Hi y'all! I enjoyed your story on camping at PINS, which is right down the road from where I live in Corpus Christi, and a place in which I'm looking forward to camping. I'm a teacher too. I found your RUclips channel because I'm gathering info on the island for a possible book I'd like to write that personifies the wildlife on Padre Island, like the coyotes, deer, brown pelicans, redfish, sea turtles, etc. But back to your wonderful experience on the beach, and the sand that's inherent, and can be abhorrent... next time you're camping, and don't want to carry sand into a tent or camper, place a water trough by the entrance and wash the sand off. (like the shallow rubber kind from tractor supply) Glad I found you adventurous women! Safe travels out there.
Hey y'all! Thanks for all of the super helpful info. We haven't been here yet, but it's on our short list to get to soon! Now we feel prepared. Thanks!
It's great. We learned from someone else after we'd gone that deflating your tires a bit will help when driving on sand. You probably already knew that, but we didn't.
Great video. Enjoy watching your various experiences. If you are going to be doing more boondocking and off pavement driving, get a small air compressor, tire pressure gage, and learn about reducing tire air pressure when driving on soft surfaces. Re-pressurize before road driving. Jeff and Jean
Wish we'd known this earlier. We have an air compresser, and it travels with us. We just didn't think about reducing the tire pressure when we were driving on the beach. What a great tip!
Ive visited Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) for the last 3 seasons. You ladies have done a great job presenting a clear & consice overview of the camping options, Bravo! The campsites are first come basis and you self-register at the kiosk at the entrance to each camp. At the Malaquite(Mal-A-Keet) visitor center there are also rinse off showers, flush toilets & hand wahing sinks along with access to the beach and ocean. From the Malaquite campground at the gulf side sites you can see the beach & the water. There are also 3 access areas directly to the beach at the camp. I'll also add that if a camper has the all access (lifetime senior pass) the camping fees are one-half. So Bird Island Basin is $8 full price/with senior pass $4. Malaquite camp is $14 full price/with senior pass is $7. There are stay limits. Currently in 2021 a camper may camp anywhere in the park for 14 days. They then must leave for 14 days and may then return for a second 14 days of camping. It is a total of 28 days per calendar year in a 14 In; 14 Out; 14 in configuration. There is a car wash with vaccuums and high clearance outside the park as you head into Corpus Christi on Padre Island Drive just as you get over the causeway. Hope that helps, Happy Trails!
I am so happy that I found your you tube channel. I was in the middle of planning a trip to Padre Island and thought I’d check out a few you tube videos regarding Padre Island. Well, your channel was the first to pop up. I’m so happy that it did. You have a lot of “tid bit” information on a lot of different places, to include Padre Island. I have clicked on like and will watch as often as I can. Thank you ever so much for all this information.....I can not wait to watch more videos about your travels. Enjoy. Be safe out there. Maybe I’ll see you both out there sometime. One never knows. God bless. Debbie and my dog Titan.
Welcome to Two Tired Teachers, Debbie. We loved camping on the beach. It was almost surreal to fall asleep to the waves. Two things I consider extremely important. Be sure to get a tide chart if you are staying on the beach, and if you have any kind of an RV, be sure to stop at the car wash as soon as you leave the beach.
happy birthday!!!! padre island is one of my favorite camping stops in texas. also the rio grande river area. thanks for sharing your obvious enjoyment
Thanks for the birthday wishes. It is June, and I am good at being 60. 😎 We loved Padre Island. I wouldn't want to be there everyday, but it was a great trip.
We stayed at Mustang Island state park a few years ago and stayed in the water electric sites. We mostly wanted a place to park and use our trailer as basically a hotel while we did activities in Corpus, but also be able to go to the beach if we want. Even though the trailers are fairly close together, everyone was very nice and respectful. This may nave changed, but I believe they allow dry camping on the beach. Glad y’all are enjoying your retirement!
Mustang Island did allow beach camping; I don't know if they will after the repairs are done. We are loving retirement. Of course, I've been practicing for 3 years, but Sharon is very good at it, too.
Thanks so much guys. I'm planning a solo trip down to the South Beach area with my 4WD Jeep. I just moved to the area recently from Colorado and WOW, is it a huge change. Gone are the days I could park on the side of the road and hike up with my pack. Anyway, I too was pretty confused searching on the internet about fees and areas etc. Thanks again for making this video, really cleared up most of my questions.
Thanks so much for this, lots of great information! I didn't think about washing the RV. Great point! I'm headed there in a class c in a week.Concerned about getting stuck in soft sand. Being on the beach you have plenty of (salt) water. I travel with a dollar store plastic dish pan. Fill it with ocean water and dip your feet in before you go into your Rig
Nice job ladies! We spent time in Rockport in March 2020 doing volunteer work needed from 2017's HurricaneHarvey & visited Padre & Port Aransas. Such a beautiful experience & you guys shared it well. Stay Blessed, Gator & Terri
We will probably never RV full time, but we love the time we do RV. We have seen so many things and been so many places. Thank you for your comment. We do appreciate you.
