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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Top-rated campgrounds near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

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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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$32
 / night
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Magnolia Beach RV Park

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Port Lavaca, TX
Welcome to Magnolia Beach RV Park in Port Lavaca, Texas! We are a small RV park that offers electric, water, sewer, trash, and WiFi. All sites are 50, 30, and 20 Amp and have water and sewer hookups. Pets are welcome! We are close to Magnolia Beach, Port Lavaca business district, and Indianola. When you feel the gulf breezes, you know you've made it to Goose Island. Nestled near St. Charles and Aransas Bays, this Texas state park is all about the water. We're talking boating, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching along the coast. The only thing you can't do is swim. (Sorry.) That said, there's plenty of luck to be had on the 1,620-foot fishing pier. A boat launch and kayak/canoe launch are also available. Remember to bring your own boat! No stay is complete without visiting the main attraction—a 1,000-year-old oak lovingly dubbed The Big Tree. (Don't worry, it's still standing strong in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.) We primarily cater to month to month guests working in the area so there's not a ton of activities around, but my wife and I are full-time RV'ers so we are hosts as a way to give back to our awesome community. We are located super close to Magnolia Beach though where there is free beach camping for 14 nights! Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them. We offer discounted rates to HipCampers at $25/night (usually $30) and $150/week (usually $175). We also now have golf carts available for rent!! https://magnoliabeachrvpark.com
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$25
 / night
Booked 1 time

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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$40
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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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$125
 / night

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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