NPS photo

Picnic shelters at Malaquite Beach in September, 2001.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, dial 911.

If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing 911.

The closest hospital is Bay Area-Corpus Christi Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Chirsti. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.

Portuguese Man-of War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.

Camping

Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, Entrance Station or from a park Ranger.   More detailed information is available on each of the camping areas in the Camping section of this website.

Visitors may camp for a total of 56 calendar days per year.

The 50 site Malaquite Beach Campground is paved and suitable for both RV and tent camping. A 14 day camping limit is in effect at Malaquite Beach. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp. A fee is charged for camping.

Primitive camping is available at Bird Island Basin. A $5.00 per night or $10.00 per year fee is charged for use of Bird Island Basin.

Visitors may camp at no charge on North Beach, South Beach, and Yarborough Pass.   A 14 day camping limit is in effect at these three locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Driving

Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s), UTV's, Go Carts, Golf Carts, and Dune Buggys are prohibited.

Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles.

You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.

Firearms

Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the Sate of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore.

Unloaded weapons may be possesses only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

Hunting

Hunting is not permitted at the park, except for the taking of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, including exotic species, though the park, is prohibited, except for waterfowl and fish.

Fishing

Both a Texas state fishing license and salt water stamp are required to fish. These may be obtained at the park’s concessionaire at the Visitor Center along with complete fishing regulations.

Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited.

Fishing Guides using park facilities or fishing in park waters are required to possess an Incidental Business Permit, which is available at Headquarters.

Boating

Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. 

For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Swimming

Use caution when swimming and never swim alone.  Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike.

If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.

Metal Detectors

Possession or use of metal detectorsis prohibited in the park. Items such as seashells and driftwood, washed in by the tide, may be collected as long as the items are not used for commercial purposes. All other collecting is prohibited.

Pets

Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the Visitor Center area including the designated swim beach.

RV Wastes

Gray water and sewagemust be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground.

Nudity

Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park.

Fireworks

Fireworks are prohibited.

Rattlesnakes

Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materialsperiodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.