

Camping padre island national seashore plus#
The biggest plus of site? It’s located directly on the beach.Ĭanoeing and Kayaking: Kayaking and canoeing offer unique opportunities exploring Padre Island National Seashore in both the salt water of the Laguna Madre and the open ocean. There are no camping facilities, which means you might want to bring along a Privacy Shelter if you need to shower. Look for a notch in the foredune ridge and turn right. To find the campground, drive to the 15-mile marker and backtrack approximately 100 yards. Yarborough Pass: Located in the Laguna Madre, 15.5 miles south of the visitor center, Yarborough Pass is Padre Island’s hidden treasure. This campsite can sometimes be hard to get to because there are no paved roads, but that just means you get to drive along the beach and take in the view on the way to your campsite! South Beach: Opposite of North Beach, South Beach is the shoreline that runs along the Gulf of Mexico from the south end of Closed Beach to the Mansfield Channel, about 60 miles in total length. All camping in this area is open to RV and tent camping. North Beach: As the name implies, North Beach is the shoreline that runs along the northernmost section of the National Seashore, along the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing is also a popular activity on the channel. Port Mansfield Channel: This man-made waterway was built with rock jetties that are the perfect place to view dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife that might not be able to be seen in swimming areas. It is 20-30 miles down South Beach and is usually secluded due to its distance. Here you’ll find various clusters of shells to admire and collect. Little Shell and Big Shell Beach: This is the place to beachcomb on a four-wheeler. 75 miles and easily accessible for all levels of hiking abilities. Grassland Nature Trail: If you are wanting to explore past the beaches and take a look at the natural dunes, this is the perfect trail for you. The Pavilion offers the perfect spot to have a picnic in the shade and even use the showers if you have been staying at the camping facilities without this amenity. Malaquite Visitor Center and Pavilion: The Visitor Center is the perfect place to grab brochures and learn about the area’s distinct seashells, jellyfish and other marine life. Watch the sunset along the water and take in the serenity of nature. Malaquite Swimming Beach: This beach, just in front of the Pavilion, is the only area closed to both public vehicles and pets, making it a great place to let your family run and explore without worry. Don’t worry about lugging around a bunch of gear either-rentals and lessons for both kayaking and windsurfing are offered! It also offers opportunities for kayaking, birding and fishing. Bird Island Basin: Located on the bay side of Bird Island,this destination gives boaters access to Laguna Madre and is one of the most popular spots for windsurfing in the country.
