Camping side by side with unobstructed views of Laguna Madre, its wildlife and windsurfers.
For more information about camping and registration at Bird Island Basin, stop at the kiosk
Camping at Bird Island Basin is a bit primitive but it offers a relaxed view of Laguna Madre.

Bird Island Basin Campground

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted. No water available on-site; campers must bring their own water.

Coastal Flood Advisory issued April 11 at 2:56PM CDT until April 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX

2:56 PM — April 12th, 3:00 AM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...Aransas Islands, Kleberg Islands, Nueces Islands and Calhoun Islands Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Rip currents can sweep even the most experienced swimmers away from shore into deeper water. These rip currents can become life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

Rip Current Statement issued April 11 at 2:56PM CDT until April 12 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX

2:56 PM — April 12th, 3:00 AM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...Aransas Islands, Kleberg Islands, Nueces Islands and Calhoun Islands Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Rip currents can sweep even the most experienced swimmers away from shore into deeper water. These rip currents can become life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

About

Bird Island Basin Campground is a primitive camping area located along the shores of Laguna Madre at Padre Island National Seashore. The campground features 34 side-by-side gravel sites suitable for both RVs and tents, with an additional 10 tent-only sites on a walk-up sand flat. All sites accommodate up to 2 vehicles, 2 tents, and 8 people. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The campground offers vault toilets at the north and south ends, with day-use areas located between them. No water is available on-site, so campers must bring their own. The location provides direct access to Laguna Madre, making it ideal for fishing, birding, windsurfing, and kayaking. Wood fires are prohibited, but personal propane or gas grills are allowed. Sites can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length. Bird Island Basin is located 4.4 miles northwest of the Malaquite Visitor Center and is easily accessible via Park Road 22 and Bird Island Basin Road. The area experiences strong winds year-round (5-25 mph), high humidity, long hot summers, and short mild winters. Pet owners should ensure their animals are vaccinated against canine distemper, which is present in the park. A park entrance fee plus nightly camping fee of $8 per site applies, with 50% discounts available for Senior Pass and Access Pass holders.

Directions

From the park entrance station, travel south on Park Road 22 for 0.8 miles. Turn right on Bird Island Basin Road. Travel 1.4 miles to the campground. Bird Island Basin Campground is located 4.4 miles northwest of the Malaquite Visitor Center.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $8

Vehicle

Max RV Length 45ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email pais_visitor_center@nps.gov
Phone +1 (361) 949-8068

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Photos

Camping side by side with unobstructed views of Laguna Madre, its wildlife and windsurfers.
For more information about camping and registration at Bird Island Basin, stop at the kiosk
Camping at Bird Island Basin is a bit primitive but it offers a relaxed view of Laguna Madre.
A flat sandy area that juts out into laguna Madre is a place for tent campers to set up camp and day users to fish.
Accessible vault toilets are available at the north and south ends of Bird Island Basin Campground.
Converted school buses are parked at Bird Island Basin Campgound.

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