Health And Safety Tips When Visiting Padre Island National Seashore
In case of emergency, dial the park’s dispatch office at (361) 949-8173, extension 0. If a dispatcher is not available, hang up – then dial 911.
Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the State of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore. Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.
You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Island Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.
Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, Entrance Station or from a park ranger.
The 50 site Malaquite Beach campground is paved and suitable for both RV and tent camping. Restrooms, potable water and cold showers are here, as well as a dump station for RV’s. The cost is $8.00 per night or $4.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers at these campsites. A 30 day camping limit is in effect at Malaquite Beach. At the end of 30 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.
Visitors may camp at no charge on both North Beach and South Beach. There are no facilities at these two locations. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers; however, please remember that neither camping nor fires are permitted in the dunes, grasslands or mudflats. A 14 day camping limit is in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.
Camping is also available on the Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, a prime windsurfing location, and at Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Restrooms are the only facilities available. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers. Please note that a user fee of $5.00 per day (or $10.00 per year) is required to use Bird Island Basin. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount. A 14 day camping limit is also in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.
If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the First Aid station at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing 911. Pay telephones are available at the Malaquite Beach campground and in front of the Visitor Center.
The closest hospital is Columbia Bay Area Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.
Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are prohibited. Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles.
Portuguese Man-of-War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.
Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.
Hunting is not permitted at the park, except for the taking of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, including exotic species, through the park, is prohibited, except for waterfowl and fish.
Both a Texas state fishing license and salt water stamp are required to fish. These may be obtained at the park’s concessionaire at the Visitor Center along with complete fishing regulations. Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited. Fishing Guides using park facilities or fishing in park waters are required to possess an Incidental Business Permit, which is available at Headquarters.
Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.
Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Use caution when swimming and never swim alone. Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike. If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.
Hazardous materials periodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.
Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited in the park. Items such as seashells and driftwood, washed in by the tide, may be collected as long as the items are not used for commercial purposes. All other collecting is prohibited.
Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the Visitor Center area including the designated swim beach.
Gray water and sewage must be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground.
Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park. Fireworks are prohibited.
Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the State of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore. Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.
You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Island Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.
Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, Entrance Station or from a park ranger.
The 50 site Malaquite Beach campground is paved and suitable for both RV and tent camping. Restrooms, potable water and cold showers are here, as well as a dump station for RV’s. The cost is $8.00 per night or $4.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers at these campsites. A 30 day camping limit is in effect at Malaquite Beach. At the end of 30 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.
Visitors may camp at no charge on both North Beach and South Beach. There are no facilities at these two locations. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers; however, please remember that neither camping nor fires are permitted in the dunes, grasslands or mudflats. A 14 day camping limit is in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.
Camping is also available on the Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, a prime windsurfing location, and at Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Restrooms are the only facilities available. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers. Please note that a user fee of $5.00 per day (or $10.00 per year) is required to use Bird Island Basin. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount. A 14 day camping limit is also in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.
If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the First Aid station at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing 911. Pay telephones are available at the Malaquite Beach campground and in front of the Visitor Center.
The closest hospital is Columbia Bay Area Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.
Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are prohibited. Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles.
Portuguese Man-of-War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.
Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.
Hunting is not permitted at the park, except for the taking of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, including exotic species, through the park, is prohibited, except for waterfowl and fish.
Both a Texas state fishing license and salt water stamp are required to fish. These may be obtained at the park’s concessionaire at the Visitor Center along with complete fishing regulations. Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited. Fishing Guides using park facilities or fishing in park waters are required to possess an Incidental Business Permit, which is available at Headquarters.
Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.
Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Use caution when swimming and never swim alone. Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike. If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.
Hazardous materials periodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.
Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited in the park. Items such as seashells and driftwood, washed in by the tide, may be collected as long as the items are not used for commercial purposes. All other collecting is prohibited.
Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the Visitor Center area including the designated swim beach.
Gray water and sewage must be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground.
Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park. Fireworks are prohibited.
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