South Packery Channel Beach
Camping, Fishing & Surfing at South Packery Channel Beach & Jetty
South Packery Channel Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas is the go-to spot for overnight beach camping or if you're looking to make your next catch of the day. Nestled on the south side of the Packery Channel, the surf can get really good with the right amount of breeze blowing in over the Gulf of Mexico.
You'll find fishermen galore along the jetty. If you choose to make the trek to the north side of the Packery Channel on Mustang Island, you can access a free boat ramp and fish cleaning station with barbecue pits and picnic tables to enjoy your freshly caught fish. Nearby Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall has a paved parking lot and ADA accessible ramp. Be sure to keep an eye out for the sand dune coyote statues, made out of natural materials by North Padre Island locals!








HOW TO GET THERE
You can access South Packery Channel Beach at Access Rd 3a from Windward Dr or at Whitecap Blvd from S Padre Island Dr. Be sure to purchase a parking permit before your arrival to ensure you can park on the beach!
MILE MARKERS
South Packery Channel Beach claims Mile Marker 213 to Mile Marker 210.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels: Lively Beach, Hawthorn Suites, Island House, Gulfstream Condos, Holiday Inn Express
Food: Padre Island Burger Company, Doc's Seafood & Steaks, Snoopy's Pier, Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery
WHAT TO KNOW
- Parking Permit Required to Park on Beach
- Portable Restrooms on Site
- Free Trash Bag Stations
- Outdoor Showers Available
- Camping Allowed
- Dogs Allowed
WHAT TO LOVE
- Spacious Shore
- Maintained Beach & Sand
- Jetty Fishing
- Stunning Views
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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.
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All beaches in Corpus Christi are dog friendly, but they must be on a leash or under verbal command. Our pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes!
South Packery Channel Beach is off-limits to dogs on all major holidays. Redirect your pups to Padre Balli Park during these times!
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Yes! There are mobile lifeguards that patrol South Packery Channel Beach. 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.
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Pick up a complimentary trash bag or two from the Visitor Information Center downtown or from the blue boxes 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!
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Yes! Camping and campfires are allowed on South Packery Channel Beach, 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!
Know Before You Go
Get directions, parking permit information, and more!
Watch Live Beach Cams
Check out the conditions before you head out!
Sea Turtle Releases
Find out if a sea turtle release is happening during your visit!