Watching the sea turtle hatchling release is one of many activities campers and beachgoers can enjoy at the Padre Island National Seashore. Photo from NPS.
The Padre Island National Seashore offers some of the best campgrounds in the Coastal Bend. The shoreline is maintained to a pristine standard, rangers keep it safe by patrolling night and day and the visitor center provides a wealth of information as well as showers and restrooms.
The Bird Island Basin Campground is located right on the edge of the Laguna Madre and close to the boat ramp, making it great for windsurfing. According to the NPS, Windsurfing Magazine recognized the area as the best windsurfing spot in the United States.
Before planning a trip to the beach, keep the camping fees in mind. The Bird Island Basin campground and day use area have changing fees for the New Year, effective January 1. Bird Island Basin Campground fees will now be $5 per night, in place of the daily use fee campers have been charged in the past.
Campers now have an alternative to paying at the entrance. A new self-registration station that accepts credit cards has been placed at he campground. Also, the “iron ranger” — a tough and secure collection box — is now affixed to the campground’s bulletin board for campers to place their self-registration envelopes.
Beachgoers who don’t plan on spending the night, such as boaters, kayakers, fishers, sunbathers and sand-castle builders, only need to pay the regular entrance fee and/or boat ramp launch pass at the entrance to the park.
Campers with an Interagency Senior Pass, or an Interagency Access Pass for the permanently disabled will be able to enjoy the seashore at a discounted rate.
Visit http://www.nps.gov/pais for more information.