Great post! I also saw your post on Campendium. We're heading to Padre Island (probably North Beach) in a couple of weeks in our new 42.5' 5th TH. We know it's big, hence this note. No concern with the truck (4x4 diesel dually). I'm concerned with having adequate space to turn around. We're monitoring tide tables, and think we found a good window. Granted, surge from hurricane Zeta could change things around, but... Anyway, any advice you can give 1st time visitors to the Island is appreciated.
Keep in mind that we've camped on the beach only once, and we were in a trailer that is just over half as long as your fifth wheel. Some people suggest having less air in your tires to help get around on the beach. We didn't do that. We had a good bit of room between our door and the water, so you may not have trouble turning around.
You two did such an awesome job! Loved the video and information 👍❤️ we are going to use this as a reference for our trip! Thanks so much! And we hope you both are doing well and having a very happy new year! Thanks for being you! 🙏❤️
We loved camping on the beach. We kept the windows open at night so we could hear the water. If you are given a tide chart, ask for one. You don't want to wake up surrounded by water.
Once again another awesome video! I am so happy for you both for getting to BioShock and have such a wonderful time,I can see the real joy and th. On your faces . This is so great watching you Enjoy yourselves.
It's MalaKEET-- the "u" is silent. Also, between Corpus and Padre is a town called Flour Bluff, which is where I lived. Just get back on South Padre Island Drive from any beach access road and go north. Just over the causeway is FB, with gas, HEB grocery, etc. There used to be a place on the right on SPID that was basically some pipes that curved over your vehicle and some on the ground, and for pocket change it'd rinse your car. It's important to rinse the underside. Salt is extremely damaging. In fact, even if you don't go near the beach, it is wise to rinse your vehicle, at least on your way out of town. Best night fishing w/o a boat is on a little dock at the Laguna. Best daytime is surf fishing--casting from beach. Bob Hall Pier was outstanding for catching large sting rays, eels, sharks, etc. but the last hurricane took out most of Bob Hall...used to extend WAY out over deep water. I heard there are plans to rebuild it. Fishing is also fun over in Port Aransas, about a 20 min. drive. It has man made concrete block jetties that extend way out as well. Oh, use live or frozen shrimp for bait until you hook something to cut up and use to bait the big guys. I miss going to the beach every day so much.😢 Btw, I lived there in late 1970's to early 1980's so take my tips with a grain of salt, pun intended. Best seafood restaurant was a dive called The Black Diamond, and best Tex-Mex was Ray's. Y'all have fun, use sunscreen and stay safe.
Thank you for all the great information! I'm also a retired teacher and am currently planning a trip there. I am also wary about getting stuck in the sand as I only have a two wheel drive Frontier.
2wd is fine for the first 10-15 miles of the National Seashore. It is very packed sand due to vehicles constantly driving on it. Also the city and county parks which are north of the National Seashore are safe for 2wd. Enjoy!
Thank you for the birthday wishes. I hope you have a wonderful trip. If you have a generator, running it anytime won't be a problem because the sound of the waves blankets all other sounds.
Hi! It’s strange I have the same trailer as you! Same color too. Only difference looks like you have the love seat where you two were sitting, I have the dinette. I pull mine with a 4x4 Ford F150. I am a retired Air Traffic Controller from the U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Defense! But I do have teaching experience too! Lots in common.)) I lived in Corpus Christi for five years and went to Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) almost six days a week. Now I have the lifetime pass that I got before the price changes. If I were to go to PINS now, I would stay at Malaquite Campground or Bird Island Basin for exactly what you mentioned, to stay away from the sand and salt. I would drive my truck down to PINS, daily to walk or surf fish from the beach. In my opinion you do not need to air down your tires on the first five miles of beach, it is pretty hard packed, but to be safe(r), carry a five gallon buck, shovel and a piece of narrow carpeting about 6ft long to put under you tires if you get stuck. The bucket to get water from the surf to pour under your tires to pack the sand and give something for them to grip. Shovel to dig out if necessary. Past the 5-mile marker do all the above and air down. I never got stuck in all that time. But have pulled many out! Remember do not drive in the dunes, hefty fines, heard one guy got fined $800 for walking in the dunes. Also, the tent campers, and no toilettes, guess where they go! Be careful walking. I would have loved to meet you two there, and our two blueberry campers parked next to each other. I would have taken you on a tour all the way to Mansfield pass if you wanted.)) Been your tour guide of sorts. Next time maybe.
We made quite a few modifications to our blue Micro Minnie. It came with a walk around queen, and we had it taken out and two twins put in. We also had the stove removed and added to drawers and more prep space in the kitchen. I wish we'd known of you went we were at Padre Island National Seashore. We would have taken you up on all kinds of tours. Maybe next time. Thank you so much for your comment. You gave us a lot of information, and we do appreciate it!
