The Best Camping Near Sea Rim State Park, Texas

Like pretty much all of Texas, spring and fall are the best times to visit Sea Rim State Park. South Texas is especially seasonal, as summers here are oppressively hot and humid. Though, in fairness, if you’re going to be anywhere in the Texas summer, you might as well be right on the Gulf of Mexico.

While not as oppressive as nearby Houston, the humidity is still high during the summers, and the average daytime temperature hovers in the upper 80s, dropping just below 80 overnight. For those not used to high levels of heat and humidity, south Texas can be challenging in the warmest parts of the year.

Spring and fall are pleasant here, especially in the shoulder seasons of early spring and late fall. Fall travelers are treated to temperatures in the upper 60s to upper 70s, with overnight lows only about 10 degrees cooler. While some of the seasonal amenities will be closed at that point, the comfortable weather might be worth that trade-off.

Spring is much the same as fall, though temperatures in the early spring tend to be in the low to mid-60s during the day and into the 50s overnight. By the middle of spring, temperatures are comparable to fall.

Check Out the Floating Campsite

There’s only one, and it’s not always easy to grab—but it is very cool. This 13’ x 20’ floating campsite requires boat-in access to get to. Kayaks and canoes also work, and the park rents both for those who don’t have their own means of getting to the campsite. Do note that while this campsite is incredibly cool, it’s also as primitive as it gets, so prepare to be self-sufficient. Consult the park’s website for more details.

Most Sites Here Are Primitive

There are just under 100 total sites at Sea Rim State Park, but the significant majority of those are primitive sites. Granted, those primitive sites are on the beach, so it’s not all bad. These beach sites are also drive-in sites, so be sure to drive carefully so as not to harm the beach.

The beach campsites are first-come, first-serve, but be sure to check the tide and weather forecasts. High tides and other weather events will cause closures. If you have any questions about tide charts or weather forecasts, you can contact the park directly to hear about the conditions.

Don’t Bother the Alligators

Yep, there are alligators here. That’s really not as big of a deal as it sounds, though. As long as you don’t bother them and you don’t leave food out, you’re perfectly fine. Really, it’s just a common sense thing. Don’t try feeding the alligators and they won’t try feeding on you. Of course, if you aren’t sure how to properly camp in alligator country, you can consult the park’s guide.

Water sports are king here, as you can probably guess. While you have hiking options within driving distance, water sports like fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming are easily the most popular outdoor activities around. If you can think of it, and it’s on the water, it’s available to you.

It’s worth mentioning again that this is alligator country. While you can swim safely, only swim in designated areas. Alligators are most active at dusk and dawn, so swimming during the day is much safer than swimming in the evening or early morning. Always obey the posted signs about swimming, and ask the visitor center if you have any questions about alligator sightings.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach

While Jimmy Buffett is mainly associated with Florida, there’s a Margaritaville lifestyle consulate in the nation of Texas as well. Fun fact: Jimmy Buffett was actually born in Mississippi, not Florida. That fact probably won’t come in handy very often, but now you know.

This resort is absolutely packed with amenities. There’s a manicured sports field, a beautiful swimming pool, and an on-site bar (yes, it’s a swim-up bar). Everything here is resort-level, and the name is not any bit of an exaggeration. The sites here are incredibly spacious, so even newer RVers should have an easy time maneuvering here.

The Palapa RV Beach Resort

This resort spreads out over almost 50 acres of beachfront property. Located in an ideal spot for a wide array of day trips, the Palapa RV Beach Resort is the perfect home base for south Texas travel. You’ll be right on the beach, so all you have to do is put your toes in the sand and unplug for a while. Of course, with comfortable amenities and internet access, you’ll never miss anything you have to stay connected for.

Cardinal RV Park

Just down the road in nearby Beaumont, Texas, is a simple RV park that’s perfect for anyone wanting quick and easy highway access. There are 60 full hookup RV sites to choose from, and long-haul travelers will appreciate the dump station, showers, and laundry facilities. Four-legged family members can run around in the dog park, and everyone can enjoy the south Texas sunshine.

Boomtown USA RV Resor

There are few things more peaceful than being right on the lake. Boomtown USA RV Resort offers that tranquility and puts campers just steps from the water. RV sites vary in comfort from the standard sites for travelers wanting a value-based price, all the way up to lakefront luxury sites with wide pads and great views. No matter which site you select, all sites can fit rigs up to 65 feet long.

