Reviews

Jeffery Smith

Nice But!…. Instead of driving to the end of the National Sea Shore, just go to Padre and drive to the North end. It takes you to the dunes and gives you the same thing without the fee. Padre as a whole is a good destination for families. Unfortunately for me, it was a repeat of the Atlantic City type of vibe. Very commercialized and Not high on my list. Did it, box checked, won’t do it again.

Cathy Ode

We loved our two weeks at Malaquite Beach Campground. Peaceful and quiet apart from crashing waves during the winter storm we experienced (and others’ generators at times). First come, first served; plenty of space in January. Be forewarned: only cold water in the showers, but flush toilets and warm water in the sinks of the clean bathrooms. Dump station was temporarily closed for repairs when we were there but should re-open soon; water is available now and there’s a dump station down the road. Very limited phone signal. Great bird-watching and seashell-collecting. Helpful and friendly campground host. Wish we could’ve stayed forever, will definitely be back.

Elaina Davis

This is one of my favorite places on Earth. Cell service is extremely limited, so unplug and enjoy the wild. The beach is beautiful and clean. Bags are provided to pick up any trash that might wash up if you arrive early. You can sit for hours just watching the waves. If you have a 4x4 you can drive down past the rest of the beach goers and find bigger shells and have more privacy. I have never seen this beach get overly crowded. Everyone typically gives each other plenty of space because it's a huge beach with room for everyone. It's dog friendly and has some walking trails. The one at the front is paved and easy. Tons of birds to be seen throughout the park. Bird island is obviously a great spot to view seabirds. It makes a great bike ride as well.

Ali Alibhai

Beautiful NPS site. Had fun driving on the sand leading up to the national seashore itself. Great visitor center complete nice clean bathrooms and bathhouses. Very cool upper viewing platform at the top of the visitor that affords great views. The sand was super soft and easy to walk on, very little sea debris, lots of wildlife viewing. It was a fun day!

G K (He Who Drives)

Beautiful but windy. So windy I can’t as getting sand out of my suv for the next 6 months! But quite otherwise..less and less people the further you go.

John Ballesteros

It was a great trip! We camped between mile marker 10 and 15. The water was great since it was warm and the temperature was definitely hot. Sand flies were prevalent in the morning and boy do they bite! The bug spray didn't seem to deter them so be prepared. Be prepared for wind a lot of the day. The only time it's really calm is in the early morning hours. The water is amazing and the best part is during the day. We hung around the shoreline and the wind was not a factor in our enjoyment at all. A FYI, free trash bags are provided by the park. Those yellow mesh bags at the bathrooms just before entering the seashore are so convenient! We deflated the tires on our Jeep like others suggested and it probably helped but I'm not sure it was needed since we saw lots of vehicles with no problems while driving with fully inflated tires. Pack lots of extra bug spray and keep a lookout for the yellow mesh trash bags.

Kimberly Sue Collins

Wonderful! Nice to visit. I've so many fond memories of camping out here over 50 yrs ago as a child. Remote and private. Id love to camp out here again.

Manuel Lopez

My trip to Padre Island was nothing short of amazing! From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the endless stretch of pristine shoreline, soft white sand, and the calming sound of waves rolling in. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or outdoor adventure, Padre Island has something for everyone. I spent my mornings walking along the beach with the sunrise painting the sky in soft hues, and my afternoons swimming, paddleboarding, and even spotting dolphins not far from shore. The natural beauty of the island is perfectly preserved, especially at the Padre Island National Seashore — a must-visit if you enjoy untouched nature and wildlife. Local seafood spots were incredible — fresh, flavorful, and full of coastal charm. I was especially impressed by how friendly and welcoming everyone was, from locals to fellow travelers. The atmosphere was laid-back but never boring. This place left a lasting impression on me. It’s the kind of destination that makes you want to extend your stay and already plan your return before you even leave. Highly recommended for families, couples, solo travelers — anyone who loves the ocean and a slower pace of life. Padre Island truly is a hidden gem on the Texas coast!

Reign Marcel

This is one of my favorite places to visit!! ♡ please remember to leave your spot cleaner than you found it! ♡ I usually travel past the 25-mile marker where fewer people hang around. You will need 4x4 if you go that far out, but it's totally worth it. Great for beach camping, fishing, taking cute photos, pitching a small campfire, and grilling some food! I've visited many times, both solo and with friends. I'm not one to get into the water, though, as I've pulled a few black tip/bonnethead sharks while fishing and almost stepped on sting rays when walking in ankle deep... BUT I see people swimming within the first 10 mile marks all of the time. So, swim at your own risk! There's bathrooms near the entrance of the beach, and showers at the visitors center if needed. ☆ Again, please remember to clean up after yourselves ☆ p.s the moon usually looks amazing if the sky is clear of clouds, worth waking up to check in the middle of the night! *2am vibes*