Yarborough Pass

Yarborough Pass is the only down-island access to the Laguna Madre.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Decimal Degrees: 27.20434, -97.38929

Designation:

National Seashore

Amenities

6 listed

Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Pets Allowed, Primitive Campsites, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tent Campsites

Yarborough Pass is a primitive camping area located along the Laguna Madre. It is accessed by driving down South Beach for approximately 15 miles then traversing on a high clearance four-wheel drive sand and caliche road for 1.6 miles. When conditions allow, driving is permitted on South Beach and to Yarborough Pass. Yarborough Pass can close temporarily after heavy rainfall due to standing water and thick mud in the roadbed. Traveling on the beach and dirt road beyond the paved road is done so at your own risk. Weather reports and tide charts are available online.  

High clearance four-wheel drive vehicles are required at Yarborough Pass.  

Fees and Camping Permit 
Park entrance fees are required. A seven-day pass or annual pass are required for overnight stays. To camp at Yarborough Pass, fill out a free self-issued camping permit in the kiosk at the entrance of South 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 on South Beach. Watch for pedestrians. 

Do Not Block Traffic 
Keep the main driving lane clear when parking or camping. 

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 not permitted in this area. 

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.