardens, a pond, picnic tables, outdoor bathroom, kitchen, tv, fireplace, fire pits

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Beloved Garden

4 sites · RVs5 acres · Aransas Pass, TX

Beloved Garden is a developing Tiny Home & RV community living as self sustaining as possible. The five acre property features a half acre pond, small nature preserve, mature Oak trees, and over 40 fruit trees, 30 tropical botanicals, and pollination field. We offer large lots 25x60 up to 40x70ft, two parking spots, with lots of space for setting up your site, fishing, kayaking and enjoying the cool sea breeze just a mile from the water. Includes water, sewer, trash, and WiFi. All sites are 50, and 30 Amp and have water and sewer hookups. Pets are welcome! Please make sure you pick up after them. Dog park coming soon! Come take a walk on one of the nature trails and venture into the hammock grove. Watch the sunset from the quiet of the pond. Get away from the crowded RV parks and come enjoy a relaxing, fun and private getaway near the bay. There's also nearby opportunities for golfing and horseback riding. Campers can look forward to a number of great attractions just beyond the campground and plenty of opportunities for fishing, scenic viewing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and sightseeing tours. Whether its for a night or two, we hope to see you soon! Looking for more fun? Make sure to check out the following! * Rockport Beach * Texas Maritime Museum * Rockport Center for the Arts * Copano Bay State Fishing Pier * Goose Island Park * Aransas Pass * Port Aransas Ferry * Aquariam at Rockport Harbor * Fulton Mansion State Historic Site * Winery on the Bay * Port Aransas attractions include great parks, beautiful beaches, fantastic fishing, watersports galore, live entertainment, and more to elevate your next vacation. * Embark on a dolphin-watching excursion or don your favorite eye patch for a pirate cruise. Prefer to stay inside? Marvel at live theatre performances or have a “make your own art” experience. Cap off the day with s’mores warmed over a bonfire, cheering belt sander racers to victory, or being amazed by a fire-dancing performance. *RV is not included.

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Carly's Bait And Boondocking

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Port Lavaca, TX

Beautiful off grid dispersed camping on Lava Bay, steps away from the beach and marsh. Sunrises and sunsets are unobstructed from this location. Quiet and peaceful, yet just close enough to the local marina, shopping, and restaurants. Easy access to camp from Ocean Drive. Zero overhead hazards on property, ex. no overhead power lines or tree limbs. Excellent fishing on both the Lavaca Bay/ beach side, and the marsh side of the property. Bring your own kayak or small boat. Launch from the property or anywhere else near by. Shore fishing can be excellent at times. Bird enthusiasts will love the Magic Bird Sanctuary located directly behind the property. Bring your binoculars to get closer to the action. If you are looking for space, relaxation, beautiful scenery and the chance to wet a line, this may be the place for you. Carly's Bait and Boondocking will soon have a small bait shop. Until then, your host will provide you with bait, fish, and crab traps that will be located in the marsh. Feel free to take as much bait from the traps until the actual bait shop is up and running. We are just starting here, and more amenities will be available soon. Until then, please enjoy your stay, and "tight lines" to everyone.

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On The Beach RV Park

86 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Port Aransas, TX

On The Beach RV Park is located on the beautiful shores of Port Aransas just outside of Corpus Christi, TX. All of our sites are full hookups with high-speed wireless internet. You can’t get any closer to the sandy shore than On the Beach RV Park. All the amenities you look for are present at our family-friendly park with direct trails to the beach, public bathhouses, a fish-cleaning house, and award-winning landscaping. If you stay with us, you won’t want to go anywhere else!

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BayRock Retreat at Copano Bay

1 site · RV1 acre · Rockport, TX

Beautiful Copano Bay waterfront single site with privacy fence and full RV hookups. Definitely more of a glamping experience with level pull through concrete pad with lots of space for setting up your site, fishing, kayaking and enjoying the cool sea breeze right on the water. Picnic table on site and 2 kayaks available for guest to use with easy access in and out of bay. Outdoor shower and fish cleaning station on property. Lots of gorgeous sunsets and fishing off the pier. High speed internet is included. Minutes drive into Rockport. Get away from the crowded RV parks and come enjoy a relaxing, fun and private getaway on the bay. *RV is not included. **Max RV or Fifthwheel lenght is 40ft and Max travel trailer lenght for easy and safe access to property is 35ft. Follow us on Facebook at "BayRock Retreat on Copano Bay" and on Instagram at @bayrock_retreat.

