Campgrounds - Leander,TX

As far as I know there is only one--down by the harbor on the other side of the island. It's a small patch of land near the water and you can watch the boats. The beach is on the other side--I can't remember if it's a short walk or not. The air was SO humid, and even though there was a breeze in the camping area, we drove all over the island looking for a hotel after our first night there in the tent. I don't remember any kind of store near the campsites or BBQ grill or anything, I think it was the primitive kind. There was another area near there that took trailers, so if you could get a site there with water then you'd be better off.
Here's the fancy camping ground: http://www.southpadrekoa.com/

We just got back from south padre and there didn't seem to be many campgrounds. We noticed the KOA and that was it. I know we stayed at the Super 8 hotel and it was $49/ night. It worked out very well with the baby (3 months).

*** EDIT****
I just found a island map in my diaper bag from when we were at South Padre. We received it from the Information Centre. It has 3 places listed for camping use, they were: Isla Blanca Park, KOA and Andy Bowie.

Those are the only ones that are listed through the Visitors Info centre.

I was born and raised down there (not on the island itself but a town close by). Growing up, we kept a trailer at the Isla Blanca Park on the island (when you get off the causeway, make a right and you'll dead end into the park). I remember seeing a few tents there, but mostly trailers. The number is ###-###-####. Call them and talk it through. They have bathrooms and showers to use. There are also large pavillions right on the beach where there are grills and picnic tables to use. Like another poster, there are inexpensive hotels that I would rather stay at but I'm not a "roughin'" it type of girl. Have a blast. South Padre Island is a wonderful place. There in the park are the jetties (which are huge granite rocks that extend out into the Gulf). You can walk down them and see all kinds of sea life living in them. If you have any questions on what to do, where to eat, etc....just let me know. I'm very familiar with the island, although it has changed a lot since I moved to Austin 15 years ago. ...we still visit. Have a great time!

Instead of going to South Padre, try just Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi(http://www.nps.gov/pais/). My family has camped at both the Malaquite campground (near well-maintained trash-free beach with convenience store, visitor center, shade, etc.. campground itself has showers and toilets) and we have camped on the beach itself on the open driveable beach just past the visitor center after the hardtop road ends. Both are good. You can also camp on the beach at the developed campground if you want. The camping sites are close together at the campground so if you have very little ones who need quiet to sleep it has a drawback but there are shade overhangs and picnic tables. The open beach is quiet (minus the surf) but be prepared to be covered in sand. Open beach camping is free and the campgrounds are cheap. Plus, you can check at the visitor center sometimes they will have star-watching or baby sea turtle releases. Good luck.

About Me: Mom to "just over 1" and "almost 3" year old boys.