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Malaquite Campground

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Just a half-mile north of the visitor’s center, Malaquite Campground features 48 semi-primitive sites.

Camp at your site, or pick out a sweet spot on the beach! The campground provides flush toilets, cold-water showers (who needs coffee in the morning when you have a cold shower?), and picnic tables for each site. Take note: the twenty cash transfer apps on your phone won’t work here. There is an $8/night fee in addition to the park entrance fee, which can only be paid in the correct amount of cash or with a check! If you just thought, “what’s a check” then you may be too hip to camp. JK, just bring cash.

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Padre Island National Seashore

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5 ratings · 4 reviews

Holly R.

August 15, 2022

had an amazing time at the campground it was really hot but with a breeze, windy nights but nothing too bad. Make sure to put your tent far enough back because mine was a little to close to the gravel parking space and I couldn't get the stakes into the gravel ground. They take cards now!! Its $10 to get into the park with a daily pass or $25 for a weekly pass.

Jon S.recommends

December 5, 2018

Be prepared for windy conditions.

Joanna M.

May 15, 2018

We camped here March and June of 2017. We enjoyed our stay both times. The facilities are clean, the shower and restroom were very convenient. The best thing about this site is the sunrise and moonrise views. Watching a fullmoon rise here is spectacular. We came here primarily for the sea turtle release, although there weren’t many people at the campsite/beach since it’s not a huge campsite. A lot of people come for the baby sea turtle release when it happens at 6:45 AM. The release is worth it for sure. We’d definitely come back.

Kate M.

September 19, 2017

We visited here on 4/27/17 (before the hurricane) There is free beach camping south of the established campground (After you pay the park fee, that is). Much less crowded and you have access to the whole beach. Stop in the visitor center to get the park pass and instructions on how to get there. The established campgrounds were quite packed when we visited. We very much enjoyed the beach here an the sunrise from this side of the island can't be missed. Salt and sand everywhere.

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Yarborough Pass Campground

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Bird Island Basin Campground

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Your guide to camping in Malaquite Campground

Overview

Fishing

Fishing at Padre Island is no relaxing afternoon at the water. As any local angler knows, fishing is the biggest game in town at Padre Island, and if you didn’t come here to catch a big one, you might just pick up a new hobby by the end of your trip. Padre Island is a designated national seashore, and you can fish along the entirety of the Gulf of Mexico beach, as well as in the Laguna Madre, Yarborough Pass and Bird Island Basin. All locations require that you have a valid Texas fishing license, as well as a saltwater stamp. Both of these must be purchased at a gas station or tackle shop outside of Padre Island. What sort of fish will you catch, you ask? Speckled Trout, Southern Flounder, Black Drum and Red Drum, Blue Marlin and Sailfish. These fish are attracted by the high levels of nutrients found in the Padre Island waters, so consider Padre Island your new holy grail for fishing. But fishing is not without its rules and regulations, so read up before you cast that line.

Paddling

If you can’t decide between saltwater or freshwater paddling, head to Padre Island Seashore, where there are scenic views, calm waters and shores to explore no matter where you launch your boat. The shallow waters and protected habitats of the Laguna Madre make it a great spot for beginners, or for those just looking for a more peaceful paddle. Sea kayaking opportunities are also available in the wide open Gulf of Mexico, and many enjoy fishing right from their kayaks. If you plan on going out to sea, make sure you’re up for the challenge and are kept abreast of any changing forecasts and conditions. Boats may also be launched from anywhere along the seashore except directly in front of the Malaquite Visitor Center, a popular beach spot, and there are no boat launching fees anywhere on the island.

Swimming

The warm waters and expansive, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico make it perfect for a dip in the ocean. There are no lifeguards on duty, so explore the miles of seashore at your own risk. Beautiful shells, scenic dunes and the occasional family of turtles make the beach a great swim spot. But swimming can also be enjoyed in Bird Island’s recreational area. Either way, don’t swim alone, and always pay attention to the currents, which can be mighty strong at times.

Wildlife watching

People aren’t the only species that come to Padre Island for its fantastic fishing opportunities. A diverse array of birds live on Padre Island; in fact, the city of Corpus Christi has won the “Birdiest City in America” award for the past ten years. It’s an understatement to say that the birdwatching is good here. Fall, winter and early spring are the best times for birdwatching, as many species migrate south for the warm climate. If you’re not content to head out alone with the binoculars, there are also plenty of birding tours to choose from.