Twin Buttes Equalization Channel
The Equalization Channel refers to a channel of water that connects the two reservoirs at Twin Buttes Recreation Area. There is a service road on the channel's west side, and there are two places were camping is allowed, one at each end of the service road. A permit is required to camp here.
Twin Buttes Marina Park
Twin Buttes Marina Park is the primary boat launch and campground for the reservoir. There are at about a couple dozen picnic tables with trash cans and cooking grills, but dispersed camping is allowed everywhere here. A permit is required to camp here,
Twin Buttes Marina Circle
Twin Buttes Circle refers to the circular road with boat ramp, parking lot, and camping area located off of Twin Buttes Marina Park Road. Camping is allowed here, but with permit only. There are few picnic tables you can camp next to, but you can also camp in your RV in the parking lot.
Falcon County Park
This county park has the dubious reputation of having no time limits on camping, thus you'll find several campers who are staying here indefinitely. Some camps look like homeless encampments with tents and junk laying around, but other "lifers" appear to keep their camp neat and clean.
Boca Chica Beach, Texas
Boca Chica Beach lies near the southern tip of Texas along the shore, at the end of State Highway 4. Ownership of the area is a convoluted mess between Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife, US Fish & Wildlife Service, SpaceX, and a few other land owners representing oil companies.
Yarborough Pass, Padre Island, TX
Yarborough Pass is a primitive camping area located along the Laguna Madre. It is accessed by driving down South Beach for approximately 15 miles then traversing on a high clearance four-wheel drive sand and caliche road for 1.6 miles. There are four campsites with shade structures, but dispersed beach camping is also allowed.
South Beach, Mile 5-60, Padre Island, TX
South Beach, Mile 5-60, differs from Mile 0-5 in that 4WD is required, whereas at Mile 0-5, 2WD is allowed. The entire 60 mile stretch of Padre Island National Seashore is accessible from only one entrance, and that entrance starts at the north with Mile 0, thus if you went the full 60 miles, you have to retrace your route back north to get out.
South Beach, Mile 0-5, Padre Island, TX
Miles 0-5 along South Beach, Padre Island is open for free, dispersed camping. This section of South Beach is open to 2WD vehicles, whereas South Beach Miles 5-60 requires 4WD. The only amenities at Miles 0-5 are vault toilets and trash dumpsters. A permit is required to camp here, which can be obtained for free on site at the information kiosk.
North Beach, Padre Island, TX
North Beach is one of four dispersed camping areas in Padre Island National Seashore. A permit is required to camp here, but the permit is free and can be obtained at the information kiosk on site. In addition, there is a park entrance fee that must be paid at the gate. You can buy a 1-day, 7-day, or year pass. An Interagency Pass works here too.
Labonte Park, Corpus Christi, TX
Named for famed race car driver Bobby and Terry Labonte, natives of Corpus Christie, this park is set up specifically for camping and fishing along the Nueces River. The campground has 20 sites marked by picnic tables and parking spaces. However, you are required to get a camping permit first.