4 states have more coastline than Texas. Thanks for the excellent video, I am heading to South Padre Island in 2 weeks. Oops, I missed Louisiana so 5 states have more coastline than Texas. Alaska, Florida, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, then Texas followed by North Carolina.
I just left Key West after 6 weeks, camping right on the Gulf of Mexico. The Noseeums we're annoying at times but the fire ants were deadly. I won't miss them.
Any of the access beach points is free to camp primitively. However you do need a pass which is 12 bucks at stripes on avenue G. If you want electricity there is camping at the national park which is much cheaper than the other RV parks
You can park at the Padre Island National Seashore for free if you don't enter the park -- if you don't go through the booth. There are no hookups at the national seashore.
@@TwoTiredTeachers we must be talking about 2 different places mustang island national park is where I was referring to. The one I went to has 1 road in and out and the booth is right when you turn in.either way if you don’t enter through a park and are parked along the shoreline without a permit you can get fined. It says this at every beach access road along the main road when you first pull in. Some people may get confused between the 2 places. I believe padre island National seashore begins at marker 52.
We were actually at the Padre Island National Seashore. You keep going on that main road and it dead ends at the national seashore. It's several miles from Mustang Island.
Wind surfing! Yes! I’ve gotta go! How would the weather be in the winter months, Jan.-March? ✨ Those birds are seagulls. We have them here in Michigan, on the Great Lakes, too.
We were there in late March, and mornings and evenings were chilly. In January and February, average temperatures are highs in the low to mid 60s and lows in the low to mid 50s. With a strong breeze, it feels cooler. Thanks for clarifying what the birds are. We just weren't sure.
I used to live on my sailboat in Rockport and would make day trips down to Port A and PINS. Have you all been to Big Bend National Park? I bought my National Park pass 3 years ago at Big Bend for $10 - Free Lifetime Pass. Now they're $80.
Happy Belated Birthday MiLena! Now that you have stayed at Padre Island for a short amount of time and have several dry camping trips under your belt, do you see yourselves going back and staying longer? Also, watching this made me think of a question that I had meant to ask Sharon. I have heard that towing and backing a 5th wheel is much easier than a travel trailer. What does she think? I hope you ladies are having a wonderful time traveling around.
Thank you for the birthday wish. I don't think we would stay longer at Padre Island because of the sand and salt. As far as the backing is concerned, I think Sharon finds this one easier to back because it's 7' shorter, but I'll ask her. Right now, we are tryin to decide where to move. Our goal is outside of DFW because of taxes and traffic. We're looking at Wichita Falls or Abilene. The point is we need to take a trip. Do you plan on traveling this summer? If so, where are you going?
@@TwoTiredTeachers You have a point about this one being so much shorter. That would make a huge difference in backing it. Are you two planning to move to the same city now that you are both retired? I don't blame you for wanting to get away from the traffic there. I have heard it is some of the worst in the country. Right now I am not planning on any specific trips. Late summer I am planning to do a complete remodel of my kitchen so I am trying to do some work to get ready for that. Also, I am trying to buy some of the things I will need ahead of time so it is not a great time to be spending money on a trip.
Be careful when camping near the dunes. If you get too close you can get ticketed. The proper area is off the roadway on the surf side. Never drive between a parked vehicle and the surfside. Watch for kids and fishing lines As cell reception is bad at best, bring an alternate form of communication (CB and/or short wave) A text message might get through it the phone is tethered to a 10’ pole lol Plenty of water is a necessity. First Aid Medical supplies are encouraged. Leave only foot prints. In fact, I tend to use a few trash bags and collect as much flotsam and jetsam as possible.
We felt the ground was more packed at the North beach. We went ahead and paid to enter the park because we wanted to use the visitors center and dump station; otherwise, the North would have been completely free.
Mid Oct 2019 North Beach - a couple were beach camping and murdered, buried in the dunes, and truck and camper taken. The suspects (from Utah) went to Mexico with trk and TT. Hopefully you have, if 62 or older, senior pass for 50% off camping. Disabled also get discount with federal 'access pass'
Two questions: 1. Do you have solar? 2. Did you unhook and leave your trailer? If so, any worries about theft? I guess that’s three questions. 😂. We are planning a trip there in June. My sister lives in Laguna Beach.
We do have solar, but we had blown a fuse earlier in the trip and weren't able to use the solar. We did unhook and leave the trailer; we were not concerned about theft. As two sisters traveling, we don't stay anywhere we don't feel safe. I hope your trip is as wonderful as ours was.
Just be cautious with the MOW jellyfish! Their sting is a lot more serious (and even dangerous) than any other jellyfish or little sea creatures and the tentacles on a large one can stretch a good ten feet from the “balloon”. Not only that but even when they’re up on dry sand they can still get you.