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Adventure Bay Private RV Campsite

1 site · RV2 acres · Rockport, TX

Adventure Bay, an exclusive and spacious RV site that is truly one of a kind. (RV not included, no tent camping, no bathroom facilities) Are you tired of overcrowded RV parks and tight spaces. Enjoy the peace an quiet of Copano Bay. A private, waterfront RV spot with water, 12v, 30amp or 50amp hook-ups, can accommodate up to a 40ft rig. Perfect for fishing, crabbing, or just relaxing. The site has a concrete slab, picnic table, yard and even a little beach. Fenced on 3 sides except the waterfront. Plenty of space to park your RV, boat, and the vehicle you tow it all with. Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of Copano Bay with extraordinary sunsets. You won’t want to miss this! Pets may never be left unattended outside or create a noise disturbance. No Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows and or wolf hybrids are allowed.

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Fish & Chill-Waterfront RV site

1 site · RV1 acre · Rockport, TX

Private, one RV only, campsite with full hookups (RV not included and no tents allowed). The property is on a canal and fully fenced. Pets are welcome and can be off leash under supervision. Fishing from private dock with fish cleaning table or use the 2 kayaks on site to paddle a short distance to Salt Lake and Copano Bay. 60 feet of level parking for your RV. Picnic table with shade umbrella. Charcoal grill. Come fish and chill with your friends and family in peace without strangers right on top of you. You have the whole place to yourself! Quiet rural area, yet close to shops and restaurants. F&C-where having your own space is the best amenity.

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A Pirates' Paradise

1 site · RV1 acre · Fulton, TX

A Pirates' Paradise is a RV lot in the small, cozy downtown of Fulton, which is along the Texas Tropical Trail and a significant stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. You are only three blocks to the bay, harbor, fishing pier, bars and restaurants. You have exclusive use of a 50- by 125-ft lot with water, sewer and electric included in the rate. The driveway and RV pad are grass over a hard-packed, crushed limestone base. Nearby attractions include the Fulton Fishing Pier (0.5-mile), Fulton Mansion (0.5-mile), Rockport Beach and Harbor (3-miles), Rockport Center for the Arts (3.5-miles), Port Aransas (23-miles), Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (45-miles) and quite a few bars and restaurants within walking distance.

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Your Coastal Oasis Awaits

1 site · RV, Tent11 acres · Aransas Pass, TX

Effortless Access, Endless Adventures - Perfectly positioned minutes from Rockport Beach, Port Aransas Beach, and the scenic Mustang Island, Seagrass offers residents and visitors effortless access to sun-drenched shores, prime fishing spots and tranquil ocean breezes. Not just a gateway to the beach, Seagrass is a stone’s throw from the vibrant heart of Rockport’s city center, where a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife await.

Sunset Ridge RV Park

71 sites · RVsCorpus Christi, TX

The best camping near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge guide

Overview

About

This expansive sanctuary, renowned as the wintering haven for the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes, beckons with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the refuge offers a mosaic of habitats spread across an impressive 115,000 acres. A highlight for many visitors camping nearby is the 16-mile auto tour. As you journey through, the refuge unfolds its treasures, from diverse plant life to the myriad of creatures that thrive here. For those who prefer a closer look, several miles of walking trails await exploration. These paths lead to observation platforms equipped with spotting scopes, ensuring you capture every detail of the bay and its inhabitants. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line from the pier, while those looking to relax can find a spot for a picnic, overlooking the serene San Antonio Bay. And as you traverse the refuge, keep an eye out for the iconic whooping crane, a symbol of the refuge's commitment to conservation. Established in 1937, Aransas has since become a sanctuary for over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

When to go

The best time to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is during the cooler months from November to April. This period offers comfortable weather for outdoor activities and is the prime season for whooping crane viewing. Summer can be hot and humid, with mosquitoes, so plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Check the refuge's operating hours, typically from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Remember, the refuge is a cash-only location for entrance fees.
Prepare for the presence of mosquitoes and chiggers; bring repellent.
Be aware of the potential for venomous snakes; watch your step.
While pets are allowed, they must be kept on a short leash and under control at all times.

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