Details
Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX, 78418
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Bird Island Basin lies along Laguna Madre with easy access for fishing, birding, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are 35 RV and tent sites and 10 additional tent-only sites. All sites are side by side on gravel. The tent-only sites are walk up to a sand flat. This area is also for day use activities. Vault toilets are available at the north and south ends with day use areas in between.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Bird Island Basin Campground is open year-round, first-come, first-served. Check-in time is 1 pm, check-out time is 12 pm. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Weather
Year-round, wind speed ranges from 5-25 miles per hour. Relative humidity seldom drops below 70%, especially in summer. Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Winter includes occasional strong cold fronts and gale force winds. Most rain falls near the beginning and end of hurricane season (Jun 1 - Nov 30). Average seasonal temperatures (Fahrenheit): Spring - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Summer - high mid-90s, low 70s; Fall - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Winter - high 50s-70s, low 30s-40s.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Staff or Host On-Site
Directions
From the park entrance station, travel south on Park Road 22 for 0.8 miles (1.2 km). Turn right on Bird Island Basin Road. Travel 1.4 miles (2.2 km) to the campground. Bird Island Basin Campground is located 4.4 miles (7 km) northwest of the Malaquite Visitor Center.
Rates & Fees
Standard Tent or RV Site
In addition to the park entrance fee, a nightly campground fee is required and is paid in the campground at the kiosk. All sites are limited to 2 vehicles, 2 tents, and 8 people. With a valid ID, holders of a Senior Pass (lifetime pass for U.S. residents 62 years and older) and Access Pass (lifetime pass for U.S. residents with a permanent disability) receive a 50% discount on camping fees.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
There are no charcoal grills or campfire rings. Wood burning fires are not allowed. You are permitted to use a personal propane or gas grill that can be shut off are allowed.Regulations Overview
Camping is by permit only in designated areas. No camping is allowed in dunes, grasslands, or mudflats. Place all trash in the designated bin near the day use area . Pets are allowed in camping areas but must be contained or kept on a leash that stretches no more than six feet from the owner at all times. Do not disturb or feed gulls, grackles, coyotes, or other wildlife. To avoid attracting unwelcome animals, put food and belongings in your vehicle’s trunk when they are not in use, and properly bag and dispose of all trash.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
See the ADA Information for campground and site descriptions. Vault toilets at both ends of the campground and day use area are accessible via a ramp but there is no designated accessible parking.
Internet Information
None available
Cell Phone Information
Do not expect cellular reception however there are limited areas where it might be available.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Bird Island Basin has 34 primitive designated sites for RV or tent camping plus and an additional tent camping area.
RV Maximum Length
45
Additional Information
The Park Store sells bags of ice, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and other toiletries at the visitor center daily, 9 am to 5 pm. There is a fresh water fill station and a dump station on the road to Malaquite Campground.
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Bird Island Basin Campground does not have any designated accessible campsites. All sites are flat and gravel covered. Visitors have the choice to pull their vehicle in forward or back in up to a concrete parking stop. On the other side of the parking stop is a picnic table which may not be on level ground. It is next to Laguna Madre separated by a line of riprap—rocks with sharp edges and wood that secure the shore. There is no boardwalk or level surface for reaching the water. Access to the water may be reached from the tent camping and day use parking area at the north end of the campground. This requires walking across a packed sand are where the surface changes depending on water flow and whether conditions. Vault toilets at both ends of the campground and day use area are accessible via a ramp but there is no designated accessible parking at either toilet.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Classifications
Primitive Camping Areas
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