Place

North Beach

A wooden information kiosk on the beach with sand dunes behind.
Fill out a primitive camping permit at the information kiosk.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Location:
Decimal Degrees: 27.47735, -97.27410
Designation:
National Seashore

Pets Allowed, Primitive Campsites, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tent Campsites, Trash Dumpster

North Beach includes 1.5 miles of sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico. It is accessed 1 mile south of the park entrance sign along Park Road 22. When conditions allow, driving is permitted on North Beach. Traveling on the beach beyond the paved road is done so at your own risk. Weather reports and tide charts are available online. The southern boundary of North Beach is bordered by vehicle bollards at Malaquite Beach, and the northern boundary of North Beach is bordered by the vehicle bollards that divide the national seashore with Kleberg County beaches. A vehicle lane is open at the northern bollard for access to the county beaches.  

Four-wheel drive vehicles are always recommended on North Beach, and may be required depending on conditions. Check for posted signs.  


Fees and Camping Permit 
Park entrance fees are required. A seven-day pass or annual pass are required for overnight stays. To camp on North Beach, a permit is not required, however, park entrance fees still apply. Camping is not permitted on Malaquite Beach. 

Protect the Dunes 
Do not drive behind the dunes, over areas of beach covered in vegetation, on tidal flats or wetlands. 

Right of Way 
Northbound traffic has the right of way. Watch for pedestrians. 

Do Not Block Traffic 
Keep the main driving lane clear when parking or camping on the beach. 

Speed Limits 
15 MPH year-round. 

Stay Limit 
Campers may stay at the national seashore up to 14 consecutive days, but then must vacate their site and leave the national seashore for at least 14 days before returning to camp again. The total number of days spent camping in any combinations of visits cannot exceed 28 calendar days per year. 

Quiet Hours 
Quiet Hours are from 10pm – 6am – Outside of quiet hours, every reasonable effort should be made by campers to maintain peace and tranquility. Please consider your neighbors before turning up the volume. 

Generators 
Generator use during quiet hours is prohibited. Idling vehicles to charge batteries during quiet hours is also prohibited. Generator noise levels must not exceed 60 decibels at 50 feet as measured on the A-weighted scale. 

Fires 
Campfires are permitted along gulf beaches where camping is allowed. Please follow these beach fire rules: 

  • Build fires away from the dunes and below the high tide line. 
  • Extinguish fires with water. Do not bury with sand. 
  • Do not burn trash or wood with nails, e.g. wood pallets. 
  • Remove burnt debris. 


Pets 
Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times and under your control. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. 

Leave No Trace  
Store all unused food and beverage in a latched, hard sided container or a vehicle when not in use. Properly dispose of all trash. Dumpsters are located in each campground, beach entrance, and at the Malaquite Visitor Center

 

 
 

Padre Island National Seashore

Last updated: August 3, 2024