A Complete Guide to Port Aransas Beach Camping in 2024
Looking For Information About Camping on Port Aransas Beach?
We have you covered with all the information you will need for camping on the beach in Port Aransas. We have spent many nights camping on the beautiful beaches of Port Aransas, and it is a place we try to visit whenever we can.
Port Aransas is a charming coastal town in Texas and offers a unique setting for beach camping that is not offered in many other parts of the United States. There are miles of sandy shores, gentle Gulf of Mexico breezes, and stunning sunsets that make camping on Port Aransas Beach a popular activity for both locals and visitors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about beach camping in Port Aransas in 2024, from permits to amenities and essential tips for a memorable experience. We love camping here and having the ocean a few steps from our front door.
Geographical Area Where Beach Camping is Allowed
Beach camping in Port Aransas is permitted along most stretches of the Port Aransas beaches. There are only a few sections where camping is not allowed. These sections are from the South Jetty to mile marker E, but don’t worry because all these sections are well marketed so you don’t get confused.
The most popular spots for beach camping are between mile markers 0 and 62. At every beach access point, there are clear signs that give you information about camping on the beach to make sure you stay safe and are compliant with the camping rules.
Popular Access Points
To access the beach camping areas, you can use several popular entry points:
Access Road 1A: Located near the center of Port Aransas, this road provides easy access to the beach and is a good starting point for finding a camping spot. This is where we usually enter the camping area.
Beach Access Road 2: Situated further south, this access point leads to a quieter section of the beach, ideal for those seeking a more secluded camping experience.
Our Experience Camping on the Beach Port Aransas
If you have not camped on the beach, it is an awesome experience. You get to wake up to the sound of the waves only a short distance from your camper. The first time we went camping on the beach, we were a bit hesitant because we had gotten stuck on the beach before with our car.
However, when camping on the beach at Port Aransas, we looked at some of the other people camping on the beach and decided we could make it. We quickly realized that towing our 5th wheel on the beach seemed way scarier than it was.
We drove onto the beach, staying on the hard-packed sand, and had no troubles. There are typically visible traffic lanes where people drive between the ocean and the dunes. This is where the traffic drives.
You don’t want to drive too close to the sand dunes or the ocean because the sand can be too soft.
One thing we love about camping here is that the beach is huge. There is lots of room to spread out, giving you way more space between campers than your typical RV park or boondocking locations. Looking right out your RV windows to the ocean waves is just dreamy!
Everyone who is camping on the beach is super friendly, so if you do happen to get stuck or need something, go talk with your fellow campers, and they will lend you a hand.
One thing to keep in mind is that you do not want to park too close to the water. At one of our beach stops, it didn’t seem like we were very close to the water, but at high tide, the water did get pretty close to our camper. It would not be a fun experience waking up to the warm Gulf waters around your camper.
Beach Boondocking Amenities
There are a few amenities that come in handy when you are in Port Aransas camping on the beach.
There are trash bins close to the dunes spread out along the beach. They also have porta-potties for people to use. These are super useful and easily accessible especially if you are tent camping or car camping.
Most of the camp spots are primitive sites, so you won’t typically see a picnic table, outdoor showers, or full hookups unless you go to a paid camp spot or RV resort. There are some good paid options on the beach where you can buy firewood if you are looking to make a fire.
The few amenities that are supplied along the beach do come in handy, so take advantage of an easy place to toss your trash and a restroom if needed.
Beach Permits
To camp on Port Aransas Beach, you’ll need a beach parking pass. The Port Aransas Beach camping permits are required for any vehicle parking on the beach. Keep in mind that this is an annual sticker and only needs to be purchased once a year.
You can purchase these permits at most gas stations, and they are not very expensive. Getting our permit only took a few minutes and was really easy.
Where to Get Your Beach Permit
There are a bunch of places in Port Aransas where you can purchase beach parking permits. These permits can be purchased at most convenience stores, the IGA, City Hall, Ace Hardware, the Islander, and a few other locations.
The cost is $12, and the permit must be displayed on your vehicle’s windshield.
Notable Port Aransas Beach Rules
✔ Camping is limited to a maximum of three consecutive nights in a three-week period.
✔ Keep a safe distance from the dunes to protect the natural habitat.
✔ Only vehicles with motors need a current beach parking permit; trailers that are towed behind do not require their own permit.
✔ Recreational vehicles, when parked or camping on the beach, must be positioned at a right angle to the shoreline. In other words, your camper steps cannot face the water. (This is to preserve the space so everyone has plenty of room to camp on the beach.)
✔ You cannot camp within 25 feet of either edge of the obvious driving lane and in any location that would impede traffic or create a hazard for other motorists who drive on the beach.
✔ You cannot camp within 200 feet of any beach access road, and you must be 50 feet off the water’s edge.
All of the beach access roads have signs that will reiterate the Port Aransas beach camping rules and any rule changes. The rules do change as needed.
Make sure you stop for a few minutes and read all of the signs to make sure you understand the rules and regulations. Sometimes it seems like a long list of rules, but most of them are just rules based on common courtesy so everyone can enjoy their time safely.
Campfires on the Beach
Campfires are allowed on the beach, but you cannot have a huge bonfire, and when you are done with the fire, you must make sure it is fully extinguished. Your fire should not be larger than 3 feet x 3 feet in size. A campfire on the beach is a perfect way to enjoy a summer getaway in Texas.
FAQ: Port Aransas Beach Camping
Yes, camping at Port Aransas Beach is allowed on most portions of the beach. Camping must be outside of the immediate city limits, and all of the beach access points give clear Port A camping instructions.
Yes, you can sleep on the beach in Port Aransas. Finding a spot on the beach to camp or sleep is very easy, but not all of the beach allows camping, so make sure you read the signs that are posted on the beach access roads.
You can camp for up to three consecutive nights in a 3-week period on the beach in Port Aransas.
Yes, overnight camping is allowed on many Texas beaches, including Port Aransas. We always have a great time boondocking on the beaches in Texas.
Boondocking, or camping without hookups, is allowed on the beach in the designated camping areas.
Yes, alcohol is permitted on the beach, but glass containers are prohibited.
ATVs and 4-wheelers are not allowed on the beaches within the city limit of Port Aransas. You can drive golf carts, but a golf cart permit is required.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim at Port Aransas Beach, but always heed any posted warning signs and be aware of rip currents. We love bringing our beach chairs and sand toys along for a fun beach trip!
Yes, small fires are allowed on the beaches of Port Aransas but must be contained to a 3-foot by 3-foot area.
Yes, tent camping in Port Aransas is allowed on the beach in the designated dispersed camping areas.
Conclusion: Port Aransas Beach Camping
Port Aransas has miles of beach that create a great camping experience. Not only do we enjoy the free beach camping at Port Aransas, but we enjoy exploring the surrounding areas like Mustang Island State Park, Corpus Christi, Padre Island, Horace Caldwell Pier, I.B. Magee Beach Park, and the Bob Hall Pier (set to reopen in 2026).
If you are looking for a fun adventure that is not going to be very expensive, then RV camping on the beach in Port Aransas is perfect. Camping on the beaches on the Texas coast has been one of our favorite camping experiences we have had. You are going to enjoy it.
Be sure to check out all of the yummy Port Aransas restaurants while you are in town!
