SPI Campgrounds

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Hi,

Spending part of the winter/spring in SPI in my van so not in need of hookups but wouldn't mind bathrooms and hot showers. What are some of the better campgrounds to stay at?

Thanks,

JP

tonyb · Mon Aug 01, 11 11:53 am

There are two county parks, Isla Blanca and Andy Bowie, I think they have options for camping without hookups. Also a KOA on the island.

Here: http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/parks/index.htm
and here: http://koa.com/campgrounds/south-padre/

There is an RV park in Port Isabel just across the bridge but you'd have to search for it.

Tony

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Thanks Tony

JP

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

My vote is for the Isla Blanca park. It's where we begin our downwinders and you can get up and go surf right from your door step. Also seems to be a bit cooler, especially if you can get a spot close to the water. You might want to invest in some sort of AC unit if you don't already have one. It can get pretty hot down there.

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

The two parks Tony listed are very nice. Bowie is way up the island and close to the sailing beaches but a few miles to stores. It is like a parking lot converted to RV spaces, quite small and usually full. The big county park on the island very nice. I don't know about their policies. The KOA is first class and expensive.
I found the Park Center, on the mainland more for me. They have "temporary" sites, $17 per night, next to the harbor. With the fishing boats tied up to the docks, it is quite nice. The toilets/showers are close by. They are not that great but functional. You can walk to Walmart, a food store and inexpensive resteraunts. I got a monthly spot at the Park Center, way in the back, for half what the Park on the Island cost.
Very nice people at the Port Isabel Park Center, 956-943-7340.

tonyb · Tue Aug 02, 11 9:42 am

A/C is usually needed from mid April through early November. Maybe sooner if you're not used to the heat and humidity.

I'd pick Isla Blanca over Bowie as well.

Tony

alien · Since 01 Aug 2006 114 Posts Portland Stoked

I might be a bit fuzzy on the details, but you can also buy extended passes that allow you to use the state park water/showers and camp on the beach (where allowed). That ends up being a really cheap way to go down there.