Last updated: February 9, 2024
Place
North Beach
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Decimal Degrees: 27.47735, -97.27410
Designation:
National Seashore
Amenities
5 listed
Pets Allowed, Primitive Campsites, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tent Campsites, Trash Dumpster
North Beach includes 1.5 miles of sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico. It is accessed 1 mile south of the park entrance sign along Park Road 22. When conditions allow, driving is permitted on North Beach. Traveling on the beach beyond the paved road is done so at your own risk. Weather reports and tide charts are available online. The southern boundary of North Beach is bordered by vehicle bollards at Malaquite Beach, and the northern boundary of North Beach is bordered by the vehicle bollards that divide the national seashore with Kleberg County beaches. A vehicle lane is open at the northern bollard for access to the county beaches.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are always recommended on North Beach, and may be required depending on conditions. Check for posted signs.
Fees and Camping Permit
Park entrance fees are required. A seven-day pass or annual pass are required for overnight stays. To camp on North Beach, fill out a free self-issued camping permit in the kiosk at the entrance of the beach. Camping is not permitted on Malaquite Beach.
Protect the Dunes
Do not drive behind the dunes, over areas of beach covered in vegetation, on tidal flats or wetlands.
Right of Way
Northbound traffic has the right of way. Watch for pedestrians.
Do Not Block Traffic
Keep the main driving lane clear when parking or camping on the beach.
Speed Limits
15 MPH year-round.
Stay Limit
Campers may stay at the national seashore up to 14 consecutive days, but then must vacate their site and leave the national seashore for at least 14 days before returning to camp again. The total number of days spent camping in any combinations of visits cannot exceed 28 calendar days per year.
Quiet Hours
Quiet Hours are from 10pm – 6am – Outside of quiet hours, every reasonable effort should be made by campers to maintain peace and tranquility. Please consider your neighbors before turning up the volume.
Generators
Generator use during quiet hours is prohibited. Idling vehicles to charge batteries during quiet hours is also prohibited. Generator noise levels must not exceed 60 decibels at 50 feet as measured on the A-weighted scale.
Fires
Campfires are permitted along gulf beaches where camping is allowed. Please follow these beach fire rules:
- Build fires away from the dunes and below the high tide line.
- Extinguish fires with water. Do not bury with sand.
- Do not burn trash or wood with nails, e.g. wood pallets.
- Remove burnt debris.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times and under your control. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.
Leave No Trace
Store all unused food and beverage in a latched, hard sided container or a vehicle when not in use. Properly dispose of all trash. Dumpsters are located in each campground, beach entrance, and at the Malaquite Visitor Center.