Camping on the Beach at Padre Island National Seashore

We wanted to do something completely different and adventurous for spring break this year and take the kids camping on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore. Things didn't quite go as planned.
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[@mesomemore97]

I am a native Texan. By far my favorite get away in Texas.

[@TheChris1500]

what's a good time of year to enjoy water but not as much wind? or is there a calmer time of year?

[@chaseteter]

I would also love to know

[@lakesnake2005]

@@TheChris1500 It's the beach, it's always windy. And sandy.

[@robertstout260]

Corpus Christi area is the 10th windiest city in the US,you appreciate it in the summer.Water warms up by end of April.

[@lbeliel4128]

We’ve been going for forty years and were there last week, it’s always (90% of the time) windy. It’s a great place to fly monster kites! The deep freeze killed a lot of the vegetation and reeked havoc on the palm trees. Fishing was poor too.

[@johnriddle2712]

Let me first say I must salute you for being “fluid” and going back to the campground! Some people are too rigid and must stick to the plan even at the cost of other peoples pleasure. Once again hats off

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I appreciate that!

[@GamerNxUSN]

We have oncue in Oklahoma, and I always thought, man this is a nice convenience store, its got clean restrooms etc, then we went down to get some furniture from Ikea and stopped at buckees.....They could fit an on cue in their restroom alone.

[@lal5555f]

This is one of my favorite spots on the planet

[@garthc5994]

Mine too. I personally love the wind. We usually stay around 24 hours or so. It's actually a long drive back to Austin. Sometime in the future I wanna spend 48 hours or longer out there. I hate leaving. Night time is amazing...

[@taylorhickman84]

@@garthc5994 Headed that way from Austin in just a few hours. I've done a few week long trips out there and I highly recommend it. For me the key to making a multi night trip enjoyable is to have a camp shower and a bucket of water to dip the feet before entering the tent. If I can keep my bedding clean and get a shower before bed, I tend to get a good nights sleep and wake up rested.

[@garthc5994]

@@taylorhickman84 I'm jealous. I would absolutely love to spend a whole week out there. I do camp on the beach alot in Port Aransas just because it's closer but they have public showers right on the beach and yes it makes a big difference when sleeping at night. Now I want to go.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Perfect sunrise timelapse!

[@mesomemore97]

I camp on the beach A LOT... I do not use tents. I use the back of my truck. It has a topper on it. Wind, rain or both I'm protected and sleep quite well.

[@waynephifer6028]

I did this trip 3 weeks ago. Spent the first night at Yarbough Pass and the next 3 nights at Mansfield Channel. Lot's of wind and sand... but well worth it. The fishing was awesome! Will be making it an annual trip.

[@misc4jb]

I'll be there next month, been a couple of times in the past. The thing about the wind is, sure you want less of it, but you don't ever want it to completely go away. Because when that does happen, the mosquitoes come out in full force. I got bit well over 100 times last trip when the wind stopped.

[@rkmatt8761]

I love going to Corpus Christi so much I’ve been trying to get a job there so I can relocate. Buc-ee’s has many stores in a few other states. Some are huge I love them stores. Great video thanks

[@SRT__]

This made me Homesick for the Texas coast, I’ve been in North Dakota for Four years now and the wind here would make that seem like a breeze. I’ve done lots of fishing on PINS and one of the things I like to do when I first get there is dig a fire pit with recessed seating around it for nighttime campfires. One thing I have learned about the wind is if it wasn’t there the mosquitoes would eat you alive.

[@jeffbehringer1262]

Great vid. You can also hit Yarborough pass at the 15 mile mark. It’s bayside and you can wade right out in the water. Has a camping area.

[@garyb4929]

Been long time since I heard Yarbrough Pass mentioned. 👍.

[@tommyo321]

Wind, wind, wind! Cape Hatteras NC. Is the same way. My first night camping there back in 1980 the wind came up in the middle of the night and the tent started rolling across the Campground! When driving on long stretches of beach you have to make sure you have a full tank of gas.

[@Dawn2DuskAdventuring]

I’m laughing so hard because I know your pain. When I adventure I’m roughing it. But when my family and friends go with me. They want to eat out and we would have headed to the camping grounds too. Even though we brought everything to survive in the wild. Happy wife happy life.

