Galveston Island State Park

4.55

40 reviews

14901 FM 3005, GALVESTON, Texas, 77554, United States

Featured in:Beach Camping Texas#1 Fishing Camping Texas Hidden Gem Campgrounds Texas +3 more

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Galveston Island State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Galveston Island State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Galveston Island State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee of $5 per person aged 13 and older. Self-pay boxes available for registration after office hours.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

4097371222

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 40 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingbeach

"User experiences are mixed but generally positive. Campers appreciate the spacious and well-laid-out sites, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. However, some issues, such as restroom maintenance and lack of shade at campsites, were raised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

14901 FM 3005, GALVESTON, Texas, 77554, United States

Galveston Island State Park

14901 FM 3005, GALVESTON, Texas, 77554, United States

Driving directionsFrom Houston: Take I-45 South to Galveston. Exit on 61st Street to Seawall Blvd. Turn right on Seawall, go 10 miles to the park.

The park is accessible via paved roads, but it experiences periodic coastal flooding and closures due to tropical storms and hurricanes.

Nearby places

Galveston: approximately 10 miles (driving time not stated). Jamaica Beach: neighboring population center (distance not provided).

Nearby supplies

Neighboring Jamaica Beach has a variety of shops, and Galveston provides additional options for supplies. Specific distances are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Galveston Island State Park

Experience the ever-changing moods of the Texas Gulf Coast, where winter brings refreshing relief with comfortable 61°F afternoons and crisp 50°F evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs to a balmy 88°F, inviting endless beach days and warm Gulf waters. The coastal atmosphere wraps visitors in its signature humidity while dramatic storm systems occasionally paint the sky with nature's most spectacular shows, reminding campers of the raw power and beauty of this oceanic frontier.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Beach activities available but heat, mosquitoes and lack of shade can be drawbacks.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder weather likely favorable; limited explicit fall data provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Bird watching and moderate temps make spring appealing; review detail limited.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Winter praised for quieter ambiance and comfortable daytime temps (~61°F); some facility coldness.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but may close temporarily due to tropical storms and hurricanes.
Current Alerts: The park closes during tropical storms and hurricanes. Current conditions should be confirmed by calling 409-737-1222.

About Galveston Island State Park

Where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Texas coast, Galveston Island State Park beckons with its unique dual-personality camping experience. Choose your adventure between the rhythmic waves of the beachside or the tranquil waters of the bayside, all while enjoying newly renovated facilities that cater to every camping style. Whether you're pulling up in an RV, pitching a traditional tent, or indulging in a glamping getaway, this coastal gem offers the perfect basecamp for your island escape.

The park offers camping options that cater to RVs, tents, and even glamping.

Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure serves as a gateway to Galveston's storied past, where Victorian architecture stands as a testament to the island's golden age and museums chronicle tales of pirates, immigrants, and hurricane survivors. Just a short drive from your campsite, the historic district invites exploration through time-worn streets that have witnessed everything from devastating storms to economic booms, offering campers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and cultural immersion.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the ever-changing moods of the Texas Gulf Coast, where winter brings refreshing relief with comfortable 61°F afternoons and crisp 50°F evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs to a balmy 88°F, inviting endless beach days and warm Gulf waters. The coastal atmosphere wraps visitors in its signature humidity while dramatic storm systems occasionally paint the sky with nature's most spectacular shows, reminding campers of the raw power and beauty of this oceanic frontier.

ElevationSea-level camping at its finest, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the landscape meets the sky in an unbroken line.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the symphony of crashing waves and the soft whisper of sea oats swaying in the coastal breeze. This dynamic landscape shifts between pristine sandy beaches that stretch for miles and protected bay waters that mirror the sky. Wildlife enthusiasts might catch glimpses of elusive coyotes prowling the dunes at dawn, while shorebirds dance along the water's edge and dolphins occasionally break the surface offshore, creating moments of pure natural magic.

Geological RegionNestled along the Texas Coastal Plain, this campground sits on a barrier island shaped by millennia of wind, waves, and tides. The sandy shores and dune systems tell the ongoing story of land meeting sea, where the Gulf of Mexico continuously sculpts and reshapes this dynamic coastal environment, creating a playground of beaches, marshes, and coastal prairies that showcase the ever-evolving relationship between land and water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

7:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No information is provided about group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutModern campground layout with spacious sites. Specific loops or sections not detailed.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made by contacting the park directly at 409-737-1222. Additional platforms not mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served registration available at self-pay stations when the office is closed. No specific site count provided.

Cancellation PolicyModify or cancel reservation as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.

AccessibilityThe campground is listed as ADA accessible, but no further details about specific accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeReviews indicate sites are spacious and well laid out. John Crankshaw states the 'camp modern campground along the shore is well laid out with spacious sites that are well spaced.

PrivacyThere are mixed reviews about privacy. Cristina H notes that 'random strangers [were] walking through #48, 47 (spaces closest to beach) to get to restrooms.

Recommended SitesBeachside sites offer proximity to the ocean, while bayside sites provide quieter camping options.

Amenities available

Showers

Dump station

Camp Store

Glamping

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, bird watching, and swimming in the ocean.

HikingHiking opportunities are available with both surfaced roads and trails as well as more interpretive/nature trails.

FishingFishing facilities include fish cleaning stations, and the park supports fishing as a prominent activity.

SwimmingThe park provides access to ocean swimming areas; however, swimming is at your own risk as no lifeguards are present.

BikingBiking is a popular activity, with surfaced roads and trails available within the facility. John Crankshaw notes, 'Bicycling on the beach is a favorite activity for us.'

BoatingThe park features a canoe/kayak launch and paddling trails, making it ideal for non-motorized boating enthusiasts.

Wildlife viewingOpportunities for bird watching and general wildlife viewing are highlighted in the park amenities.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPeriodic coastal flooding due to storms and hurricanes. Mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance year-round.

Active AlertsThe park closes during tropical storms and hurricanes. Current conditions should be confirmed by calling 409-737-1222.

Fire PolicyNo specific campfire policies mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM as implied by gate closure times.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible through the park's direct phone line (409-737-1222). Specific distances to hospitals, police, or ranger stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are available on-site for waste disposal as noted in the amenities list.

Water FeaturesBeach access is available within the facility. The ocean is a central attraction.

Camp HostNot specified.

Weather at Galveston Island State Park

Reviews

4.6

40 reviews

Top-Rated

Galveston Island State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User experiences are mixed but generally positive. Campers appreciate the spacious and well-laid-out sites, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. However, some issues, such as restroom maintenance and lack of shade at campsites, were raised.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and spacious campsites, beachfront access, and friendly staff. The park's variety of activities, including biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, is also frequently...

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of shade in grassy camping areas, poorly functioning dump station facilities, and restroom coldness during winter.

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring bug spray as mosquitoes are present year-round. - Avoid sites #48 and #47 if you prefer privacy, as these are near restrooms. - Consider bringing a portable propane heater during winter for...

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are praised for offering a quieter and more relaxed ambiance, though facilities can be cold. Summer might require mosquito control and additional shade.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campground was great but the dump station situation was horrible!' - Rachel Gillenwater - 'Beautiful park in winter, had some sunny days and was able to sleep with [the] window open at night...

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #48 and #47 are noted for being closest to the beach but also being affected by foot traffic to the restrooms. Site #26 is another site mentioned for its proximity to the beach but with higher...

Based on 40 reviews