By RV-ing across Texas, you can get those prime waterfront views without the waterfront prices.
Texas is so big that if it were its own country, it would be the 40th largest in the world. That means there are a whole lot of miles to be driven across the Lone Star State, making it an ideal place to explore by RV. With your vehicle and accommodations all set up in one convenient package, you can hit the road and follow the adventure wherever it may lead you across Texas’ 268,597 square miles.
As you make your way around the state, you’ll come across all sorts of RV parks to rest for the night, but some of the best are the ones that place you right by the water — from the ocean to lakes and rivers.
After all, a big part of the fun of RV-ing is being able to skip those nondescript, roadside chain hotels to instead fully immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes, and what could be better than hearing the waves crash against the beach from your bed or having a tranquil lake or river scene right outside your front door? Here are some of the best RV parks in Texas near water to keep in mind for your next road trip.
1. Isla Blanca Park
Why you should camp here: There’s plenty of space at this massive RV park with beach access and good fishing opportunities.
- Location: South Padre Island
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $30/night
- Number of RV sites: Over 600 sites
Located at the southern tip of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park puts you right next to the long stretch of Isla Blanca Beach as well as the South Padre Island Jetties, which is a great spot for a nice walk or some prime fishing. The RV park has a crazy number of sites, including both partial and full hook-ups.
For those looking to venture out of the RV park, South Padre Island is loaded with marinas, resorts, spas, dining options, a water park, and 34 miles of beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Related Read: 10 Awesomely Romantic Getaways Near Houston, Texas
2. South Padre Island KOA Holiday
Why you should camp here: This island RV park comes with tons of enticing amenities like a hot tub and sauna.
- Location: South Padre Island
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $73/night
- Number of RV sites: 215 sites
Just down the road from Isla Blanca Park is the South Padre Island KOA Holiday campsite on the western side of the Island. You’ll be more than comfortable here with guest amenities like a pool, hot tub, sauna, fenced-in dog park, and free shuttle around the area. There are even free boat ramps available for KOA campers, and the WiFi and cable TV are included too for when you’re relaxing back in the RV.
The campsite also has a truly unique amenity — their Sunset Deck. Overlooking the bay, you can order cocktails, take photos, and listen to live music nightly. it’s like having your own beachside bar right in the campsite.
Related Read: The Coolest Hot Springs in Texas for a Relaxing Soak
3. Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort
Why you should camp here: This beachside RV park feels just like a tropical resort.
- Location: Port Aransas
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $76/night
- Number of RV sites: 158 sites
On Mustang Island, not far from Corpus Christi, is the Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort. It’s an RV paradise with beautifully landscaped sites amid palm trees, ponds, and palapas. It’s just a short stroll across the boardwalk from the beach, or you can rent one of their golf carts and head out for a leisurely drive.
When you’re back home, you can unwind in the heated swimming pool or jacuzzi. There are also fire pits and wet bars scattered around the property for some evening campfire cocktails.
Related Read: 15 Best Texas Water Parks to Cool Down & Get Wild
4. Port A RV Resort
Why you should camp here: At this popular RV park, you’re sandwiched between a nature preserve and the beach.
- Location: Port Aransas
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $70/night
- Number of RV sites: 185 sites
It’s just a five-minute drive to get from the Port A RV Resort to the beach. Take your car five minutes in the other direction and you’ll arrive at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve. The preserve is a mix of salt flats, marshes, woodlands, and beaches. It’s a popular spot for hikers, kayakers, and especially birdwatchers who come to see the pelicans, songbirds, and the gorgeously pink Roseate spoonbills. The preserve is also home to a few alligators, including one particularly large fellow nicknamed “Boots” by the rangers.
If you feel like keeping things closer to home, you can check out the resort’s pool, hot tub, fishing pond, or community rec room. And if you’ve brought your pup along, you’ll appreciate the two on-site dog parks.
Related Read: 8 Captivating Texas Waterfalls You Absolutely Need to See
5. Wilderness Oaks RV Resort
Why you should camp here: From movie nights to Bingo games and musical performances, there’s always something going on at this Gulf Coast RV park.
- Location: Rockport
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $45/night
- Number of RV sites: 175 sites
Wilderness Oaks RV Resort is situated on a little peninsula between Copano Bay and Aransas Bay, putting you close to attractions like Rockport Beach and Goose Island State Park. When you’re not out fishing, boating, or hiking, you can check out what the RV resort has going on since there’s always a full schedule of events throughout the year, including concerts, ice cream socials, karaoke, dances, classes, and more.
During downtimes, you can also check out the lively pool area (which is heated during the winter), fitness room, off-leash dog park, and game room which has board games, billiards, and casino-style poker and blackjack tables.
Related Read: 11 Peaceful Cabin Rentals Near Houston, Texas
6. Rockport / Corpus Christi KOA Holiday
Why you should camp here: You’re right by a lake and ocean at this resort with a fishing pier and lovely sunsets.
- Location: Rockport
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $70/night
- Number of RV sites: 255 sites
Not too far from Wilderness Oaks RV Resort, you have another camping option with KOA’s Rockport / Corpus Christi KOA Holiday, which is on the Copano Bay side of the peninsula, overlooking the shores of Salt Lake. Here, you can wander along the recreational beach, take a dip in one of two swimming pools, and go fishing on the pier or in the stocked pond. Kids will also love the other amenities like putt-putt and corn hole.
