Isla Blanca Park
Isla Blanca Park
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19 within 6 miles
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- oksooner1253 contributionsA really nice beach during the week.Excellent beach and facilities. If you like fishing the huge jetty there is a popular spot. Near the jetty there is good shelling too. During the week days the beach is not terribly crowded. However it is packed on weekends and traffic is a nightmare. Day trippers to this beach will spend up to two hours getting off the island due to the crazy traffic. Go during the week if at all possible or come in early and leave early on weekends.Written June 17, 2023
- Steven DSpring Hill, Tennessee1,756 contributionsTwo Parks In One | Right On BeachAlthough many if not most may consider this primarily an RV Campground Park — there are/were a substantial amount of visitors (like us) that enter the secure gated County Park to enjoy easy access to the beach and/or fishing jetty which includes a large tribute/memorial statue — Jesus Christ of the Fishermen Statue along the southern channel waterway. The County Park designated beach area includes a couple enormous covered pavilions that house concessions, rest rooms & beach gear rentals. We got into the park quickly with a short line at the toll booth but as we exited — you could see the line of vehicles starting to back up quite a bit.Traveled as a coupleWritten May 18, 2022
- Colleen P4 contributionsSo much to do…We loved it here! We had a campsite near the beach and could walk to the beach every day. The beach is not super crowded and very clean. Restrooms are all over and clean. Showers are also clean and I’ve never had to wait. There are lots of things to explore like the jetty, boat launch, and monuments throughout the park. You are also just a walk away from some wonderful restaurants just outside the park. You can finish off your day by going on a dolphin watching boat tour for only $15 per person. I c add it say enough good about this place!Traveled with familyWritten March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
398 reviews
Excellent
158
Very good
123
Average
64
Poor
22
Terrible
31
Sergeant F
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Beach Park has turned to garbage. They obviously are not paying enough to their employees or they would have more of them. They have 1 ride open currently and half the lazy river yet Continue to charge full price blaming a lack of employees. Right before the park opened they came around telling everyone waiting in line in the heat that they only had 1 ride open and half the lazy river and if you wanted a refund it would be 5 to 7 business days. Total bs.
I emailed the corporate office and.wad told there are signs stating as much so we drove around the parking lot and by the gate and there are none. If there were people would not have waited in line in the heat to then turn around and leave. Total garbage management.
I emailed the corporate office and.wad told there are signs stating as much so we drove around the parking lot and by the gate and there are none. If there were people would not have waited in line in the heat to then turn around and leave. Total garbage management.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy campers!
San Antonio, TX15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
First time here. Knew we would be arriving near 7pm closing time so was concerened about access to our reserved spot (this park is gated). Called 6 times, emailed 4 times, left 5 voice messages all throughout the day and evening. No response! We arrived at 6:50. Two ladies at the desk, no customers and no ringing phones yet they did not contact me.
Written March 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura H
Lewisville, TX2 contributions
Apr 2023
We drove the approximate 600 miles from our home to see the SpaceX rocket launch. We had reserved a spot in the RV park. We got there too late to check in but were told to set up and check in the next morning. After the (scrubbed) launch we went to check in. Now we didn't have an RV. We drove our Tesla and pitched a tent. The lady at check in told us "you can't camp here! you must use an RV or trailer! No modified vehicles allowed!!" huh? since when is a Tesla a modified vehicle? It's designed for camping! there is a camp mode that will put a campfire on the screen with sound effects if you want. it's too cramped for two, but it's there. She then said "you can camp in the tent area" well, the problem is, in this century, everyone has a device that needs charging. Our car needs a plug and so do our devices. We then asked for a refund and we were promptly denied. I assure you we will be disputing the charge with the credit card company. In all my years of tent camping, I have NEVER been told you can't tent camp in an RV spot.
Aside from this, the park and RV camp area is beautiful. It was clean and I wanted to explore. If we hadn't been kicked out, we would have stayed a few more days to hopefully see the launch. Instead, we drove home and are still upset over this.
Aside from this, the park and RV camp area is beautiful. It was clean and I wanted to explore. If we hadn't been kicked out, we would have stayed a few more days to hopefully see the launch. Instead, we drove home and are still upset over this.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PianoGuy1234
Tacoma, WA45 contributions
Jan 2021
Isla Blanca is at the southernmost part of the island. It's $12/day to park. This is the best place on SPI to watch SpaceX launches, or to spend the day with family. It's a developed beach, with pavilions, shaded seating, an extensive boardwalk, bathrooms, and food venues in the summer. People are fishing off the jetty, kite surfing and board surfing when the weather is right, and the beach seems deeper than others.
Bring all your beach gear - chairs, kites, cooler, and enjoy the day here. If you swing around to the bottom of the island, there is a statue of Christ looking out over the harbor.
Bring all your beach gear - chairs, kites, cooler, and enjoy the day here. If you swing around to the bottom of the island, there is a statue of Christ looking out over the harbor.
