Texas / Kleberg County / Padre Island National Seashore

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.

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