Campground

**Introduction / Overview**

For Texans, the name **Port Aransas**—or simply "Port A"—is synonymous with sun, sand, and superb coastal relaxation. Camping here is not just a leisure activity; it’s an iconic Texas experience. The Port Aransas area, nestled on Mustang Island, offers a dynamic range of camping environments, satisfying everyone from the rustic tent camper to the traveler in a luxury motorhome. Unlike many coastal destinations, Port A is unique because it permits **direct camping on miles of its beautiful, expansive beach**, offering an unparalleled opportunity to wake up to the sound of the Gulf waves right outside your door.

Beyond the unique beach access, the 78373 zip code is home to numerous, well-appointed **RV Resorts** that serve as full-service vacation destinations in themselves. These resorts provide the full hookups, social activities, and resort-style amenities that offer a comfortable, community-focused base for exploring the area. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a campfire under the stars on the sand or the comfort of a temperature-controlled pool and dedicated dog park, Port Aransas provides a camping solution tailored to your preference. The entire camping ecosystem is focused on maximizing access to the Gulf of Mexico, world-class fishing, renowned birding opportunities, and the relaxed, golf-cart-friendly atmosphere that defines this beloved Texas coastal town. It is truly a coastal camping Mecca for Texans.

It is important to note that the experience is highly differentiated. Primitive beach camping requires a modest **Beach Parking Permit**, while the numerous private resorts offer varying levels of luxury and amenity packages. Every option, however, places you minutes away from the best of the Texas Coastal Bend.

**Location and Accessibility**

Port Aransas is located on the northern tip of Mustang Island, separating the Gulf of Mexico from Corpus Christi Bay. This advantageous position provides campers with both oceanfront and bayfront recreational opportunities.

The general area for camping is:

**Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA**

Accessibility for Texas residents is straightforward, typically involving travel via State Highway 361 from Corpus Christi or, for those arriving from the north, via the free, 24-hour **Aransas Pass Ferry System**. The ferry is an attraction in itself and a crucial transport link to the island, delivering guests directly into the heart of the Port A community.

Once on the island, the camping options are distributed. The most famous areas are the **Port Aransas Beach** itself, where vehicles can drive and park on the hard-packed sand (between markers 0 and 62), and **Mustang Island State Park** further south. The private RV resorts are strategically situated throughout the town, offering quick access to the beach boardwalks, the city harbor, and the main dining and shopping avenues, often accessible via rented golf cart, the island’s favored mode of transport. The proximity to San Antonio (about 2.5 hours) and Houston (about 3.5 hours) makes it an easy weekend or week-long escape for millions of Texans.

**Services Offered**

Due to the dual nature of Port Aransas camping (Beach vs. Resort), services range widely.

• **Beach Camping Services (Minimal, Public):**
  • **Restrooms & Outdoor Showers:** Public facilities are available at key access points along the beach (e.g., Avenue G and Access Road 1A).
  • **Trash Receptacles:** Provided along the beach to facilitate cleanliness and a "Leave No Trace" ethos.
  • **Beach Parking Permit:** A mandatory, low-cost annual sticker required for any vehicle (including RVs) parked on the beach.
• **RV Resort Services (Full-Service):**
  • **Full Hookups:** Virtually all private resorts offer 20/30/50-amp electrical, water, and sewer connections at every site.
  • **Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs:** Many resorts feature temperature-controlled pools and spas for year-round use.
  • **Laundry & Bathhouses:** Clean, modern laundry facilities and bathhouses with hot showers are standard.
  • **Cable TV & Wi-Fi:** High-speed Wi-Fi and cable TV are often included in the daily or weekly rate.
  • **Recreation Halls & Kitchens:** Common areas for social gatherings, events, or group cooking.

**Features / Highlights**

The features that make Port Aransas camping shine are centered on its incredible coastal environment and Texas-friendly amenities.

• **Drive-Up Beach Camping:** The ability to park your RV or pitch your tent right on the sandy shore, legally, is the defining feature of Port Aransas. This offers an immediate, spectacular, and unforgettable Gulf Coast experience.
• **World-Class Fishing:** The area is a prime destination for Texas anglers, offering deep-sea charters from the harbor, bay fishing, and surf fishing directly from the beach or the Horace Caldwell Pier.
• **Golf Cart Culture:** The entire town is easily navigable by golf cart, which can be rented locally. This fun mode of transport provides easy access from the resorts to the beach, shops, and restaurants.
• **Mustang Island State Park:** A short drive away, the park offers a more organized natural camping experience with 48 sites boasting water/electric hookups, miles of paddling trails, and dedicated birding.
• **Resort-Style Luxury:** Private RV parks often feature concrete pads, beautifully maintained grounds, and a host of resort amenities, providing a secure and luxurious base for a beach vacation.
• **Birding Mecca:** Port Aransas is a major stop on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, with sites like the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center offering incredible opportunities to view hundreds of species, especially during migrations.

**Contact Information**

For general camping rules, permits, and non-emergency information in Port Aransas, inquiries should be directed to the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department. For specific campsite reservations, contact the individual resort or Mustang Island State Park.

Address (City Hall/Information):

**710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX 78373**

Phone (City Hall):

** (361) 749-4111 **

Phone (Mustang Island State Park):

** (361) 749-5246 ** (For reservations and park-specific inquiries)

**What Is Worth Choosing**

For Texas residents, Port Aransas camping is absolutely worth choosing because it provides the **most diverse and accessible coastal camping experience** in the state. You should choose Port A if you want the freedom of being able to legally camp *on the sand* with the Gulf of Mexico as your immediate backyard—a rare and treasured experience. This unparalleled proximity to the water, combined with the low-cost beach permit requirement, makes it an exceptionally accessible option for all Texans.

Alternatively, if your preference leans toward comfort and community, the area's **luxury RV resorts** offer a world-class, amenity-rich environment that acts as a vacation destination in itself. These resorts are perfect for Winter Texans, families desiring reliable hookups, or those who want a social atmosphere with pools, recreation halls, and organized activities. Port Aransas successfully packages rustic Gulf Coast charm with modern amenities, ensuring that every Texas camper, regardless of their style, finds their ideal seaside escape.