I read recently in yahoo a RV couple were found in a shallow made grave somewhere in Padre Island. Where was this ugly crime? I don't know but safety is my concern and please stay safe. Did you hear about this ? Appreciate your info.
We've been a bit out of touch, so you were the one to alert us about this. I can tell you this about our camping. If we don't feel safe, we don't stay. Although the pictures may have looked like we were alone at the National Seashore, we had neighbors fairly close. Thank you for the information and your concern for our safety.
I think you can use the generator. It probably needs to be turned off during nighttime hours; however, if you are camping in the winter, the rules may be bent some if it is cold.
@@Debbie_T_FL If I were you, I might call the Padre Island National Seashore people and explain your situation. I'm not sure it would be legal for them to deny you access to a medical device.
So you can stay on the beach in padre.. for 14 nights.. you have to vacate for 48 hours.. then you can come back for another 14 nights? can you do this all year long? As long as there's 48 hours in between your 14 night stays?
@@TwoTiredTeachers That's AWESOME!!! I think I may have found a place to surf and scuba dive while living van life. Thank you very much ladies you two are awesome.
@@castle6660 It's been several years since we were there, and I have no idea about our cell service; however, I checked on Campendium and they said 2 bars with AT&T and only one with other major carriers.
Great details ladies. Thanks!
You are most welcome!
Hi y'all! I enjoyed your story on camping at PINS, which is right down the road from where I live in Corpus Christi, and a place in which I'm looking forward to camping. I'm a teacher too. I found your RUclips channel because I'm gathering info on the island for a possible book I'd like to write that personifies the wildlife on Padre Island, like the coyotes, deer, brown pelicans, redfish, sea turtles, etc. But back to your wonderful experience on the beach, and the sand that's inherent, and can be abhorrent... next time you're camping, and don't want to carry sand into a tent or camper, place a water trough by the entrance and wash the sand off. (like the shallow rubber kind from tractor supply) Glad I found you adventurous women! Safe travels out there.
Great idea about the water at the door. We put a tarp down outside, and it caught a lot of sand, but there was still lots more.
Very (very) helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the camping options, hazards and fee structure.
Thanks for your comment.
Thank you very much. This is still the most informative camping video out there.
What a wonderful comment! Thank you!
You can hear the excitement in your voice while describing this beach camping, thanks for another great video
We were so excited to be camping on the beach. Thank you for your comment.
Hey y'all! Thanks for all of the super helpful info. We haven't been here yet, but it's on our short list to get to soon! Now we feel prepared. Thanks!
It's great. We learned from someone else after we'd gone that deflating your tires a bit will help when driving on sand. You probably already knew that, but we didn't.
Great video. Enjoy watching your various experiences. If you are going to be doing more boondocking and off pavement driving, get a small air compressor, tire pressure gage, and learn about reducing tire air pressure when driving on soft surfaces. Re-pressurize before road driving. Jeff and Jean
Wish we'd known this earlier. We have an air compresser, and it travels with us. We just didn't think about reducing the tire pressure when we were driving on the beach. What a great tip!
Ive visited Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) for the last 3 seasons. You ladies have done a great job presenting a clear & consice overview of the camping options, Bravo! The campsites are first come basis and you self-register at the kiosk at the entrance to each camp. At the Malaquite(Mal-A-Keet) visitor center there are also rinse off showers, flush toilets & hand wahing sinks along with access to the beach and ocean. From the Malaquite campground at the gulf side sites you can see the beach & the water. There are also 3 access areas directly to the beach at the camp.
I'll also add that if a camper has the all access (lifetime senior pass) the camping fees are one-half. So Bird Island Basin is $8 full price/with senior pass $4. Malaquite camp is $14 full price/with senior pass is $7. There are stay limits. Currently in 2021 a camper may camp anywhere in the park for 14 days. They then must leave for 14 days and may then return for a second 14 days of camping. It is a total of 28 days per calendar year in a 14 In; 14 Out; 14 in configuration.
There is a car wash with vaccuums and high clearance outside the park as you head into Corpus Christi on Padre Island Drive just as you get over the causeway. Hope that helps, Happy Trails!
Thanks for adding information! We used that car wash as soon as we left the beach!
@@TwoTiredTeachers You're welcome. ☺ We've used it quite often ourselves 😉 New Sub! 👏👏👏
Thanks for your help. Great information 👍
You are most welcome!
I am so happy that I found your you tube channel. I was in the middle of planning a trip to Padre Island and thought I’d check out a few you tube videos regarding Padre Island. Well, your channel was the first to pop up. I’m so happy that it did. You have a lot of “tid bit” information on a lot of different places, to include Padre Island. I have clicked on like and will watch as often as I can. Thank you ever so much for all this information.....I can not wait to watch more videos about your travels. Enjoy. Be safe out there. Maybe I’ll see you both out there sometime. One never knows. God bless. Debbie and my dog Titan.
Welcome to Two Tired Teachers, Debbie. We loved camping on the beach. It was almost surreal to fall asleep to the waves.