Travelers wanting a more non-traditional experience can spend the night in the glamping tent. This air-conditioned tent is right on the water and offers a queen bed and linens for maximum comfort.

While there aren’t any national parks in the area, there are a handful of nearby National Park Service (NPS) sites as well as other federal land. Besides the NPS sites, the best national forest in Texas (yep, Texas has those) is also within driving distance. While some options are longer drives, these three are some of the best options for day trips.

Big Thicket National Preserve

(1.5 hours)

While it’s not a national forest, it sure feels like it could be. Big Thicket National Preserve was created to preserve a portion of south Texas’ pine and hardwood forests. The preserve is great for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with almost 40 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Of course, you don’t have to just move around on your own two feet. If you want to really explore the preserve, get out onto the water and paddle!

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

(1.5 hours)

Sea Rim State Park is closer to Louisiana than it is to most of Texas. The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is located across the border into Louisiana and is managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Louisiana is called the Sportsman’s Paradise for a reason. This beautiful section of the state offers great hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography options for all to enjoy.

Sam Houston National Forest

(2 hours)

While a bit of a drive, the Sam Houston National Forest is worth every minute of your time. Easily the most popular and most well-loved national forest in Texas, it’s also home to some of the best hiking trails in the Lone Star State (outside of Big Bend National Park, of course).

The forest is home to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, a 128-mile thru-hike and one of just a few long trails in Texas. While you don’t have to hike the whole thing, of course, a section hike is a great challenge.

Village Creek State Park

(1 hour)

Village Creek State Park is home to one of the few free-flowing creeks in the state of Texas. Though it’s just 20 minutes from Beaumont, Village Creek isn’t a particularly popular state park. That bodes well for visitors, though, since the hiking trails will be wide open, and crowds will be minimal. Just like Sea Rim State Park, while you can swim safely, only swim in designated areas.

Martin Dies Jr. State Park

(2 hours)

You can’t get much further east than Martin Dies Jr. State Park and still be in Texas, but this spot is just barely on the Texas side of the state line. The unique ecosystem here is a result of a pair of rivers flowing into one another and creating the park’s defining feature. While there are a handful of available campsites, most travelers will enjoy the park more through day hikes and paddling trips.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

(2 hours)

This park is actually across the border into Louisiana, though not by much. Located near Lake Charles, Louisiana, this state park conserves almost 1,100 acres of woodlands and water features. There are a handful of shorter trails here, with the Longleaf Pine Trail being the longest at 3.5 miles. Families traveling with younger children will have several short trails to choose from while here.

Walter Umphrey Park

While there’s sometimes confusion, this park is not run by the state. This is a county-run park in Port Arthur, Texas. With a lighted fishing pier and a boat launch, this is a really popular little spot for anglers and crabbers in the area. Even if you aren’t casting lines, the park is a great place to hang out and enjoy the waterfront views.

Beaumont Children’s Museum

This is exactly what it sounds like. The city of Beaumont created a space for families to bring young children to learn about the world around them. If you’re heading into the city, be sure to stop in and check out some of their exhibits that are sure to excite and engage young minds.

Port Neches Riverfront Park

Located in its namesake, the city of Port Neches, this park covers 27 acres and is the largest of all the municipal parks in the city. With views of the Neches River, this is an ideal place to spend a relaxing warm afternoon. Of course, for those needing to expend a bit more energy, there’s a playground, small sports complex, and a water park.

Tammie’s Diner

There are few things that beat a proper local diner. Tammie’s is a bit of a local staple and is the place to be when you’re in Sabine Pass. Though there are a variety of offerings, Tammie’s is most prominently a fish shack. You can order something else, but why mess with a good thing when you’re this close to the water?

Rosie’s SoulFood

You’ll have to drive just a bit to Beaumont for this one since there isn’t a whole lot besides Tammie’s in Sabine Pass. However, it’s worth the mileage because this unassuming spot serves up some of the best soul food around. The atmosphere here is casual and homey, so visitors and regulars alike feel like family.

JWilson’s

If you want something a little more upscale, JWilson’s is a fun spot to grab New American fares in trendy digs. Of course, this place still errs on the side of casual, so you won’t exactly need a shirt and tie. Still, if you want to try something trendy or plan a laid-back date night, this is the spot in Beaumont to see.

Whether you’re a hiker, angler, or just like to be on the road, this section of south Texas is ready to welcome you in. With comfortably warm weather for much of the year, be sure to make Sea Rim State Park a part of your off-season travel plans.