If you prefer lodging in an RV or tent, you’ll enjoy Galveston Island State Park (14901 Seawall Blvd., 409/737-1222, www.tpwd.state.tx.us, daily entry fee $5 per person ages 13 and older, camping fees $20–25 per night). Located on the west end of Galveston Island about 10 miles from town, Galveston Island State Park offers 2,000 acres of natural beauty along the Gulf Coast.

Even if you aren’t planning to spend the night, the park is a great place for swimming, hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking. Educational tours of the coastline’s native plants and animals are available by appointment—contact the park to make arrangements. Expect to encounter and learn about trout, redfish, croaker, and flounder as well as tropical birds, ducks, marsh rabbits, and armadillos.

Park facilities include four miles of hike and bike trails, an interpretive center and nature trail, concrete boat ramp, fish-cleaning shelter, campsites with water and electricity, screened camping shelters, restrooms with showers, outdoor showers, picnic sites, and Wi-Fi access. The park contains 140 campsites with electricity and water hookups and 10 screened shelters.

Less scenic yet more centrally located is the Galveston Island RV Resort (2323 Skymaster Rd., 409/744-5464). Located adjacent to Moody Gardens, the RV park offers standard hook-ups as well as a fishing pier, spa, and exercise facility.