Padre Balli Park

Coastal Camping at Padre Balli Park on North Padre Island

If you're in search of the ultimate beach camping adventure, look no further! Padre Balli Park offers a spectacular camping experience with almost 100 paved campsites suitable for RVs, 12 hardtop areas for tents with electrical and water hookups, ADA-accessible amenities, a bathhouse, and more. Camping fees include the use of the shower house and WiFi access, should you need it. Please note that camping on the beach is not allowed between Access Roads 4 through 6.

If a casual beach day is more your style, there's miles of sandy shores for leisurely swim and play between Mile Markers 224 and 235. If you want to go off-the-beaten-path or are on the hunt for some good fishing, head down to Mile Markers 235 and beyond, but be sure to go in a 4x4 vehicle, as beach maintenance stops after Access Rd 6, around Mile Marker 235.

With the long stretch of gorgeous shore and plenty of ways to heighten your visit, it’s no wonder this sunny spot attracts locals and visitors year-round! Be sure to keep an eye out on the construction of the new Bob Hall Pier near Access Rd 6!

HOW TO GET THERE

You can access Padre Balli Park at Padre Balli Park Rd from S Padre Island Dr. Padre Balli Park can also be accessed at Access Rd 4, Access Rd 5, and Access Rd 6. Be sure to purchase a parking permit before your arrival to ensure you can park on the beach! Parking permits can be purchased directly on the beach from the Padre Balli Park Office.

MILE MARKERS

Padre Balli Beach claims Mile Marker 224 to Mile Marker 300. Beach maintenance ends around Mile Marker 235. 4x4s are suggested anywhere south of Mile Marker 235.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels: Lively Beach, Hawthorn Suites, Island House, Gulfstream Condos, Holiday Inn Express

Camping: Padre Balli Park
Food: Padre Island Burger Company, Doc's Seafood & Steaks, Snoopy's Pier, Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery

WHAT TO KNOW

Parking Permit Required
Complimentary Beach Wheelchairs at Padre Balli Park Office
Bathrooms on Site
Free Trash Bag Stations
Beach Camping Allowed After Access Rd 6/Mile Marker 235
4x4 Suggested After Access Rd 6/Mile Marker 235
Dogs Allowed on Leash

WHAT TO LOVE

Tent Camping
RV Camping with Full Hookups
Fishing Hot Spot
Padre Balli Park Office Amenities
Off-The-Beaten-Path

Where can I buy a beach parking permit?

Permit stickers are $12 and available year-round at:

Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center
Stripes convenience stores (Padre Island, Flour Bluff, and select stores in central Corpus Christi)
Circle K convenience store (Padre Island and Flour Bluff)
H-E-B grocery stores (Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Calallen, Portland, and Rockport)
Corpus Christi City Hall – Central Cashiering
Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi – ITT Department
Nueces County Padre Balli Park Headquarters Office
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (University Services)
Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office

For more about beach parking permits, click here.

How do I get a reservation for the Padre Balli Park campsite?

For reservations, call the Nueces County Coastal Park Office at (361) 949-8121.

What rentals are available at Padre Balli Beach?

Love Shack Tiki Hut

Can I bring my dog with me to Padre Balli Beach?

Yes! All beaches in Corpus Christi are dog friendly, but must be on a leash at Padre Balli Park. Our pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes!

Are there lifeguards on Padre Balli Beach?

Yes! There are mobile lifeguards that patrol Padre Balli Beach during the summer season. Check out the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s full lifeguard schedule for more details on lifeguard coverage and mobile patrol throughout the year.

The phone number for the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office is (361) 826-3469.

If there is an emergency, please call 911.

What do I do with my trash?

Pick up a complimentary trash bag or two from the Visitor Information Center downtown or from the posts that are located as you come onto the beach at all access roads. These bags are cleverly designed so they leave sand behind and won’t catch the wind and fly off down the beach. Trash cans can be found at every beach entrance and all along the beach. Thanks for doing your part to leave our beaches better for the next visitor!

Is camping and/or campfires permitted?

There is a campsite located near the Padre Balli Park Office. Beach camping and campfires are allowed south of Access Rd 6, but be sure to follow these general rules:

No larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ with no residue left
Campfires must be fully extinguished and any holes must be filled
Camping is prohibited in front of condos and hotels
Camping is allowed for 3 days & nights consecutively, but no more than 6 days within a month
No pallets or building material allowed. Wood pallets and building material used in construction are often coated in toxic chemicals that are not meant to be burned in campfires. They also may contain hardware such as nails or screws which could become dangerous to others or wildlife.

Check out all of our hot tips for camping here!