Galveston Island State Park
00 review14901 FM 3005, GALVESTON, Texas, 77554, United States
Galveston Island State Park
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day use fee of $5 per person aged 13 and older. Self-pay boxes available for registration after office hours.
About this campground
Where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Texas coast, Galveston Island State Park beckons with its unique dual-personality camping experience. Choose your adventure between the rhythmic waves of the beachside or the tranquil waters of the bayside, all while enjoying newly renovated facilities that cater to every camping style. Whether you're pulling up in an RV, pitching a traditional tent, or indulging in a glamping getaway, this coastal gem offers the perfect basecamp for your island escape.
The park offers camping options that cater to RVs, tents, and even glamping.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure serves as a gateway to Galveston's storied past, where Victorian architecture stands as a testament to the island's golden age and museums chronicle tales of pirates, immigrants, and hurricane survivors. Just a short drive from your campsite, the historic district invites exploration through time-worn streets that have witnessed everything from devastating storms to economic booms, offering campers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and cultural immersion.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the ever-changing moods of the Texas Gulf Coast, where winter brings refreshing relief with comfortable 61°F afternoons and crisp 50°F evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs to a balmy 88°F, inviting endless beach days and warm Gulf waters. The coastal atmosphere wraps visitors in its signature humidity while dramatic storm systems occasionally paint the sky with nature's most spectacular shows, reminding campers of the raw power and beauty of this oceanic frontier.
ElevationSea-level camping at its finest, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the landscape meets the sky in an unbroken line.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the symphony of crashing waves and the soft whisper of sea oats swaying in the coastal breeze. This dynamic landscape shifts between pristine sandy beaches that stretch for miles and protected bay waters that mirror the sky. Wildlife enthusiasts might catch glimpses of elusive coyotes prowling the dunes at dawn, while shorebirds dance along the water's edge and dolphins occasionally break the surface offshore, creating moments of pure natural magic.
Geological RegionNestled along the Texas Coastal Plain, this campground sits on a barrier island shaped by millennia of wind, waves, and tides. The sandy shores and dune systems tell the ongoing story of land meeting sea, where the Gulf of Mexico continuously sculpts and reshapes this dynamic coastal environment, creating a playground of beaches, marshes, and coastal prairies that showcase the ever-evolving relationship between land and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is listed as ADA accessible, but no further details about specific accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeReviews indicate sites are spacious and well laid out. John Crankshaw states the 'camp modern campground along the shore is well laid out with spacious sites that are well spaced.'
Sites PrivacyThere are mixed reviews about privacy. Cristina H notes that 'random strangers [were] walking through #48, 47 (spaces closest to beach) to get to restrooms.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBeachside sites offer proximity to the ocean, while bayside sites provide quieter camping options.
Best CampsitesSites #48 and #47 closest to the beach, but traffic to the showers may disrupt privacy. Site #26 is also recommended but experiences heavy foot traffic.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
7:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information is provided about group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutModern campground layout with spacious sites. Specific loops or sections not detailed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but may close temporarily due to tropical storms and hurricanes.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made by contacting the park directly at 409-737-1222. Additional platforms not mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served registration available at self-pay stations when the office is closed. No specific site count provided.
Cancellation PolicyModify or cancel reservation as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.
Accomodation available
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.
Amenities available
Showers
Dump station
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
This campground offers a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, bird watching, and swimming in the ocean.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available with both surfaced roads and trails as well as more interpretive/nature trails.Fishing
Fishing facilities include fish cleaning stations, and the park supports fishing as a prominent activity.Swimming
The park provides access to ocean swimming areas; however, swimming is at your own risk as no lifeguards are present.Biking
Biking is a popular activity, with surfaced roads and trails available within the facility. John Crankshaw notes, 'Bicycling on the beach is a favorite activity for us.'Boating
The park features a canoe/kayak launch and paddling trails, making it ideal for non-motorized boating enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities for bird watching and general wildlife viewing are highlighted in the park amenities.Beach activities
The park offers beach access for activities like sunbathing and beachcombing.Winter Activities
Visitors have commented that the park is enjoyable during the winter season, with activities like walking on the beach and nighttime relaxation by the ocean. Cristina H notes, 'Beautiful park in winter, had some sunny days and was able to sleep with [the] window open at night next to the ocean.'Water Sports
The park supports water sports such as kayaking and paddling due to the canoe/kayak launch and suitable trails.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific campfire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM as implied by gate closure times.
Hazards
General hazardsPeriodic coastal flooding due to storms and hurricanes. Mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance year-round.
Active alertsThe park closes during tropical storms and hurricanes. Current conditions should be confirmed by calling 409-737-1222.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are accessible through the park's direct phone line (409-737-1222). Specific distances to hospitals, police, or ranger stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available on-site for waste disposal as noted in the amenities list.
Proximity to water featuresBeach access is available within the facility. The ocean is a central attraction.
Common complaintsMosquito infestation is a recurring issue. Dump station inefficiencies were noted in user reviews, with delays of up to an hour.
HostNot specified.
Campground Map
14901 FM 3005, GALVESTON, Texas, 77554, United States
Driving directionsFrom Houston: Take I-45 South to Galveston. Exit on 61st Street to Seawall Blvd. Turn right on Seawall, go 10 miles to the park.
The park is accessible via paved roads, but it experiences periodic coastal flooding and closures due to tropical storms and hurricanes.Nearby places
Galveston: approximately 10 miles (driving time not stated). Jamaica Beach: neighboring population center (distance not provided).
Nearby supplies
Neighboring Jamaica Beach has a variety of shops, and Galveston provides additional options for supplies. Specific distances are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Galveston Island State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences are mixed but generally positive. Campers appreciate the spacious and well-laid-out sites, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. However, some issues, such as restroom maintenance and lack of shade at campsites, were raised.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean and spacious campsites, beachfront access, and friendly staff. The park's variety of activities, including biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, is also frequently...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of shade in grassy camping areas, poorly functioning dump station facilities, and restroom coldness during winter.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring bug spray as mosquitoes are present year-round.
- Avoid sites #48 and #47 if you prefer privacy, as these are near restrooms.
- Consider bringing a portable propane heater during winter for...
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Seasonal Insights
Winter months are praised for offering a quieter and more relaxed ambiance, though facilities can be cold. Summer might require mosquito control and additional shade.
Camper Quotes
- 'The campground was great but the dump station situation was horrible!' - Rachel Gillenwater
- 'Beautiful park in winter, had some sunny days and was able to sleep with [the] window open at night...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #48 and #47 are noted for being closest to the beach but also being affected by foot traffic to the restrooms. Site #26 is another site mentioned for its proximity to the beach but with higher...
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Accessibility Features
No specific feedback from disabled users is mentioned.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention pet-specific policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025