Fees & Passes

 

Padre Island National Seashore participates in the congressionally authorized Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Under this program, parks keep 80% of all fees collected; the remaining 20% is deposited in a special account to be used in parks where fees are not collected. Funds generated by the fees are used to accomplish projects the parks have been unable to fund through annual Congressional allocations. Entrance fees help support projects in the park to improve the experience for visitors.

 

Park Entrance Fees

All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass upon entering Padre Island National Seashore.

One Day Pass

Private Vehicle 1-Day Pass - $10.00

Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle. It expires at midnight on the day of purchase. This pass is not valid for overnight camping.

Motorcycle 1-Day Pass - $7.00

Admits the passholder and passenger of one motorcycle. It expires at midnight on the day of purchase. This pass is not valid for overnight camping.

Pedestrian/Bicyclist 1-Day Pass - $5.00

Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under. It expires at midnight on the day of purchase. This pass is not valid for overnight camping.

Seven Day Pass

Private Vehicle 7-Day Pass - $25.00

Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For private vehicles, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping.

Motorcycle 7-Day Pass - $20.00

Admits the passholder and passenger of one motorcycle. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For motorcyclists, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping.

Pedestrian/Bicyclist 7-Day Pass - $15.00

Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For an individual, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping.

Annual Pass

Padre Island Annual Pass – $45

Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle or motorcycle. It expires one year from the month of purchase.

 

Save Time and Purchase a Digital Pass Online

You can purchase a digital park entrance pass at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Padre Island National Seashore can be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone (so you can access it even if there is no wi-fi or cell service) is highly recommended.

 

Boat Ramp Fees

Recreational users of the Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp and/or the Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp Parking Area are required to pay an additional recreation use fee. Please note that this fee is in addition to the main park entrance fee.

One Day Pass (expires at midnight)

$5.00 per vehicle
$2.50 per vehicle for valid Access ♿ or Senior Pass Holders

Annual Pass (valid one year from the month of purchase)

$30.00 per vehicle
$15.00 per vehicle for valid Access ♿ or Senior Pass Holders

Vehicle and/or trailer parking reservations are not accepted, and parking spots are available on a first come, first served basis only. Overflow vehicle and/or trailer parking is available at Malaquite Visitor Center.

 

Camping Fees

There are two developed campgrounds within the park, as well as opportunities for dispersed beach camping. Reservations are not accepted, and sites are available on a first come, first served basis only. All visitors camping in the park must have a 7-Day, Annual, or Lifetime park entrance pass that is valid during the dates of their stay.

Malaquite Campground

Malaquite Campground is located on the main park road (Park Road 22), 3.2 miles South of the park entrance station.

Regular Site (No hookups)

$14.00 per night
$7.00 per night for valid Access ♿ or Senior Pass Holders

Bird Island Basin Campground

Bird Island Basin Campground is located on Bird Island Basin Road, 0.8 miles South of the park entrance station.

Regular Site (No hookups)

$8.00 per night
$4.00 per night for valid Access ♿ or Senior Pass Holders

Dispersed Beach Camping

Dispersed beach camping is allowed on North Beach, South Beach, and at Yarboro Pass. The fee for dispersed beach camping is included with your valid 7-Day, Annual, or Lifetime park entrance pass. A self-issued camping permit is required and can be obtained at the entrance to North Beach or at the entrance to South Beach.

 

Credit cards currently accepted by the National Park Service for payment of fees.

Forms of Payment

Acceptable forms of payment for Padre Island National Seashore’s fees and passes include cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, personal checks, business checks, and traveler checks. Debit card, credit card, or other electronic payments are preferred to aid in faster transactions and shorter waits at the entrance station.

 

Annual and Lifetime Interagency Passes

 

 

Academic Fee Waivers

National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other bona fide national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver for park entrance fees, provided that the visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities the group proposes to use support those purposes. Learn more about Academic Fee Waivers.

 

Commercial Tour Fees

Commercial tour vehicle rates are based on vehicle capacity. Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers.

1-6 Passenger capacity – $25 per vehicle

7-25 Passenger capacity – $40 per vehicle

26+ Passenger capacity – $100 per vehicle

A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.

 

Noncommercial Organized Groups

Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows:

Vehicle capacity of 15 or less – $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Vehicle capacity of 16 or greater – $15 per person (valid for 7 days)

Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.

 

Commercial Use Authorization

A Commercial Use Authorization is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a national park. Lean more about Commercial Use Authorizations.

 

Special Use Permits

Most special events and activities held in the park require a Special Use Permit issued only after the National Park Service determines that the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Learn more about Special Use Permits.