Written January 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compass782750
10 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
The price was great, the location is excellent. No complaints about the park or amenities at all.
Will definitely return for another stay.
We stayed for a week, walking distance to the beach and fishing.
We took electric scooters and rode the boardwalk multiple times.
If you like camping, with shelter, a/c, refrigerator, kitchen sink and countertop, shower, toilet, and beds this is your place.
The mattresses are a bit harsh ( a vinyl covered mat), but with an air mattress over top would be perfect! Bring sheets and blankets!
WiFi is extra charge per day if you want to use the camp wifi.
Will definitely return for another stay.
We stayed for a week, walking distance to the beach and fishing.
We took electric scooters and rode the boardwalk multiple times.
If you like camping, with shelter, a/c, refrigerator, kitchen sink and countertop, shower, toilet, and beds this is your place.
The mattresses are a bit harsh ( a vinyl covered mat), but with an air mattress over top would be perfect! Bring sheets and blankets!
WiFi is extra charge per day if you want to use the camp wifi.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda P
1 contribution
Mar 2023
I love this place for day visits to the beach. I am a little disappointed that as I Canadian Veteran who served alongside US Forces in Afghanistan, I am not provided the same discount as our American counterparts. We can fight and die together but can't get a discount at this park.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveldoc
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI628 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
So we stayed in a hotel but drove here.
1) $12 just to drive through
2) We wanted to play pickle ball, but the nets were gone and the holes for the net poles were filled in (the gate didn’t tell us but took our cash anyway).
3) Beaches are nice - but there are beaches you don’t have to pay $12 to park
4) Not much to do - we took photos of the Jesus statue - drove through and departed.
1) $12 just to drive through
2) We wanted to play pickle ball, but the nets were gone and the holes for the net poles were filled in (the gate didn’t tell us but took our cash anyway).
3) Beaches are nice - but there are beaches you don’t have to pay $12 to park
4) Not much to do - we took photos of the Jesus statue - drove through and departed.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Rochester, MN15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This park and campground are in a great location. There’s fishing, beaches, water activities…all within minutes of walking out of your campsite. We also walked to some dockside restaurants at night which was extremely convenient. The campground is huge but manageable. I’d highly recommend sites S15-S23. These spots had amazing, unobstructed views of the water and were close to the beach and jetty. Do not book site C384! It is a dirt site with biting bugs. All of the sites around it have concrete pads and this one is also missing a picnic table.
The downfall of this place is the people that work here. The customer service is miserable. We happened to watch a YouTube video prior to our arrival about the check-in process. Otherwise we received no instructions on this….Or anything else for that matter. Never received a call back or email for the multiple messages I left. Never received the bathroom codes. Never was told that they meter the electric until we checked in. Never received instructions on accessing the gate after hours. (This is also because they never opened the second lane even though traffic was backed up AND we had a ticket to get in). When we did ask questions we got rude, mostly incorrect, responses. The county should be embarrassed that this is the (lack of) hospitality that they give out.
The downfall of this place is the people that work here. The customer service is miserable. We happened to watch a YouTube video prior to our arrival about the check-in process. Otherwise we received no instructions on this….Or anything else for that matter. Never received a call back or email for the multiple messages I left. Never received the bathroom codes. Never was told that they meter the electric until we checked in. Never received instructions on accessing the gate after hours. (This is also because they never opened the second lane even though traffic was backed up AND we had a ticket to get in). When we did ask questions we got rude, mostly incorrect, responses. The county should be embarrassed that this is the (lack of) hospitality that they give out.
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vagabond Gypsy
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
We were very excited to stay here based on the photos, location, & beaches. Our first lot was a dirt mound riddled with bees and sand burrs. After multiple Unanswered emails and phone calls to the office, we had to stand in line outside the office for over 30 minutes.
We asked for a different location. Our second lot had a partial pad but was infested with Fire Ants, and thousands of razor sharp stickers Everywhere! We put in several phone calls and emails to the office ,no response. We asked to have maintenance repair our cable but were told it was Our responsibility to call Spectrum for all issues. It was miserable.No refunds, no early checkouts. Period. Throughout our stay I never received a return phone call or email. I will Not be back.
We asked for a different location. Our second lot had a partial pad but was infested with Fire Ants, and thousands of razor sharp stickers Everywhere! We put in several phone calls and emails to the office ,no response. We asked to have maintenance repair our cable but were told it was Our responsibility to call Spectrum for all issues. It was miserable.No refunds, no early checkouts. Period. Throughout our stay I never received a return phone call or email. I will Not be back.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
invertpaleo
New York City, NY349 contributions
Jan 2023
There is a lot to see here near the southern tip of South Padre Island.
The Gulf Beach is very bright and clean with some shells, and the fishing pier is spectacular and seems popular too.
The Jesus statue is very nice.
There is a huge RV park.