It’s also a great option for anyone looking to mix up city thrills with a beachy stay since it’s located just a short drive from Corpus Christie. During the day you can hit up the Texas State Aquarium or Hurricane Alley Waterpark, then come back to the RV resort for a campfire and the sounds of ocean waves.
7. Galveston Island KOA Holiday
Why you should camp here: There’s a lazy river and beach access at this oceanside RV park.
- Location: Galveston
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $64.50/night
- Number of RV sites: 116 sites
Galveston Island KOA Holiday is on the opposite end of Galveston Island, away from the historic downtown and the big, bright tourist attractions, but close to Terramar Beach and Sea Isle Beach, making this a fantastic refuge for any traveler looking for a quieter retreat.
The easy beach access is one of the highlights of staying here, but it’s not the only one thanks to the property’s unique amenities like a lazy river, heated pool, and private fishing pond. Plus, the holiday park serves up a mean piña colada at their bar and deck, perfect for viewing sunsets.
Related Read: 5 Must-Do Scenic Train Rides in Texas
8. Jamaica Beach RV Park
Why you should camp here: Putting the “resort” in RV Resort, this decked-out place is a five-minute walk to the beach and close to a state park.
- Location: Galveston
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $50/night
- Number of RV sites: 112 sites
Not only is the Jamaica Beach RV Park just a five-minute walk from the beach (and within walking distance to the bay in the other direction), but it’s also right next to Galveston Island State Park, which is loaded with hiking and biking trails, as well as salt marshes that provide shelter for crabs and other sea creatures, as well as armadillos, turtles, and over 300 species of birds.
As enticing as all of those surroundings are, you may feel tempted to just hang out at the campground because of its cool amenities like a 700-foot lazy river, 18-hole miniature golf course, sauna, and pool with a tiki bar.
9. Dellanera RV Park
Why you should camp here: The beach is basically your yard at this oceanfront property.
- Location: Galveston
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $51.25/night
- Number of RV sites: 65 sites
There’s nothing between you and the ocean at Dellanera RV Park on Galveston Island. You can choose between an oceanfront, lagoon side, or pull-thru site, but since the place is relatively small as far as RV campgrounds go, you’re never far away from the long strip of sandy beach.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to just disconnect, especially since you’re surrounded on both sides by water, but if you have to log in, there’s free wireless internet to do so easily.
Related Read: 10 Best Texas Dude Ranches for a True Western Experience
10. The Vineyards Campground & Cabins
Why you should camp here: This RV park offers lovely lake views, beautiful grounds, and family-friendly activities.
- Location: Grapevine
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $54/night
- Number of RV sites: 113 sites
Stay next to Grapevine Lake at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins. The peaceful grounds are full of trees, and you get the benefit of amenities like a swimming beach, a fishing pier, and outdoor games. If you have your own boat, use one of the courtesy docks, and if you don’t, you can rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or bike to enjoy nature. Forgotten any supplies? Just pop over to the camp store.
It’s also a great spot for anyone into fishing thanks to the campground’s fishing pier and cleaning station, perfect for catching and preparing what will soon be dinner.
11. Big Chief RV & Cabin Resort
Why you should camp here: The sunsets over the water are particularly stunning at this lakeside spot with top-notch fishing.
- Location: Burnet
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $35/night
- Number of RV sites: 70 sites
Big Chief RV & Cabin Resort is an ideal choice for any passionate angler since it’s situated on the shores of Lake Buchanan, which is famous for its bass fishing. If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s still all the swimming, boating, and kayaking you can do at the large lake – plus there’s a local nature trail and a swimming pool at the RV park.
If you feel like venturing out, the resort is just a short drive away from Longhorn Cavern State Park, where you can walk through a cave that was carved out thousands of years ago, or, sip on some wine at the nearby Torr Na Lochs Vineyard.
Related Read: 5 Must-Do Scenic Train Rides in Texas
12. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River
Why you should camp here: It’s all about family fun at this spot with its own water park and other attractions.
- Location: Kerrville
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $58/night
- Number of RV sites: 253 sites
It’s hard to get bored at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River. If you’re traveling with kids, this RV park has all the attractions you could want to entertain them, including a water park, laser tag, pedal carts, and an arcade.
Don’t worry, there’s stuff for adults too, like the indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Of course, another big draw is that you have direct access to the Guadalupe River when you want to swim, fish, or go tubing.
13. Paradise on Lake Texoma
Why you should camp here: You’re right on the lake at this RV resort with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
- Location: Pottsboro
- Reservations: Yes
- Rates from: $40/night
- Number of RV sites: 50 sites
Enjoy lake life at Paradise on Lake Texoma, which is up close to the Texas-Oklahoma border and on the eastern side of the lake. You can conveniently launch your boat from the park, and they also rent out kayaks and paddleboards for another fun way to get out on the water. When you make it back to the RV resort, have some fun at the hammock garden, fire pit, and bar area that are open to all guests.
It should also be mentioned that this place has some seriously cool and modern glamping cabins made of wood and shipping containers. If you’re looking for that Insta-perfect pic, you might want to consider giving your RV a break for the night and hopping into one of these stylish abodes.
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