Port Bolivar, Texas – Free Dispersed Camping on Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach Free Dispersed Camping – Port Bolivar, Texas

This beach is a rarity because free camping is actually allowed for an unlimited period of time! The beach is roughly 27 miles long, and runs along Bolivar Peninsula, right beside Galveston, Texas. There are numerous spots you can drive out onto it, and the sand is hard enough for large RVs. It’s really easy to find spots to drive out, however it’s not that intuitive to find the free part. Most of the beach requires a $10 permit that you purchase from local businesses (which is really cheap and a good deal). However, if you drive out at Retillon Road and turn left (east), there’s a small area (think a few hundred feet) where you can camp without a permit. Pay attention to the signs in the dunes. They tell you where the area ends. The beach is long and flat, and there’s a rundown port-a-potty near the entrance. Fires are allowed. We stayed here in mid-January, and the temps were cool (40s/50s/60s) with some wind and rain, so be prepared for chilly days and nights if you come in the winter.