Campground in Galveston, TX

[Brian G.]

We would like to go to Galveston in March in our little old camper. Does anyone have a recommendation where to camp?

[Mary F]

Of course there’s the Galveston Island State Park. We haven’t tried it yet, but it looks interesting.

If you take the ferry across to the Bolivar Peninsula there are a few more options. The only one we’ve got first hand experience with is a small place that’s for sale (so they’re not taking reservations very far out and it doesn’t come up when I tried to search it). Not very helpful, sorry. Search for rv parks Crystal Beach - and let us know if you find a good one. (I’m assuming the new Margaritaville RV park is too fancy - it is for me!)

[Brian G.]

Mary, thanks for the input. We booked a spot at the state park you mentioned. We're not the fancy camping type and usually don't stay at places with "resort" in the name. My wife prefers mountains and I prefer beaches. I'm looking forward to this trip.

[Perryb67]

On January 29th we’re at Galveston Island SP for 5 nights, in treeless site 87 but on the beach, with water only. We’re setup for boondocking, and hoping the weather improves by the time we arrive.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Mary F]

I'm interested in trip reports with your impressions of GISP. Thanks!

[ae6black]

I camped there when I picked up my Casita at the factory back in 2019. Nice park. Be sure to see the alligators which are across the highway in the nature trails. Several ponds. Alligator was eyeballing me and I was taking pictures of the three of them.

art

[sokhapkin]

Just FYI - there is a very nice boondocking area at the southern tip of the Galveston island, San Luis beach.

[Moyza Frank]

We found a nice area down the coast on Aransas Bay. Goose Island State Park has sites on the water and also in the trees. Great for watching wading and shore birds, and a long pier for fishing. Next to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, wintering home of the Whooping Crane.

[glens2422]

Galveston state park has 2 camping areas, one on the bay side and the other on the beach side. Beach side is brand new and pretty nice although spots are close to one another. A little more spread out on bay side and you would have to drive to get to the beach. Bay side may also be more mosquito prone. Hope this helps, also about a 20 minute drive from the Strand (downtown).

[Mary F]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

On January 29th we’re at Galveston Island SP for 5 nights, in treeless site 87 but on the beach, with water only. We’re setup for boondocking, and hoping the weather improves by the time we arrive.

Enjoy,

Perry

And, so? How was it?

[Perryb67]

Sorry so late Janet!

There are three campgrounds at Galveston State Park. For five nights we stayed in the campground by the Gulf with no services, not even an outhouse. It’s small ( perhaps 12 sites) and had a great pad but it was installed in the wrong orientation. Our door side faced the road, not the Gulf, and despite listing water at the site, none exists. We’re set up for boondocking, so no need for services. There are no trees/bushes either. It was OK at best. If you have a front window you’ll get a view of the gulf.

There is a hookup (water/electricity) campground. It’s very typical in site size, not cramped together, but not spacial like most COE campgrounds. This campground has great bathroom/showers.

Both gulf side campgrounds are about 100 meters from the gulf waters and 100 meters from the main road. We rode our bikes on the beach for 7 miles toward Galveston. We also saw an alligator on one of the parks hikes.

There is a third campground to the north that is on some backwaters. It’s also small and don’t remember what services were available. However, if we go again that’s the one we’ll choose. We prefer boondocking campgrounds away from the road.

Galveston was a fun place to go. We took a boat tour of the main bay, a tour of a WWII submarine (has always been on my bucket list), and had great food in town. Unfortunately Mardi Gras was going that weekend and we’re not event people. I would have liked another day in Galveston.

Enjoy,

Perry

[canyon Rafter]

When I was much younger we camped on South Padre Island in sleeping bags on the sand! Hahaha. Looking forward to a much better experience in the Fiberstream!