Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Padre Island National Seashore adventure.
Surf-fishing, sea turtles, and seaside camping await at this coastal wilderness.
Stretching for more than 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, the Padre Island National Seashore is a wild slice of coastal paradise. Head to the oceanside beaches to hit the surf, cool off with a swim, and explore off-road by 4WD, or enjoy boating, kayaking, and windsurfing along the Laguna Madre. Pack your binoculars along with your swimsuit, as this barrier island is a birdwatching hotspot with more than 380 species to spot, as well as a nesting ground for sea turtles. Campers can choose from the park's two seafront campgrounds or enjoy primitive camping right on the beach.
With long, balmy summers and mild winters, Padre Island National Seashore is a four-season destination with year-round camping. Prepare for high humidity through the summer months—temperatures can reach 95°F. The best time for birding is from late fall through early spring, when thousands of seabirds migrate through the park, but wildlife enthusiasts will also want to stop by in summer (from mid-June through August) when sea turtle hatchling releases take place.