Summer on the Texas Gulf Coast hits different. The bays light up with redfish and speckled trout, the shrimp boats roll out before dawn, and the kind of slow, salty pace of life that city folks dream about becomes your everyday reality. If you’re planning a summer trip — or thinking about an extended stay along the Coastal Bend — Aransas Pass, Texas deserves a serious look.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a seasonal traveler, or someone searching for a monthly RV park near Corpus Christi to use as a home base all summer long, this guide covers the 10 best things to do in and around Aransas Pass — and tells you exactly where to park your rig while you do them.
Aransas Pass RV Park & Self-Storage sits right in the heart of it all at 340 N 13th St, Aransas Pass, TX 78336, with monthly rates starting at just $375/month — all utilities included. It’s one of the most affordable full-hookup RV parks on the entire Texas coast.
Aransas Pass is a working waterfront town tucked between Corpus Christi Bay and Redfish Bay, just a short drive from Port Aransas and the Gulf beaches. It’s not a tourist trap — it’s a real Texas coastal community with deep roots in commercial fishing, shrimping, and the petrochemical industry. That authenticity is exactly what draws long-term RV travelers, retirees, and workers to the area year after year.
From Aransas Pass, you’re within easy reach of:
That’s a lot of coastline, fishing, and adventure — all within 30 to 45 minutes of your RV site.
Redfish Bay is one of the most productive shallow-water fishing destinations on the entire Texas Gulf Coast. The grass flats and oyster reefs between Aransas Pass and Rockport hold trophy-class redfish and speckled trout all summer long. Wade fishing, kayak fishing, and guided bay boat trips are all popular options. Local guides operate out of Aransas Pass and nearby Rockport, and many offer half-day trips that are perfect for first-timers.
Pro tip: Early morning and late evening are prime time during summer months. The fish go deep midday when the heat peaks.
The Port Aransas Ferry is one of the most iconic — and completely free — experiences on the Texas coast. The short ferry crossing from Aransas Pass to Port Aransas takes just a few minutes and drops you right into one of the most beloved beach towns in Texas. Stroll the beach, grab fresh seafood, browse the shops on Cut Off Road, or just watch the dolphins play in the ship channel. It never gets old.
Just across the ferry, Mustang Island State Park offers miles of undeveloped Gulf beach, surf fishing, kayaking, and camping. Day use is affordable and the beach is far less crowded than the main Port Aransas strip. Bring a cooler, a beach chair, and your fishing rod — this is what Texas summers are made of.
About 20 minutes north of Aransas Pass, Goose Island State Park is home to the famous “Big Tree” — a 1,000-year-old coastal live oak that’s one of the most photographed trees in Texas. The park also offers excellent bay fishing, birding, and waterfront camping. It’s a great day trip destination, especially for families and nature lovers.
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is world-famous as the winter home of the endangered whooping crane, but summer brings its own spectacular wildlife show. Roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, alligators, white-tailed deer, and hundreds of shorebird species are active throughout the warmer months. The refuge’s 40-mile auto tour loop is free and accessible to most vehicles.
Aransas Pass is the self-proclaimed “Shrimping Capital of Texas” — and they mean it. The commercial shrimp fleet docks right in town, and fresh Gulf shrimp is available at local seafood markets and restaurants throughout the summer. Don’t leave without trying a shrimp po’boy or a plate of boiled Gulf shrimp with cocktail sauce. Several local restaurants near the park serve fresh-caught seafood daily.
The calm, protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway that runs through Aransas Pass are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can launch from several public access points near town and paddle through mangrove-lined channels, spot dolphins, and explore the shallow bays at your own pace. Kayak rentals are available in Port Aransas and Rockport.
Every summer, Aransas Pass hosts the legendary Shrimporee Festival — one of the oldest and most beloved coastal festivals in Texas. The event features live music, carnival rides, a shrimp cook-off, arts and crafts vendors, and of course, mountains of fresh Gulf shrimp prepared every way imaginable. It’s a true Texas coastal tradition and a highlight of the summer calendar. Check local event listings for the current year’s dates.