Two things I consider extremely important. Be sure to get a tide chart if you are staying on the beach, and if you have any kind of an RV, be sure to stop at the car wash as soon as you leave the beach.
happy birthday!!!! padre island is one of my favorite camping stops in texas. also the rio grande river area. thanks for sharing your obvious enjoyment
Thanks for the birthday wishes. It is June, and I am good at being 60. 😎 We loved Padre Island. I wouldn't want to be there everyday, but it was a great trip.
I am planning a trip to PINS. Thank you so much for this video. :)
Hope it helps!
So happy to hear how much you are enjoying boondocking! 😃 ⛺️God Bless.
It was wonderful.
We stayed at Mustang Island state park a few years ago and stayed in the water electric sites. We mostly wanted a place to park and use our trailer as basically a hotel while we did activities in Corpus, but also be able to go to the beach if we want. Even though the trailers are fairly close together, everyone was very nice and respectful. This may nave changed, but I believe they allow dry camping on the beach. Glad y’all are enjoying your retirement!
Mustang Island did allow beach camping; I don't know if they will after the repairs are done. We are loving retirement. Of course, I've been practicing for 3 years, but Sharon is very good at it, too.
Padrea lsland is on my bucket list! Great information thanks for the video 👍❤️🐾
Thank you. I think you will love it.
Worth it! Was there at Corpus Christi for 5 days. Went to the national seashore. It’s a must see!
@@teddypittman That was one of our favorite trips.
Your excitement and enjoyment of Padre Island shows! It is an amazing place. Happy belated birthday Malena! Older sisters are the best!
We were so excited to be literally camping on the beach. Thanl you for the belated birthday wish.
These ladies are adorable. Great video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you 🤗
Thanks ladies. Good job explaining the different areas and the fees.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Thanks so much guys. I'm planning a solo trip down to the South Beach area with my 4WD Jeep. I just moved to the area recently from Colorado and WOW, is it a huge change. Gone are the days I could park on the side of the road and hike up with my pack. Anyway, I too was pretty confused searching on the internet about fees and areas etc. Thanks again for making this video, really cleared up most of my questions.
We had a great trip. Hope you enjoy your trip there.
I know this is a year old but is still great video and very informative thank you
We had so much fun on the beach. We love that you liked our video.
You ladies Rock. I go twice a year.
We loved our trip.
Thanks so much for this, lots of great information! I didn't think about washing the RV. Great point! I'm headed there in a class c in a week.Concerned about getting stuck in soft sand. Being on the beach you have plenty of (salt) water. I travel with a dollar store plastic dish pan. Fill it with ocean water and dip your feet in before you go into your Rig
Great idea about washing your feet before going inside.
This was such a great and informative video. Thank you so much for your experiences but more so your public service to the educational system.
Thank you for the great comment!
Nice job ladies! We spent time in Rockport in March 2020 doing volunteer work needed from 2017's HurricaneHarvey & visited Padre & Port Aransas. Such a beautiful experience & you guys shared it well.
Stay Blessed,
Gator & Terri
Thank you so much. It was a great trip.
Thank you both for another great video. I am learning so much from you, which increases my goal to rv and live!
We will probably never RV full time, but we love the time we do RV. We have seen so many things and been so many places. Thank you for your comment. We do appreciate you.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing. Definitely on my list of destinations.
It is a wonderful place, but lots and lots of sand on evereything.
I enjoyed the video. The sunset was amazing. I sub’d. 💕
Welcome to Two Tired Teachers. Thank you for subscribing.
Another great and informative video! Less than 2 weeks til our first camping trip. I can hardly wait! 😁
I'm excited for you.
Great post! I also saw your post on Campendium. We're heading to Padre Island (probably North Beach) in a couple of weeks in our new 42.5' 5th TH. We know it's big, hence this note. No concern with the truck (4x4 diesel dually). I'm concerned with having adequate space to turn around. We're monitoring tide tables, and think we found a good window. Granted, surge from hurricane Zeta could change things around, but...
Anyway, any advice you can give 1st time visitors to the Island is appreciated.
Keep in mind that we've camped on the beach only once, and we were in a trailer that is just over half as long as your fifth wheel. Some people suggest having less air in your tires to help get around on the beach. We didn't do that. We had a good bit of room between our door and the water, so you may not have trouble turning around.
Awesome information... We are planning a trip down there.
We loved it. I will tell you something that one of our viewers mentioned. He said to deflate the tires a little to get better traction.
Thank you ladies!
Thanks for your comment.
You two did such an awesome job! Loved the video and information 👍❤️ we are going to use this as a reference for our trip! Thanks so much! And we hope you both are doing well and having a very happy new year! Thanks for being you! 🙏❤️
We loved camping on the beach. We kept the windows open at night so we could hear the water. If you are given a tide chart, ask for one. You don't want to wake up surrounded by water.
Thank you for your time and information.