[@KipperKushman]

You want a close up of sea gulls toss 'em a french fry. You will have way more than you want. 😂😂😂

[@lakesnake2005]

You can just hold them up above your head and they will come get it out of your hand. Doritos seem to be a favorite of seagulls.

[@mikechance3138]

I've been running PINS for 25 plus years camping and fishing. Late winter and early spring are always crazy windy and not much fun. Try June, July, August instead. The fishing phenomenal. Beachcombing can be awesome as well. Try Little Shell Beach also.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks for the tips. We will be back for sure!

[@user-qg5py3ye1j]

Hello! Do I need to make reservation to camp over there?

[@mikechance3138]

@@user-qg5py3ye1j No reservations required.

[@bootmender]

Back in 1959, my first trip to Padre Island we drove all the way to Port Mansfield cut in the island, then turned around and came back up 3 miles where we found 11 pieces of eight Spanish treasure. Now it’s illegal to remove anything from the island. At that time from the bridge onto the island to the cut was 72 miles? We went there while we were on Christmas break from school, and there was nobody there but us. Yes it was cold and windy. I can’t remember cooking at all I think we just had sandwiches and finger food? Oh I almost forgot we did all this in Dad’s 1956 Oldsmobile Station Wagon.

[@7150285]

What was the Spanish treasure?

[@SirJohnRobert]

@@7150285 pieces of eight aka Spanish dollar coin

[@wadelewis6992]

Thanks for sharing

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

My pleasure

[@hankpac]

Water in March is still cold. Better body surfing and boarding if you have thin wet suits. Shower tent needs guys. I have two shower tents, from picking them up blowing down the beach.

[@otis-xk6ib]

rockin the blenders!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I love them almost as much as my Oakleys!

[@johndonovan5894]

On the other side of the island is the Laguna Madre, a relatively shallow hyper saline bay stretching south from CC into Mexico. Some of the best redfish speck' and flounder fishing on the planet. Not many oysters though, there are no freshwater sources dumping into the Laguna and the only dilution on the US side comes at CC, port Mansfield and Port Isabel. Heading down there in late May for a Kayak camping/fishing marathon from CC to Port Isabel and back.

[@nanobytes3645]

I've been camping at P.I.N.S. for 50 years. There are a ton of tricks to be comfortable and safe. The biggest trick is (believe it or not) Baby Powder. The salt and sand wipe right off.... Of course vehicle, camp and fire placement go a long way too.

[@liferuinerjflo]

Going there at the end of next month for a week. Cannot wait! Will embrace the wind however, it’s part of the life. Great video. Keep them coming.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks! Have fun!!

[@davipervenom9151]

Texas gulf coast is one of the best places in the U.S. for flying kites, wind surfing and kite surfing because of the strong winds. But as someone indicated on the comments the winds happen in early spring and winter months. Otherwise it’s fairly calm.

[@BlazingLove316]

Wind or not still very awesome trip thanks for sharing. Bless you all!

[@garyb4929]

The Instant I saw Title, I knew the culprit,lol. Big & Little Shell Beach, back in 60 & 70s ( before PINS) was our general destination for fishing. Only die hards did trip,lol particularly back then. Ooh, nice little Waco kicker at end.

[@superfreakentx]

Welcome to south Texas!

[@JoseRodriguez-xq3vc]

@epicfamilyroadtrip! 😊

[@mhernandez8332]

Please keep it clean what you bring in take it with you back out !

[@FreysOnTheSide]

Fun family vacation. Beautiful area! The wind is killer. I like the story telling, vlog style video.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!

[@marlinpruett8343]

Magnolia Beach Is nice for family

[@bobharnisch3543]

Great Video. You brought to mind some things to think about before camping on the beach. Which campground did you move to after leaving the windy beach?

[@bakerfamilyoverland996]

This is great...Looking to camp there soon.

[@hawkesoutdoors]

nice #overland video at the beach

[@TsarTrail]

The wind out there can definitely make it tough. But what a beautiful beach. Great video.

[@virginiagomez8625]

Is this corpus christi texas?

[@TsarTrail]

@@virginiagomez8625 yes, you go through Corpus Christy to get there.

[@tomcaldwell5914]

Buc ‘ees is amazing.......been to one of their stores many, many times. Great prices, friendly service, and a huge and diverse inventory. Good stuff.......thanks for sharing.