The charming waterfront town of Rockport is about 15 minutes from Aransas Pass and offers a great mix of art galleries, boutique shops, waterfront restaurants, and a beautiful harbor. The Rockport-Fulton area has a thriving arts scene and some of the best casual seafood dining on the coast. It’s a perfect afternoon outing from your RV site.
About 20 to 25 minutes south of Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi offers a full day’s worth of activities. North Beach is a family-friendly stretch of Gulf shoreline with calm waters, and the USS Lexington Museum — a decommissioned WWII aircraft carrier — is one of the most unique attractions on the Texas coast. The Texas State Aquarium is also nearby and is excellent for families with kids.
When you’re spending a week, a month, or an entire summer exploring the Texas Coastal Bend, you need a home base that’s comfortable, affordable, and well-located. Aransas Pass RV Park & Self-Storage checks every box.
The park operates on a touchless management model, which means no front desk lines, no office hours to work around, and a streamlined check-in experience. Maintenance personnel are available as needed, and the property is regularly inspected to keep conditions clean and compliant.
One feature that sets Aransas Pass RV Park apart from most competitors in the area is the availability of on-site self-storage units. Whether you’re storing fishing gear, kayaks, tools, or extra belongings during a long-term stay, having secure storage right on the property is a genuine convenience. Unit sizes range from compact 10×10 units up to large 24×50 units — one of the biggest storage options available at any RV park in the Coastal Bend.
Summer is the best time to lock in your spot at Aransas Pass RV Park. Monthly rates are among the most competitive on the Texas coast — and unlike many area parks, all utilities are included in the rate. No surprise electricity bills at the end of the month.
| Rate Type | Rate | Utilities Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | $40/day | Yes — all utilities |
| Weekly | $175/week | Yes — all utilities |
| Monthly | $375–$425/month | Yes — all utilities |
| Security Deposit | $75 | — |
When you factor in that all utilities are included at Aransas Pass RV Park, the value becomes even clearer. Most competitors in the area charge electricity separately — which can add $50 to $150 or more per month to your actual cost.
| Park Name | Monthly Rate | Utilities Included? | Storage On-Site? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aransas Pass RV Park | $375–$425/mo | Yes — all utilities | Yes |
| Don Ell RV Park | $425/mo + electricity | No | No |
| Texas Lighthouse RV Park | $375/mo + electricity | No | No |
| Portobelo Village RV Park | $400–$500/mo + electricity | No | No |
| Aransas Bay RV Resort | $510–$545/mo + electricity | No | No |
| Dagger Island RV Park | $400/mo + electricity | No | No |
Rate data sourced from park websites and direct research. Rates subject to change. Always confirm current rates directly with each park.
When you add up the true all-in monthly cost, Aransas Pass RV Park consistently comes out as one of the most affordable full-hookup options in the Aransas Pass area — especially for guests staying a month or longer.
Address: 340 N 13th St, Aransas Pass, TX 78336
Phone: (361) 266-5985
Website: https://www.aransasrvpark.com/
Book Online: Reserve Your Spot on Campspot
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Summer on the Texas coast is short, and the best spots fill up fast. Whether you’re planning a month-long fishing trip, a summer-long extended stay, or you’re a worker in the Coastal Bend looking for affordable, comfortable long-term RV parking — Aransas Pass RV Park & Self-Storage has a spot for you.
With monthly rates starting at $375 — all utilities included, on-site storage, full hookups, and a quiet, well-maintained environment just minutes from the best fishing, beaches, and seafood on the Texas coast, there’s no better value in the Aransas Pass area.
Don’t wait — summer spots go fast. Book your site online today or call us at (361) 266-5985.
We’ll see you on the coast. 🦐🎣