Thank you for your comment.
This was super helpful video, thanks!!!
Thank you.
Once again another awesome video! I am so happy for you both for getting to BioShock and have such a wonderful time,I can see the real joy and th. On your faces . This is so great watching you Enjoy yourselves.
Cassie, we truly are thrilled you are enjoying our videos. We've had many amazing trips.
padre island its beautifull i lived n flour bluff by the bridge i went to pradre island every day i love it
It is a beautiful place.
We found a ninja turtle while cleaning up this beach once haha Turtles way of telling us we were totally cool for cleaning up the beach!
We took a trash bag and picked up stuff on the beach. Thank you for doing your part (and more).
Great video ladies with helpful info!
Thank you so much.
Going next week and your video was so helpful! Thanks!
Hope you have a great trip. We were just so amazed to be ON the beach.
It's MalaKEET-- the "u" is silent. Also, between Corpus and Padre is a town called Flour Bluff, which is where I lived. Just get back on South Padre Island Drive from any beach access road and go north. Just over the causeway is FB, with gas, HEB grocery, etc.
There used to be a place on the right on SPID that was basically some pipes that curved over your vehicle and some on the ground, and for pocket change it'd rinse your car. It's important to rinse the underside. Salt is extremely damaging. In fact, even if you don't go near the beach, it is wise to rinse your vehicle, at least on your way out of town.
Best night fishing w/o a boat is on a little dock at the Laguna. Best daytime is surf fishing--casting from beach. Bob Hall Pier was outstanding for catching large sting rays, eels, sharks, etc. but the last hurricane took out most of Bob Hall...used to extend WAY out over deep water. I heard there are plans to rebuild it. Fishing is also fun over in Port Aransas, about a 20 min. drive. It has man made concrete block jetties that extend way out as well. Oh, use live or frozen shrimp for bait until you hook something to cut up and use to bait the big guys.
I miss going to the beach every day so much.😢 Btw, I lived there in late 1970's to early 1980's so take my tips with a grain of salt, pun intended.
Best seafood restaurant was a dive called The Black Diamond, and best Tex-Mex was Ray's. Y'all have fun, use sunscreen and stay safe.
Thank you for giving us so many pieces of advice. We do appreciate learning from the natives, whether recently or a few years back.
Happy Birthday very late.
Thank you very much!
Great video with a lot of helpful information.
Thanks.
Thank you for all the great information! I'm also a retired teacher and am currently planning a trip there. I am also wary about getting stuck in the sand as I only have a two wheel drive Frontier.
We didn't have any trouble. Of course, we were there after spring break and before summer.
2wd is fine for the first 10-15 miles of the National Seashore. It is very packed sand due to vehicles constantly driving on it. Also the city and county parks which are north of the National Seashore are safe for 2wd. Enjoy!
If for some odd reason you were to get stuck, some Good Samaritans will prob pull you out.
@@TexasBroskiActual We had a great time.
@@TexasBroskiActual That's probably true.
Loved your video. We are headed there next March. Good info. Happy Birthday that day is my husband and daughters birthday.
Thank you for the birthday wishes. I hope you have a wonderful trip. If you have a generator, running it anytime won't be a problem because the sound of the waves blankets all other sounds.
Hi!
It’s strange I have the same trailer as you! Same color too. Only difference looks like you have the love seat where you two were sitting, I have the dinette. I pull mine with a 4x4 Ford F150. I am a retired Air Traffic Controller from the U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Defense! But I do have teaching experience too! Lots in common.))
I lived in Corpus Christi for five years and went to Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) almost six days a week. Now I have the lifetime pass that I got before the price changes. If I were to go to PINS now, I would stay at Malaquite Campground or Bird Island Basin for exactly what you mentioned, to stay away from the sand and salt. I would drive my truck down to PINS, daily to walk or surf fish from the beach.
In my opinion you do not need to air down your tires on the first five miles of beach, it is pretty hard packed, but to be safe(r), carry a five gallon buck, shovel and a piece of narrow carpeting about 6ft long to put under you tires if you get stuck. The bucket to get water from the surf to pour under your tires to pack the sand and give something for them to grip. Shovel to dig out if necessary. Past the 5-mile marker do all the above and air down. I never got stuck in all that time. But have pulled many out! Remember do not drive in the dunes, hefty fines, heard one guy got fined $800 for walking in the dunes. Also, the tent campers, and no toilettes, guess where they go! Be careful walking.
I would have loved to meet you two there, and our two blueberry campers parked next to each other. I would have taken you on a tour all the way to Mansfield pass if you wanted.)) Been your tour guide of sorts.
Next time maybe.
We made quite a few modifications to our blue Micro Minnie. It came with a walk around queen, and we had it taken out and two twins put in. We also had the stove removed and added to drawers and more prep space in the kitchen.
I wish we'd known of you went we were at Padre Island National Seashore. We would have taken you up on all kinds of tours. Maybe next time.
