Camping near Galveston with swimming
Wake up to harmonious soundscapes of beach waves and wildlife while camping near Galveston.
- Galveston
Popular camping styles for Galveston
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds near Galveston with swimming
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Galveston with swimming guide
Overview
Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston offers breathtaking camping experiences where beaches are always close by. Galveston Island is long and narrow with over 30 miles of beaches on the inland side facing West Bay and the ocean side facing the Gulf of Mexico, excellent for sunbathing, beachcombing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and birdwatching, too. San Luis Pass County Park and Galveston Island State Park feature beachfront camping on the island, but more rustic, primitive campsites are available inland at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge where campers can spot bobcats, white-tailed deer, marsh rabbits, and waterfowl like herons and sandpipers.
Where to go
Galveston Island State Park
On the west end of Galveston Island, this 2,000-acre state park offers beachfront and bayside camping with tent campsites including picnic tables, water pumps, and fire rings, plus nearby restrooms and shared showers. RV campers can choose between dry campsites for their trailers and motorhomes or RV sites with 50-amp hookups for electricity. While staying at or near Galveston Island State Park, Hipcampers can go paddling, mountain biking, hiking, or fishing—no license required for catching mackerel and jacks from shore.
San Luis Pass County Park
Just across San Luis Pass on the far west end of Galveston Island is the 15-acre San Luis Pass County Park, a bay park promising a quieter escape from everyday life. Full-service RV camping with hookups for 30-amp and 50-amp service, plus water and sewage is available, as are back-in and pull-through sites for campers and trailers. While tent camping isn’t allowed, the park has two rental cabins—ideal for catching the iconic sunsets at San Luis Park. Anglers will also appreciate the boat launches and on-site fish cleaning stations.
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
A not-so-hidden secret less than an hour’s drive from Galveston’s beaches is Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. This 44,000-acre wildlife refuge is one of the most biologically rich environments in Texas and home to a stunning variety of migratory birds in winter, including 24 species of ducks and 13 species of sparrows. Alligators, frogs, salamanders, coyotes, and hawks are here year-round. Overnight camping is not allowed in the park, but nearby campsites, rental cabins, and RV parks provide easy access to this wildlife-spotting wonderland.
When to go
Galveston is a great destination for year-round camping in Texas—most campsites are open throughout the year, though some activities may be limited during winter. Campgrounds tend to be less busy in the spring and fall, and the weather is milder with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers and greenery to the parks and trails near Galveston. Summer can get hot and humid, as high as the mid-90s, but it’s also a popular time of year for water activities. Winter is a bit cooler, as low as the mid-40s, with opportunities to spot migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, and sun-bathing alligators.