[@hankpac]

It gets windy. lIve with it. You should NOT have to actually cook, and have a fall-back method to feed, until you can enjoy the better weather. It is the Seashore, it gets windy almost everyday, BUT, you can have nice days too. I fish that island, and you have to work with it. Get "Windy" app for your phone, saves a lot of wasted trips.

[@Gettinsomeair]

We were there in april in the 4runner. Had a blast and got married on the beach

[@Amarillobymorning777]

Sunrise 😀!!! What a blessing. GR8 video. Greetings from North Texas.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rogeliodeleon3666]

I'm out there once a week.

[@halsteadfilms]

23:07 Yes!

[@chadng84]

That’s funny I live near Daytona and we just got a huge Bucees

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Super Jealous!

[@rsisente]

I do a 4 day trip there every year with friends. I'll be there next month

[@rsisente]

People camp, because they surf fish. Shark, reds, etc

[@DCD-il3nm]

After 25 some years of visiting Padre Island National Seashore last year I finally got it right. Spent a four-day long weekend down there. Day trip to the beach till dark then drive back to hotel room. It's the only way to go. Sand free every night with clean sheets.

[@jaredinark]

Beaver nuggets are the first thing I grab in Buc-ee's!

[@Wes82778]

That’s just part of PINS, it’s not for everyone. The fishing is great and to be able to get to drive down the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world is a blessing. If anyone goes definitely make the drive down, just be equipped with the right equipment. It will separate the glampers from the campers!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We will be back. We loved it once we got out of the blowing sand. SANDwiches didn't sound very fun to eat. LOL

[@kylejeter9899]

And clean bathrooms

[@madjack8893]

Heya! New sub ☘️

[@MissouriAdventures]

Great video Matt! I've just recently been thinking about doing this trip from Springfield MO with my family in our pop up camper. Wife and two daughters. Maybe next year for spring break. I'm really glad you talked about the wind because all of the videos I've watched so far haven't talked about it. But I knew it would be something to consider. Keep the great vids coming!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!!

[@darksideemt]

Kids will always get in cold ass water....lol. That was an awfully small Bucees you went to. That campground looked nice and definitely had great views. Glad you had a good trip though. End of the video is exactly why I hate and won't go to the beach, sand everywhere.

[@musictopography]

Lol, I was there 22nd to 25th of March at mile marker 45 in my tacoma. It was damn windy for sure. I got about 8 miles per gallon and saw some pink flamingos fly by. The flamingos aren't native, but probably escaped from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. Hope you all had a good time.

[@hankpac]

Probably NOT Flamingos, probably Roseate Spoonbills (look them up) pink, big, and fly in flocks. Ugly Mofo's, but a magnificent bird.

[@musictopography]

@@hankpac possibly. I do know there are plenty of pink flamingos in the Brownsville zoo and they do escape. It is about 60 miles away on the border. I wish I had gotten my phone out quicker than I did, I only got a blur of pink in the photo. I've never seen the Roseate Spoonbill in the wild along the Texas Coast, but according to Wikipedia they're around.

[@MrToyFrog]

One good thing about cooking on the beach, is you never have to add salt to anything, it’s done automatically. 😂🍻

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

😂

[@Iamtheoverlander]

Secret spice :)

[@lakesnake2005]

SAND......on the beach ? Getting into everything ? Who knew ? No, but seriously that is just part of it. You need a sunshade, but it's windy. You have to be inventive. Check out how the locals do it and follow along is the best advice. I grew up driving to the Gulf Coast from Central Texas and too poor to rent beach houses most of the time. But we had a blast anyway and ate a lot of SANDwiches. If you bring firewood, you have many friends. Bring an air compressor so you can air down in the sand and only use 4 wheel drive when you need it.

[@tundraoutlander3488]

You think the wind was bad, try far west Texas in March. March and April are the windiest in Texas.

[@pheenobarbidoll2016]

March-April tends to be windy in Texas. With large temp swings.

[@cootie181]

Can’t do Texas without a stop at Bucees’s!

[@JohnSmith-ze6mz]

Note to self, go to padre in june.

[@thinshavings]

Camp at mile marker 25....haunted......

[@Strikerage]

Went there a month ago to scope out if I wanted to live there. Still on the fence, but I LOVE the fact I can bring my Jeep on the beach and camp! Prices aren't bad to live there. Just worried about the wind and the hurricanes.... Container home? Maybe!