Thank you so much for your comment. You gave us a lot of information, and we do appreciate it!
Good information.
Thank you.
Another benefit of paying your entry fee is YOU ARE SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE!
Absolutely!
4 states have more coastline than Texas. Thanks for the excellent video, I am heading to South Padre Island in 2 weeks. Oops, I missed Louisiana so 5 states have more coastline than Texas. Alaska, Florida, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, then Texas followed by North Carolina.
Enjoy your trip. We had a great time there.
I just left Key West after 6 weeks, camping right on the Gulf of Mexico. The Noseeums we're annoying at times but the fire ants were deadly. I won't miss them.
@@abbeyjane1306 We really hate fire ants. Sorry they were such an annoyance while you were in Florida.
Really appreciate the info. Thank you
Thank you for your comment.
Any of the access beach points is free to camp primitively. However you do need a pass which is 12 bucks at stripes on avenue G. If you want electricity there is camping at the national park which is much cheaper than the other RV parks
You can park at the Padre Island National Seashore for free if you don't enter the park -- if you don't go through the booth. There are no hookups at the national seashore.
@@TwoTiredTeachers we must be talking about 2 different places mustang island national park is where I was referring to. The one I went to has 1 road in and out and the booth is right when you turn in.either way if you don’t enter through a park and are parked along the shoreline without a permit you can get fined. It says this at every beach access road along the main road when you first pull in. Some people may get confused between the 2 places. I believe padre island National seashore begins at marker 52.
@@BabyBunch The Mustang Island I was talking about is a Texas State Park.
I love teachers!!
Man o War..we have tons in Fla..I've been stung..stay away..Sand..just like AZ its everywhere
We want to avoid those. Thanks for the information!
From one teacher to another.... Sssssshhhhhh!!!! 😜
Always my motto.
There is a ton of stuff at the top of mustang island. Tons of shops, fast food, etc. not sure where y’all where at
We were actually at the Padre Island National Seashore. You keep going on that main road and it dead ends at the national seashore. It's several miles from Mustang Island.
Wind surfing! Yes! I’ve gotta go! How would the weather be in the winter months, Jan.-March? ✨ Those birds are seagulls. We have them here in Michigan, on the Great Lakes, too.
We were there in late March, and mornings and evenings were chilly. In January and February, average temperatures are highs in the low to mid 60s and lows in the low to mid 50s. With a strong breeze, it feels cooler.
Thanks for clarifying what the birds are. We just weren't sure.
Two Tired Teachers, so, I’ll get myself a wetsuit.😁 I still want to learn, but can’t go until January or February.
Sounds like so much fun. I hope you get to go.
great video thanks tech
Thank you very much for the comment.
Nice! Thanks!
Thank you for the comment.
I used to live on my sailboat in Rockport and would make day trips down to Port A and PINS. Have you all been to Big Bend National Park? I bought my National Park pass 3 years ago at Big Bend for $10 - Free Lifetime Pass. Now they're $80.
We haven't yet been to Big Bend. It's on our list. Although it was $80, we bought a National Park pass for the PINS.
@@TwoTiredTeachers
Big Bend will blow you away.
As far as services, don't forget there are no cell phone services out there either.
I hadn't even thought of that. Thanks for the reminder.
Happy Belated Birthday MiLena! Now that you have stayed at Padre Island for a short amount of time and have several dry camping trips under your belt, do you see yourselves going back and staying longer? Also, watching this made me think of a question that I had meant to ask Sharon. I have heard that towing and backing a 5th wheel is much easier than a travel trailer. What does she think? I hope you ladies are having a wonderful time traveling around.
Thank you for the birthday wish. I don't think we would stay longer at Padre Island because of the sand and salt. As far as the backing is concerned, I think Sharon finds this one easier to back because it's 7' shorter, but I'll ask her.
Right now, we are tryin to decide where to move. Our goal is outside of DFW because of taxes and traffic. We're looking at Wichita Falls or Abilene. The point is we need to take a trip.
Do you plan on traveling this summer? If so, where are you going?
@@TwoTiredTeachers You have a point about this one being so much shorter. That would make a huge difference in backing it.
Are you two planning to move to the same city now that you are both retired? I don't blame you for wanting to get away from the traffic there. I have heard it is some of the worst in the country.
Right now I am not planning on any specific trips. Late summer I am planning to do a complete remodel of my kitchen so I am trying to do some work to get ready for that. Also, I am trying to buy some of the things I will need ahead of time so it is not a great time to be spending money on a trip.
19:00 rejoicing with you!!!
It was an amazing sunrise!
Be careful when camping near the dunes. If you get too close you can get ticketed. The proper area is off the roadway on the surf side.
Never drive between a parked vehicle and the surfside. Watch for kids and fishing lines
As cell reception is bad at best, bring an alternate form of communication (CB and/or short wave)
A text message might get through it the phone is tethered to a 10’ pole lol
Plenty of water is a necessity. First Aid Medical supplies are encouraged.
