Details
Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX, 78418
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Malaquite Campground is open to tents and RVs on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). It is between the dunes with beach access. There are designated paved and gravel camp sites, restrooms, cold water showers, and picnic tables. Some sites have grills and shade structures. No hookups but a dump station and potable water are on the road to the campground. Campers with a paid site in the campground can pitch a tent either at the site or on the beach in front of the campground.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Malaquite 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
Showers
Amphitheater
Dump Station
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Ice For Sale
Directions
From the park entrance station, travel south along Park Road 22 for 3.2 miles (5.1 km). Turn left into the campground at the respective road sign. Malaquite Campground is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) north of the Malaquite Visitor Center. Note that from the visitor center to the campground there is no road sign but it is the first right turn.
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
Charcoal barbecue grills are available at designated sites. Ground campfires are permitted on the beach east of the vegetated dunes below the campground on open sand areas as long as they are built where flames or embers cannot threaten or blow into the grasslands, equipment, or property.Regulations Overview
This area is for camping only; day use is prohibited. You must have a permit to camp. Camping is permitted in designated areas only. No camping is allowed in dunes, grasslands, or mudflats. Do not leave or bury trash on the beach or toss it into the dunes. 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 allow pets to disturb other campers or chase wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors and the park by cleaning up after your pet. Do not disturb or feed gulls, coyotes, or other wildlife. Coyotes have been known to raid campsites and closed coolers that are left out. Gulls can also be a nuisance and even steal food. 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 ADA information
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
All sites are 40 feet long and 18 feet wide.
RV Maximum Length
0
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
The road into and through the campground is paved. There are 24 sites, 40 ft long by 18 ft wide that are paved and back up to a sand dune. None of them are designated as accessible, although each are flat and navigable in most situations. Each site has a picnic table, none are wheelchair accessible. There are also 24 sites on gravel and grass, six of these are for tent camping with parking across the road not next to the site. Sites #12 and 13 have an unobstructed view of the Gulf of America and are designated as accessible. They are on either side of the restrooms and showers and near the boardwalk. A ramp from the road goes between the shower building and the restrooms. The two showers along this paved area are accessible. The three on the opposite side of the building are large but do not have a place to sit or railings. There is one accessible toilet stall in the women's restroom and the men's. The boardwalk is accessible to the platform. A temporary lower was installed after a storm is not ADA
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
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