I.B. Magee Beach Park – Port Aransas
Location: 321 North on the Beach, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
Reservations: Call (361-749-6117) or reserve online at nuecesbeachparks.com
Cost: $50.00 per night (daily rate)* with weekly and monthly rates also available
Limits: 8 people and 3 vehicles per site (vehicles must fit on concrete pad; no parking on grass or road)
Amenities: Full hook-ups (20/30/50 amp electricity, sewer, and water)
About the Park
I.B. Magee Beach Park is a Nueces County-run beachside RV park located right on the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas, Texas. It’s an excellent choice for beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and families who want to be close to both the sand and the town. However, I would consider I.B. Magee Beach Park a “no-frills” type of RV park.
The sites are long and concrete, offering full hookups, but be aware: every site is in full sun. This can be tough on your RV A/C during the summer months. Discover our tips for surviving the Texas heat in your RV. The campsites feature natural landscaping, including native plants, shells, and stickers (the park has been actively spraying for stickers, and conditions are improving).
The park is dog-friendly and sits just behind sand dunes, with the beach on the other side. If you are bringing your pup along, don’t miss our ‘Camping with Dogs’ guide for tips on keeping them safe and happy at the campground. On calmer nights, you’ll even hear the waves rolling in from your RV site. Showers, laundry, and an incredible observation area are available in the same building as the office.
Reservations & Planning Ahead
I.B. Magee Beach Park is popular, especially in the summer; campsites fill quickly — it’s a good reminder to book early for holiday weekends. For regular weekends, booking a few weeks/months in advance is advised, but for holidays like the 4th of July, you’ll need to reserve at least six months in advance. Our family reserves a year ahead for that week (at check-in, we book for the following year’s 4th of July). Please note that the park does not allow campers to select their own campsite; it is assigned to you on the day of your arrival. If you are camping with a group, it is best to call to make reservations so that you can have your campsites next to each other.
What to Do in the Park
- Beach Access: The beach is the main attraction here—just a short walk over the dunes.
- Fishing: The nearby Port Aransas Jetties are a favorite fishing spot for many. They’re also a prime place to watch enormous ships navigate the channel, often escorted by dolphins.
- Horace Caldwell Pier: Located west of the Jetties, this pier is popular with anglers of all ages, and a variety of fish can be caught here.
Nearby Attractions
Port Aransas
The town of Port Aransas is a short drive from the park and offers plenty to do:
- Dining: Fresh seafood is easy to find, but you’ll also discover family-run restaurants, pizza buffets, ice cream shops, candy stores, and small boutiques.
- Our Local Favorites:
- Donut Palace – Our family tradition for breakfast every trip to the beach with kids.
- Port A Pizzeria – Buffet-style pizza, salad, dessert pizza, and soft-serve ice cream. The grandkids love the dessert pizza! It can get busy on holidays, so call ahead for large groups.
Corpus Christi (About 1 Hour Away)
If you’re willing to venture out, two major attractions are worth the drive:
- Texas State Aquarium (texasstateaquarium.org)– A fantastic experience for adults and kids alike. Arrive early, get a hand stamp so you can come and go, and don’t miss the dolphin show (get there early for seating).
- USS Lexington Museum (https://usslexington.com) – Located next to the Aquarium. This World War II aircraft carrier is full of history and will be on our family’s list for a future trip.
Personal Notes
On our Labor Day visit, the surf was unusually calm, and the water was clear—a rare treat compared to the typical rowdier Gulf waves. We loved watching ships from the jetties. A trip to the Port Aransas Marina is also a treat, as not only are the boats beautiful, but you will also see large sea turtles hanging out. In the same area, there is a nice playground that is great for kids under 10. Our grandkids especially enjoyed our trip to the Aquarium, giving it a 10/10 (and one 9/10 for “too much walking”).
Saying goodbye to the beach is always tough, but we know we’ll be back. I.B. Magee is one of those places that keeps us coming back year after year.
*The rate is as of the publishing of this blog
