Updated for 2024
Magnolia Beach in Texas is one of the most amazing free camping areas in all of America and one of the few places where you can park your RV just steps away from the ocean.
Technically speaking, Magnolia Beach is not along the Gulf of Mexico but a few miles inland in a bay sheltered behind barrier islands, but this is a good thing! It is free, the sand is firmer (you will not get stuck), and there is less wind and less sea salt!
Directions to Magnolia Beach
Set your GPS to the Walmart in Port Lavaca, Texas. From there it is a 20-minute drive on tarmac roads to Magnolia Beach.
Follow Rte 238 out of town towards the airport then continue to Rte 316 towards Magnolia Beach. You can stay on 316 until you reach Ocean Drive (turn left), or look for Margie Tewmey Rd (turn left) to Ocean Drive. Most people arrive via Margie Rd.
Camping at Magnolia Beach
As shown on the map below, there are 3 camping areas to consider depending on your needs.
Most people head for the main area which starts as soon as you cross a little bridge on N Ocean Dr. Here you can park next to the water along the beach, or you can camp in the cabana area a bit further down the road.
Note the bridge has a weight limit! If unsure, avoid the bridge by arriving from the south as shown on my maps above.
If the area is full, or if you want more solitude, continue south along N Ocean Dr to Area 2 or Area 3 as shown on my map. Area 3 is also known as Indianola Beach Park. These two areas always have fewer campers.
NOTE – Please do not camp in the areas marked in RED on my map. There are signs saying “no camping” yet folks continue to camp north of the bridge and elsewhere and that’s not right.
Also, you cannot park your vehicle between the cabanas and the beach and you cannot park on the grass at the cabanas! Please remain in the parking areas.
Verizon’s cell service is strong.
Magnolia Beach Camping Rules
There are several as shown in the image below.
A 14-night stay limit in a 30-day window is enforced.
NOTE – please park perpendicular to the beach and not parallel! The area is small and it is selfish to park your 45-foot toy hauler and truck and toys in a long row. The beach does not belong to you and your group.
Camping in the Main Area of Magnolia Beach
This area has beach camping, cabana camping, toilets, cold showers, and trash bins.
You have two choices. While most folks find a spot on the beach next to the water, there are several cabanas where you can overnight some distance from the water.
If you plan to cook out a lot then a cabana spot may be more convenient but it depends on your setup. It is perfect for van and car campers.
The sand is packed hard with shells and sand and driving along the beach is safe.
Note – do not park on the north side of the bridge (shown on my map above) before you reach the beach! No parking signs are everywhere!
Camping in Area 2 of Magnolia Beach
This is a very quiet area away from the main area and residential part of Magnolia Beach.
The beach area is not as wide and is more sandy but private. Be careful or you may get stuck! But you may have the area to yourself during your stay!
There are no bathrooms here.
Camping Area 3 at Magnolia Beach (Indianola Beach Park)
This area is just to the north of Rte 316 where it connects with Beach Rd. You park next to cabanas across the road from residential homes. It is called Indianola Beach Park but let’s consider it to be a part of Magnolia Beach!
Bathrooms are available across the road. Sinks but no showers and doors may be missing from the stalls inside (men’s side).
Most folks camp at the cabanas next to the beach on the left of the map above. It is quite popular and you will probably have company.
There are a few cabanas on the west side of Ocean Dr (shown in the middle of the map). These are less popular because you are not next to the water. A good spot if you want to be alone! You share the bathrooms a short walk south.
