Padre Island National Seashore — Beach Primitive

beach

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Road / tire note: Aired-down tires required past Mile 5 (sand softens to impassable for stock-pressure tires). Target 18–22 PSI on the sand. Stock tires fine if staying in the hardpacked zone near the access ramp.

Fee

$10/nt + $25 entry/wk

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

Fair

Water

Bring your own

Toilets

Yes

Best Season

Oct–Apr

Reservations

First-come

Highlights

▶ Drive-on Gulf of Mexico beach camping
▶ World-class surf fishing for red drum
▶ Sea turtle nesting habitat

Planning Notes

Drive onto Malaquite Beach at Access Road 1A. First 5 miles hard-packed sand — trailer fine. Beyond mile 5: 4WD and aired-down tires required. America the Beautiful Pass covers entry.

Contact: (361) 949-8068

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.