Embrace beach life this summer at Galveston Island State Park. Located just an hour from downtown Houston, the state park is one of the only places in Texas where you can camp directly on the beach. Furthermore, the park offers a network of kayak trails, hiking, and endless views.
Reopened in 2019 after major renovations, Galveston Island State Park offers a premier coastal outdoor experience. Visitors here can enjoy over five miles of hiking trails, bayside kayak stations, beachside pavilions, and world-class fishing and birdwatching. Plus, with 95 beach campsites, it is the only place in Galveston where you can camp directly on the sand.
Beachfront camping for under $20
The park’s 95 campsites are spread across several beachside sections, each with direct access to the Gulf beach. For travelers watching their budget, the standout option is the beachside tent platform:
With 7 sites, fitting up to 8 people, beachside tent platforms are priced at about $20 per night plus the daily entrance fee. These are tent‑only platforms with a picnic table, fire ring, and shade shelter; one is ADA accessible. If additional space is desired, visitors can opt for beachside water and electric for around $30 a night, premium water and electric about $35 per night, or water only for about $15 a night.
All rates are per night and exclude the $5 daily entrance fee for ages 13 and up (children 12 and under are free). Because the beachside areas fill quickly—especially on summer weekends and during events—reservations are strongly recommended.
Kayak trails through West Galveston Bay
While the camps face the Gulf, the kayaking is available on the calmer bay side, where the park features three marked kayak and canoe trails. You must bring your own boat (no rentals in the park), launch from designated access points, and follow the trail markers through marsh, open water, and narrow bayous.
There are three main kayak trails through West Galveston Bay:
- Dana Cove Trail – Open‑water paddling with wide scenic views and exposure to bay breezes; a good choice if you want a straightforward route with big skies.
- Jenkins Bayou Trail – A quieter route that winds along bayous and edges of marsh—ideal for birdwatching and spotting shorebirds and waders.
- Oak Bayou Trail – The longest, most challenging, and wild trail. Leads through secluded bayous, coves, high marsh, and seagrass areas.
Galveston Island State Park access
Galveston Island State Park is located at the west end of Galveston Island at 14901 Fm 3005, Galveston, TX. Entrance is priced at $5 per person, children 12 and under are permitted free entrance. Visitors can make their bookings online through Texas Parks & Wildlife reservation system. Kayak and canoe rentals are not available on-site, so be sure to bring your own.
