Padre Balli Park — Camping, Fishing, and Beach Days on North Padre Island

Padre Balli Park is a favorite destination for beach activities, fishing, and overnight stays at RV campsites.

Coastal Camping at Padre Balli Park on North Padre Island

Padre Balli Park brings together an expansive beach-camping experience with almost 100 paved campsites for RVs, 12 hardtop tent areas with electrical and water hookups, ADA-accessible amenities, a bathhouse, and additional facilities. Camping fees cover shower house use and WiFi access. Beach camping is not permitted between Access Roads 4 through 6.

For a relaxed day by the water, visitors can enjoy miles of sandy beach for swimming and play between Mile Markers 224 and 235. Those seeking more remote areas or fishing opportunities can continue to Mile Markers 235 and beyond. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended because beach maintenance ends after Access Rd 6, near Mile Marker 235. The extensive shoreline and variety of activities make this destination popular with locals and visitors throughout the year.

Bob Hall Pier

At Padre Balli Park on North Padre Island, Bob Hall Pier provides a waterfront destination in Corpus Christi. The newly rebuilt pier is 1,252 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 18.5 feet above the water. It is a local favorite for fishing, with rod rentals available on site, bait and tackle for sale, and a snack stand offering drinks, snacks, and fishing essentials. A beach parking permit is not needed to reach the pier, though admission and fishing fees apply.

About Padre Balli Park

How to Get There

Padre Balli Park is reachable from S Padre Island Dr. via Padre Balli Park Rd. Visitors can also enter from Access Rd 4, Access Rd 5, or Access Rd 6. A parking permit should be purchased before arriving if you plan to park on the beach. Permits are available directly on the beach at the Padre Balli Park Office.

Mile Markers

Padre Balli Beach extends from Mile Marker 224 to Mile Marker 300. Beach maintenance ends near Mile Marker 235, and 4x4s are suggested south of Mile Marker 235.

Accommodations

Hotels: Lively Beach, Hawthorn Suites, Island House, Gulfstream Condos, Holiday Inn Express, Padre Escapes Vacation Rentals, El Constante, Aruba Bay Resort

Camping: Padre Balli Park

Food: Padre Island Burger Company, Doc's Seafood & Steaks, Snoopy's Pier, Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery

What to Know

A parking permit is required.
Complimentary beach wheelchairs are available at the Padre Balli Park Office.
Bathrooms are available on site.
Free trash bag stations are provided.
Beach camping is allowed after Access Rd 6/Mile Marker 235.
4x4 vehicles are suggested after Access Rd 6/Mile Marker 235.
Dogs are allowed on leash.

What to Love

Tent camping
RV camping with full hookups
A fishing hot spot
Padre Balli Park Office amenities
An off-the-beaten-path beach experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a beach parking permit?

Permit stickers are $12 and available year-round at the following locations:

Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center
Stripes convenience stores in Padre Island, Flour Bluff, and select stores in central Corpus Christi
Circle K convenience stores in Padre Island and Flour Bluff
H-E-B grocery stores in Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Calallen, Portland, and Rockport
Corpus Christi City Hall – Central Cashiering
Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi – ITT Department
Nueces County Padre Balli Park Headquarters Office
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (University Services)
Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office

How do I reserve a Padre Balli Park campsite?

Campsite reservations can be made by calling the Nueces County Coastal Park Office at (361) 949-8121.

What rentals are offered at Padre Balli Beach?

Love Shack Tiki Hut is available for rentals.

May I bring my dog to Padre Balli Beach?

Yes. All beaches in Corpus Christi are dog friendly, and dogs must remain on a leash at Padre Balli Beach. The pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Are lifeguards present at Padre Balli Beach?

Yes. Mobile lifeguards patrol Padre Balli Beach during the summer season. The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department provides a full lifeguard schedule with information about lifeguard coverage and mobile patrol throughout the year.

The phone number for the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office is (361) 826-3469. For emergencies, call 911.

What should I do with my trash?

Complimentary trash bags can be collected from the posts positioned as visitors enter the beach at all access roads. The bags are designed to let sand fall away without catching the wind and blowing down the beach. Trash cans are located at every beach entrance and along the beach. Visitors are encouraged to help leave the beaches in better condition for the next person.

Is camping or having a bonfire/campfire allowed?

A campsite is located near the Padre Balli Park Office. Beach camping and bonfires/campfires are allowed south of Access Rd 6, subject to these rules:

Fires may be no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’, and no residue may be left behind.
Campfires must be completely extinguished, and all holes must be filled.
Camping is prohibited in front of condos and hotels.
Camping may continue for 3 days & nights consecutively, but no more than 6 days within a month.
Pallets and building materials are not allowed. Wood pallets and construction materials can be coated in toxic chemicals that are not intended to burn in campfires. They may also contain nails or screws that pose a danger to people or wildlife.

Plan Your Visit

Know Before You Go

Information is available about directions, parking permit details, and other visit-planning needs.

Watch Live Beach Cams

Visitors can check beach conditions before setting out.

Sea Turtle Releases

Travelers can look for information about whether a sea turtle release will take place during their visit.