[@shiptime8108]

Padre is always windy which has pluses and minuses. Worry more about the rattlers.

[@karimiller6537]

What campsite did you choose instead of beach?

[@robertmercer469]

Been there before good eating

[@BabyBunch]

I’ve lived in Texas for 12 years and I’ve never been to Bucees lol must be a tourist thing

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Not a tourist thing. You're missing out!!!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Another great trip! My bro-in-law took me there to go fishing when I was 5... we ended up getting chased by a shark. I had to swear to never tell my sister about it 😂

[@JackeeCat]

Love the shower setup! I'm curious what you do with the water runoff? I'm thinking you would end up standing in mud? Thanks!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We have a pad we put down and just wear flip flops. Works great!!

[@JackeeCat]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Good to know, thanks !

[@mesomemore97]

No mud on a sandy beach.

[@jeffMinnesota952]

nice to get your take on PINS, good average person slant. Question: you never did specifically say, but I am guessing you started out on the beach, too windy to camp, shifted over to Bird Basin campground on the lagoon, then found a spot at Malachite Campground which is near the beach, but a little bit sheltered by the dunes? did I guess right? any one else? Thanks, hope to go in March for a week or so

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We went from beach to Malaquite campground. We never stayed at Bird Basin.

[@bikerbrego]

That’s my backyard. I camp anywhere from 45 to 55 mile marker. The wind can be bad at times. Definitely do not set camp near the water

[@screwe2]

Looks like it was a windy vacation, but hey, better than wind and rain. hehehe. I wanted to reach out and see if you have any recommendations on where to go on the Ozarks, we are just getting in to this. We are heading from Houston to Minnesota to pick up our new teardrop trailer, and on the way back we want to spend a few days on he Ozarks, is there a campground that you recommend? I have 2 kids 6 & 10, we don't have much experience with off reading but we love camping, we will have our Mountain Bikes, we love hiking, swimming. Any guidance will help. We will be in the AR around the 3rd or 4th of April. Maybe we can meet you, hehehehe. And did I mention that your videos have been a big inspiration for us, and great tool to learn tons of stuff, thanks and keep it up guys. #handlebarfamily

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks so much!! That means a lot! I would recommend Haw Creek Falls Campground. It's free now and your kids will love it with the waterfall and it's a great place to swim. Check out my videos on the Ozark Overland Adventure Trail. The full route file is in the video descriptions. Haw Creek is one of the waypoints in the file. I also have a lot of other campsites marked as well. There are a lot of great trails nearby to check out like the old schoolhouse and cabin and Car Wash Falls.

[@dsw956]

I almost subscribed to your channel until you said you didn’t want to eat sand! Lol

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

😂

[@hlobend2111]

Surf fishing, I suppose, this applys to beach camping also, not to many people can muscle up to it.

[@iamatt]

Yep. Try kayaking shark baits and getting your ass handed to you trying to get through the breakers. Definitely not for everyone but true "overlander" Texas style.

[@dfwoverland]

Hi Matt. What is the make if the wind break you have around your jet boil ?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It's one that came with our Sylvan Sport kitchen. I just moved it.

[@303overland4]

We want to make that trip as well with the dogs

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We wish we had brought one of ours.

[@LeoDodier]

Well, it looks like an adventure. I’m wondering if your family will want to go back! Also, I was waiting to see the review of your new refrigerator. Do you use it? Any comments?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

The kids definitely want to go back! The fridge did great!!

[@LeoDodier]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures That’s great to hear, if you could do a detailed first review on actually using it, I would appreciate it. Mines on order!

[@Lunch_table_crew]

When she said "beaver nugget". I was like what the hell is a beaver nugget and do I really want to know?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

😂😂 Basically Caramel coated puff corn. Super yummy!!

[@eladsgarr]

Finally on the road living my best nomad life. In Salt Lake City heading south to Moab and when you said Buc-ees you have no idea how tempted I am to keep heading to Texas. 😋 Mmmmm, brisket 🌮 tacos. They are truly awesome. I’d heard the winds could be a beast there. I hope and assume I’ll get better gas mileage because I won’t be towing a trailer.

[@7150285]

Do u know if they finished the digging at end of 60 miles or not?

