South Packery Channel Beach — Gulf Camping, Jetty Fishing & Surfing in Corpus Christi, TX

South Packery Channel Beach offers a chance to unplug on the Gulf in Corpus Christi, TX, with beach camping, jetty fishing, and solid surf.

South Packery Channel Beach

Camping, Fishing & Surfing at South Packery Channel Beach & Jetty

South Packery Channel Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas is a popular choice for spending the night on the beach or trying to bring in your next catch. The beach sits along the south side of the Packery Channel, where the surf can become especially good when the breeze arrives from the Gulf of Mexico.

The jetty attracts plenty of fishermen. On the north side of the Packery Channel, across on Mustang Island, visitors can find a free boat ramp and fish cleaning station, along with barbecue pits and picnic tables for enjoying freshly caught fish. Nearby Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall provides a paved parking lot and an ADA accessible ramp. Watch for the sand dune coyote statues, which North Padre Island locals created from natural materials.

Reaching the Beach

South Packery Channel Beach can be entered at Access Rd 3a from Windward Dr or from Whitecap Blvd via S Padre Island Dr. A parking permit should be purchased before arriving so you can park on the beach.

Mile Marker Range

South Packery Channel Beach extends from Mile Marker 213 to Mile Marker 210.

Places to Stay and Eat

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

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

What to Know Before You Go

• A parking permit is required to park on the beach.
• Portable restrooms are available on site.
• Free trash bag stations are provided.
• Outdoor showers are available.
• Camping is allowed.
• Dogs are allowed.

What Visitors Love

• Broad, spacious shoreline
• Maintained beach and sand
• Jetty fishing
• Stunning views

Beach Parking Permits

Permit stickers are $12 and can be purchased year-round at the following locations:

• Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center
• Stripes convenience stores (Padre Island, Flour Bluff, and select stores in central Corpus Christi)
• Circle K convenience store (Padre Island and Flour Bluff)
• H-E-B grocery stores (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

South Packery Channel Beach Rentals

Rental options include:

• Gulf Coast Mokes
• Love Shack Tiki Hut
• Corpus Beach Rentals
• Joyride Rentals
• Pretty Picnics
• Paint and Picnic

Bringing Dogs to the Beach

Every beach in Corpus Christi is dog friendly, provided dogs remain on a leash or under verbal command. Pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Dogs are not permitted at South Packery Channel Beach on all major holidays. During those periods, take your pups to Padre Balli Park instead.

Lifeguard Coverage

Yes, mobile lifeguards patrol South Packery Channel Beach. The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department provides a full lifeguard schedule with additional information about lifeguard coverage and mobile patrol throughout the year.

For assistance, contact the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office at (361) 826-3469. Call 911 in an emergency.

Handling Beach Trash

Blue boxes at the beach entrances and access roads provide complimentary trash bags. The bags are designed to shed sand without catching the wind and blowing away. Trash cans are available at every beach entrance and throughout the beach. Visitors are encouraged to help leave the beach in better condition for the next person.

Camping and Campfires

Camping and campfires are permitted at South Packery Channel Beach when these general rules are followed:

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