Texas / Kleberg County / Padre Island National Seashore

Malaquite Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted.

About

Malaquite Campground is located at Padre Island National Seashore, positioned between the coastal dunes with direct access to the Gulf beach. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. There are 48 total sites, each measuring 40 feet long by 18 feet wide, with a mix of paved and gravel sites. Twenty-four sites are paved and back up to sand dunes, while 24 are on gravel and grass, including six tent-only sites with parking across the road. Sites 12 and 13 are designated as accessible and have unobstructed Gulf views. The campground provides flush restrooms, cold water showers, picnic tables, and a dump station. Some sites include grills and shade structures. Potable water is available on the road to the campground. A unique feature allows campers with paid sites to pitch tents either at their designated site or on the beach directly in front of the campground. The facility is designed to accommodate both tents and RVs, though no hookups are available. Located approximately 0.5 miles north of the Malaquite Visitor Center, the campground offers a true beach camping experience with the wind, sand, and surf as constant companions. The area experiences year-round winds ranging from 5-25 mph and high humidity. Ground campfires are permitted on the beach east of the vegetated dunes on open sand areas.

Directions

From the park entrance station, travel south along Park Road 22 for 3.2 miles. Turn left into the campground at the respective road sign. Malaquite Campground is approximately 0.5 miles north of the Malaquite Visitor Center.

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