[@khast1701]

Yes, the dredging project is complete. PINS is open all the way down.

[@lizliz3423]

Heeey that's my backyard 😍 we live here on the island! Y'all are welcome back any time 🥳 Y'all should come during the wind surfing X Games (i hope we can start those up again this season)! Also, that ship wrecked sail boat (ss minnow lol) is being removed 😒. The owner had to abandon ship during a northern storm and hung out with some Russians on their ship for a few months. His sail boat found its own way home! 😆 ⛵

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That’s awesome!! We will be back for sure.

[@lal5555f]

are you hiring in the area ? lol

[@roxygonzales6080]

That’s so cool do you know what mile marker that abandoned sailboat is at?

[@JuanCruz-vm2tk]

@@roxygonzales6080 about the 10mm I believe but it's gone already dismantled about 1 month ago

[@dfwoverland]

Btw. Wife and I love the tattoo on your left bicep.

[@TheJdclark300]

Where did you stop in Waco? That is were I live!

[@Berber12345678]

What's the name of the camping site you guys went back to in the beginning?

[@cross7707]

Where can I buy that trailer?

[@no1nozy]

As a PINS Regular... it's NOT for the inexperienced or rigs not capable of extreme conditions. It is however, the greatest beach getaway short of being a castaway.

[@03garcie]

Name and location of the campground y’all used here?

[@deborahhymer9315]

Watch out for seagulls. They will steal food off your plate or out of your hand. Malequite Beach at the end of the paved road is the best.

[@lloydrage]

Did you guys make it to big shell? I live here and never camp on beach. Too much wind. But glad you guys came down.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I think we did. lol We made it past MM35.

[@MGreen-vz6yb]

Wow! Did you put your finger in a light socket?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

BAHAHAHA Very original. You are such a kind person.

[@wudchk]

lol....I took our truck camper down 35 or so miles. Couldn't hack it. Stayed one night. Nothing like being sandblasted while you sleep.

[@kitten103083]

What’s the name of that campground. ? Thanks and great video

[@fyrmanswanny9140]

I have the Jetboil Genesis too, love it. I need a good wind screen, what is the one you were using in the video? I could not get a clear look at the name on it.

[@douglasp.8640]

Hi, nice trip......do you need 4 wheel drive?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It helps for sure!

[@robertstout260]

Once you get down about 20+ miles you do to go the extra 40 miles .There are a few time when the beach conditions are just right and can go about 35 miles down without 4 wheel.

[@lloydrage]

The Wharton Buckees is the best. I always stop there.

[@davidmartinez800]

Thats a small buckeyes

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We encountered one that was a lot smaller - basically a normal sized convenience store. I was very odd. lol

[@jk_wrangler13]

What the heck are beaver nuggets?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Basically Caramel coated puff corn. Super yummy!!

[@ramondeleon7813]

Mix the cilantro with your picante sauce; then it'll stay put. On the beach some people block the wind from their tents with thier vehicles, it helps some times.

[@quezel]

Who else stopped watching the video to go watch falcon and the winter soldier?

[@armorvestrus4119]

Here is a clue, they call it ( Sea Level ) for a very good reason. One day I went searching for ( Sea Curvature ) and I never did find it and no one else ever has, very strange. As I recall it is (8 inches per miles squared). 🌎?

[@grn9209]

We still have sand in some gear from October 🤣🤣🤣. Hope you liked it👊🏼

[@shawntallman6263]

You live in Waco? If so..so do I. I have a 2006 Nissan Xterra that I'm slowly getting equipped for overlanding.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We live in Arkansas

[@richardmontgomery4338]

This is where I live it’s the only place we have to go “adventuring” unfortunately. How far did you drive to come to this beach I didn’t think anyone would wanna come here

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

PINS is about 10 hours from home.

[@richardmontgomery4338]

Ok so I finished watching the video and see you gave up on camping lol I was wondering why you would leave the beautiful ozarks to get sand in everything as far as the wind you gotta block it and even then your food won’t be sand free lol

[@richardmontgomery4338]

I’ve lived here my whole life I’m craving to get out of here to somewhere with lots of trees and mountains where I can actually go adventure

[@fritty9927]

😂😂. I’ve been camping since the late 50’s and my Dad (WW2 vet) always said why bother with all that cooking work if you can drive to a place to sit and eat at local restaurants. When possible.