Camping at Galveston Island State Park
There are a number of camping areas in Galveston Island State Park: three groups of campsites adjacent to the gulf beach, an overflow camping area on the bayside, and a small number of screened shelters (park map). More details about these sites, information about camping fees, and some park rules and regulations are all detailed on this page.
You can reserve a campsite or shelter in advance but you cannot reserve specific campsites. You should also be aware that Galveston Island State Park, being located along the Gulf of Mexico, is subject to tropical storms and hurricanes. The park is does close whenever there is any extreme weather.
Gulf camp sites
The bulk of Galveston Island State Park's campsites (120) are just beyond the dunes of the gulf beach. There are 3 oval loops that each have a group of campsites, a bathroom and (hot) shower facility, and beach access. All the campsites have a shade shelter, a picnic table, a fire ring,electricity (30 amp - 80 sites; 50 amp - 40 sites), and a water hook up. Those sites that back up to the beach are considered premium spots and they cost a 
little extra. You can choose a premium site if one is open when you check in at the park - they cannot be reserved. The vegetation is sparse here so there is not much natural cover. Your camping experience in the busy summer season will include having neighboring campers in close proximity to you.
Campsites are $20 per night ($25 for premium sites). You also need to pay a per-person park entry fee. It is $3 per person per day (children 12 and under are free). From March through October you are limited to staying for no more than 14 days within a 28 day period. From November through February you can stay longer and even rent campsites by the month. It costs $400 per month for a regular site and $500 per month for a premium site.
Bayside camping
There are ten screened shelters in Galveston Island State Park and these cost $20 per night. There are no pets are allowed in this area of the park. There is also a bathroom and (hot) shower facility in this area. Adjacent to the shelters are an additional 20 campsites with electricity and water. These sites are similar to the gulf campsites. The bayside sites are assigned on an overflow basis and cannot be reserved.
Here are links to a few blog entries that can provide you with an idea about what others thought about camping in the park. Panda's World and The Agnew Family Blog (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) have entries and photos from their visits to the park.
Here is a laundry list of rules, regulations, and other facts that you might be wondering about.....
•GATE - The gate is open from 8am to 10pm. If you will be arriving later than 10, you need to call the park office before 5 PM of the day you will be arriving for late arrival instructions.
•CHECK IN: All campers are required to check in at the park headquarters before occupying a site.
•PAYMENT: You may pay by cash, check (with valid drivers license), travelers check or credit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa).
• CHECK OUT time is 2 p.m. or you can pay for another night by 9 a.m. (pending site availability).
• A maximum of eight people are permitted at each campsite.
•QUIET TIME is from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.
•Public consumption or display of an open container of any alcoholic beverage is
prohibited.
•Guests must leave the park by 10 p.m.
• An excess parking fee is required at campsites with more than two vehicles. This includes trailers.
• Campsite must be kept clean; all trash must be picked up before you leave.
Dumpsters are conveniently located on all camping loops.
• There is a beach and bayside dump station for RV's.
• Only one unit per site is permitted to hook up to utilities.
• PETS - Pets Must be kept on a leash. Please pick up after them. No pets are allowed in buildings or in the screened shelter area.
• A valid permit required on windshield of each vehicle in the park. All vehicles must
remain on the pavement.
• Numbered sites are for overnight camping only. No day use picnicking in the camping area.
• BEWARE of snakes – poisonous snakes are found within the park boundaries.
•Please use the boardwalks that are provided for crossing over the dunes between the campsites and the beach.
•FIREWOOD - The campground hosts often have firewood for sale. You cannot gather firewood in the park.
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