Planning a beach day (or weekend) on the Texas Gulf Coast? Matagorda Beach offers wide, uncrowded shoreline, drive-on access with a low-cost permit, free beach camping, and superb jetty fishing at the mouth of the Colorado River. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Quick Facts
- Driving on the beach: Annual $10 Matagorda County Beach Vehicle Permit required to drive on Matagorda & Sargent beaches. Buy at the beach entrance or local merchants.
- Camping: Free beach camping allowed up to 72 hours (no fee).
- Speed limit: 15 mph; the beach is treated as a state highway.
- Glass: No glass containers on the beach.
- Facilities: Jetty Park has restrooms, outdoor rinse showers, covered picnic tables, paved parking, and beach access.
- Nearby: LCRA Matagorda Bay Nature Park sits next door at the Colorado River mouth (kayaks, programs, day-use areas).
Permits & Basic Rules
- Purchase an annual Matagorda County Beach Vehicle Permit (about $10) if you plan to drive on the beach. Display it on your windshield.
- Registered vehicles only. Golf carts/UTVs must be street-legal and registered per county rules.
- Obey the 15 mph speed limit. Drive only on firm sand; never on the dunes or vegetation.
- No glass containers. Pack out all trash and leave no trace.
- Swimming near the jetties or pier is unsafe due to strong currents—use caution and keep kids close.
How to Get There & Access Points
- Main Public Beach Access: From Matagorda, drive south on FM 2031 and turn left onto the signed public beach access road. Park in the lot or drive onto the sand (permit required).
- Jetty Park: Continue on FM 2031 to the very end; the road dead-ends at Jetty Park next to Matagorda Bay Nature Park. You’ll find paved parking, bathrooms, rinse showers, picnic tables, and direct access to the jetties and beach.
Camping at Matagorda Beach
Beach camping is allowed for up to 72 hours with no camping fee. If you plan to drive your gear onto the beach, you’ll need the annual vehicle permit. Choose a spot well below the dunes on firm sand, keep your area tidy, and mind changing tides and wind. Many campers stage at Jetty Park’s paved lot and walk gear onto the beach if sand looks soft.
Jetty Fishing Tips
- Targets: Redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and seasonal Spanish mackerel along the jetty and surf line.
- Timing: Fish moving tide changes; dawn and dusk are reliable windows.
- Basics: Carry long-handled net, grippy shoes, and a small pack—granite blocks can be slick.
- Family tip: Keep kids on the paved jetty walkway and away from the rocks; never swim near the jetties.
What to Bring
- Beach vehicle permit (if driving on sand)
- Low-psi tire gauge & shovel (4×4 recommended if leaving the hard pack)
- Bug spray and sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
- Drinking water & cooler (no glass)
- Trash bags to pack out everything
- Headlamp or lantern for night fishing
Stay Close to the Surf
Want a clean, comfortable base with a pool, showers, and strong Wi‑Fi? Book Harbor View RV Resort—minutes from the beach and the Intracoastal Canal.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to drive on Matagorda Beach?
Yes. An annual Matagorda County Beach Vehicle Permit (about $10) is required to drive on Matagorda or Sargent beaches.
How long can I camp on the beach?
You may camp for up to 72 hours with no additional camping fee. Follow Leave No Trace and respect posted closures.
Where are the bathrooms and showers?
Jetty Park at the end of FM 2031 has restrooms, outdoor rinse showers, covered picnic tables, and paved parking.
Is 4WD required?
Not strictly, but highly recommended beyond the hard-pack entrance. Soft sand is common—lower tire pressure and avoid high tide lines.