Leave only foot prints. In fact, I tend to use a few trash bags and collect as much flotsam and jetsam as possible.
Everyone we saw was parked on the dune side, so we did the same. Sharon collected a trash bag of stuff let on the beach. Thanks for the tips.
Good video with good info! [you definitely need to practice backing the trailer ;) ]
Thanks. It was the sand. Sharon is a master at backing on firm ground, but the sand was different.
Hi teachers God Bless always I have a question where is more safe South beach or North beach packed ground good for two wheels drive?
We felt the ground was more packed at the North beach. We went ahead and paid to enter the park because we wanted to use the visitors center and dump station; otherwise, the North would have been completely free.
Hi Jeanie it's your old neighbor from colorado I'm going there next week y'all have me the best info
Glad we could help. We hope you have a great trip. Remember that the park headquarters has tide and weather charts.
Mid Oct 2019 North Beach - a couple were
beach camping and murdered, buried in the dunes, and truck and camper taken. The suspects (from Utah) went to Mexico with trk and TT.
Hopefully you have, if 62 or older, senior pass for 50% off camping. Disabled also get discount with federal 'access pass'
We're not quite there, but we did get an America the Beautiful pass.
This is the reason I didn't go last year.
@@TwoTiredTeachers no camping 50% discount with that
@@cyndib3587 We're counting the days.
I live in Texas and have never been, but some day.
It was a great trip. I loved waking up to the sounds of the waves.
Two questions: 1. Do you have solar? 2. Did you unhook and leave your trailer? If so, any worries about theft? I guess that’s three questions. 😂. We are planning a trip there in June. My sister lives in Laguna Beach.
We do have solar, but we had blown a fuse earlier in the trip and weren't able to use the solar. We did unhook and leave the trailer; we were not concerned about theft. As two sisters traveling, we don't stay anywhere we don't feel safe.
I hope your trip is as wonderful as ours was.
Just be cautious with the MOW jellyfish! Their sting is a lot more serious (and even dangerous) than any other jellyfish or little sea creatures and the tentacles on a large one can stretch a good ten feet from the “balloon”. Not only that but even when they’re up on dry sand they can still get you.
Icky, but great information! Thank you so much for posting!
Been stung by those manowars and it burns for a long time. Don't feed the seagulls because they will flock over you and crap on you!.
Thanks for letting us know about the man-of-wars. We figured out not to feed the birds.
I read recently in yahoo a RV couple were found in a shallow made grave somewhere in Padre Island. Where was this ugly crime? I don't know but safety is my concern and please stay safe. Did you hear about this ? Appreciate your info.
We've been a bit out of touch, so you were the one to alert us about this. I can tell you this about our camping. If we don't feel safe, we don't stay. Although the pictures may have looked like we were alone at the National Seashore, we had neighbors fairly close.
Thank you for the information and your concern for our safety.
Yes, those are pelicans diving for fish.
We weren't sure. Thanks for the confirmation.
👍
That was our first time to camp without any hook ups, and it was a great trip.
How was North Beach for 2wd?
It was fine. If we go again, we will probably deflate the tires a bit to make driving a little easier.
Nice video. Do they let you use your generator on the beach sites?
I think you can use the generator. It probably needs to be turned off during nighttime hours; however, if you are camping in the winter, the rules may be bent some if it is cold.
@@TwoTiredTeachers Thank you. We both have CPAPs.
@@Debbie_T_FL If I were you, I might call the Padre Island National Seashore people and explain your situation. I'm not sure it would be legal for them to deny you access to a medical device.
@@TwoTiredTeachers Thanks - good idea 😊
Ma-la-Key
Thanks for the help.
So you can stay on the beach in padre.. for 14 nights.. you have to vacate for 48 hours.. then you can come back for another 14 nights? can you do this all year long? As long as there's 48 hours in between your 14 night stays?
That's my understanding, but check with South Padre National Seashore at www.nps.gov to be certain.
@@TwoTiredTeachers That's AWESOME!!! I think I may have found a place to surf and scuba dive while living van life. Thank you very much ladies you two are awesome.
@@TwoTiredTeachers I thank you ladies for your time. I have one more question. How was your cell phone reception on the island?
@@castle6660 It's been several years since we were there, and I have no idea about our cell service; however, I checked on Campendium and they said 2 bars with AT&T and only one with other major carriers.
@@TwoTiredTeachers Thank you very much for the information ladies. Keep being awesome.
Where is the salt coming from? The Gulf is not salt water.
The salt is coming from the sand on the beach. Everything inside and outside of the RV was coated in sand.
What? The Gulf is salt water. It's the ocean.
Pronounced " malakai"
Thank you. We had wondered.
No. MalaKEET.
god she dont even let her sister talk one n purple top is ya
I had some serious vertigo going on. As a result, I was terribly dizzy. I was doing well to sit up.