On our first visit the huge white dirigible was on the ground, but during our second visit it was way up in the air, monitoring the US/Mexico Border.
The Gulf Beach is very bright and clean with some shells, and the fishing pier is spectacular and seems popular too.
The Jesus statue is very nice.
There is a huge RV park.
On our first visit the huge white dirigible was on the ground, but during our second visit it was way up in the air, monitoring the US/Mexico Border.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael Bonnet
Arlington, TX2 contributions
Do the tent sites include a fire pit and/or grill, and are campers allowed to start their own campfires?
Stephanie M
Long Island6 contributions
Can you get mail or Amazon packages delivered here? We've seen the UPS truck daily. We're here for a month.
PianoGuy1234
Tacoma, WA45 contributions
Sorry, I accidentally put this review in the wrong. Should be under Isla Blanca BEACH. We didn't stay at the RV park.
If you haven't already made non-refundable reservations, I'd try the Beach Resort (Holiday Inn) in the same general area. They have "winter Texan" rates if you stay 30 days and they're super inexpensive right now due to some construction ($1200/30 days river view, I think). Call their front desk directly. Their staff is amazingly attentive. Just mho.
Hi, the fee is not $12 a day,and rv sites are high. Very rough sites. But we are warm and the beach is OK.
Paul
Minnesota23 contributions
This is swell
Can you stay in the camping areas overnight? I understand its $25 but it doesn't aay much about the camping area...
Interbay
Missouri142 contributions
you can stay in the cabanas for $40 a night with an ac and fridge.. it includes the park admission fee
Susan C
1 contribution
Is there camper/RV overnight parking/camping at Isla Blanca Park?
TulsaTraveler1954
Tulsa, OK52 contributions
Not sure we were there a week.give them a call.
Dana J
San Antonio, TX
Going to stay in our RV for 6 days next week. Is the construction still going on and what is the impact? Any pictures?
garylvlawn
Coastal South Carolina, SC
People who are complaining about 10 bucks A CAR LOAD for admission to Isla blanca park on south padre should turn LEFT when they get off the bridge and go up the island to the free admission beaches that provide you with NOTHING!!!!
Is there fire pits in tent camping spots?
Sharon B
Madison, WI39 contributions
I'm sorry I do not think so. There are barbecue grills near the park pavilions, but I do not recall seeing fire pits in the camping area.
IABeachBums
Waukee, IA21 contributions
Is there a campground map with numbered sites?
Also, what is the difference between regular and Premium sites?
How far ahead would I need to reserve for Dec. 2019, Jan. And Feb 2020?
Thanks!
sandstar29
United States94 contributions
yes there is a map you can get at the check in. The park is huge so there is usually spaces available. The prices vary by the space you chose. The ones by the water are more expensive than the ones in the middle of the park. The office is under staffed so check in takes awhile and you can never get them by phone. The beach is only a short drive from any of the spaces with plenty of parking.
David M
Toney, AL36 contributions
How does the beach at South Padre Island compared to Destin or Panama City beaches Florida?
671perlan
Fort Wayne, IN2,629 contributions
Hello there, Fortunately I have been to all three beaches. All are unique in their special ways. For example: Destin has a clean white Sandy Beach with minimal seashells. Lots of hotels, condos and tons of restaurants and so many activities to do like go carting, small rides for children etc.
Panama City the party town I call it. Also is a white Sandy beach. With minimal seashells. Less attractions then Destin.
South Padre Island has come a long ways. It has natural brown sand. Does not have as many hotels and condos as the other 2. They have putt putt, go carting and other fun stuff for kids. You can find lots of seashells on the beach as well. Also has a turtle sanctuary and you can see the seaturtles. Up ahead you can ride horses. SPI has the largest sand castle. They also give classes and show you how to make them. There is a port near by so you can see huge boats from afar. There is these huge rocks that were put there by man and they are called the jetties where one can fish off of them and also watch the dolphins go by. Plus if you want to go out of the country for a day Mexico is near by. I say give South Padre Island a chance.....you are going to love it!
Isla Blanca Park (South Padre Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Isla Blanca Park
- Hotels near Isla Blanca Park:
- (0.03 mi) Beautiful Tropical Views
- (0.13 mi) Updated condo with pool & hot tub - close to the water park
- (0.13 mi) See SpaceX Launches from Balcony; Beautiful 3 Bedrooms; Heated Pool
- (0.13 mi) Beautiful Luxurious Spacious Condo w All Modern Features
- (0.13 mi) A small piece of paradise in the Island
- Restaurants near Isla Blanca Park:
- (0.22 mi) Mahi Nic
- (0.20 mi) Sea Ranch Restaurant-Bar
- (0.26 mi) Dirty Al's
- (0.74 mi) Yummies Bistro
- (0.88 mi) Ceviche Ceviche
Isla Blanca Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 158 |
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Very Good Reviews | 123 |
Isla Blanca Park Photos | 151 |