RV travelers heading to Padre Island National Seashore were advised to check the coastal flood advisory extending through 5 a.m. CDT October 29. NWS Corpus Christi forecast minor coastal flooding on the islands of Kleberg, Nueces, Aransas and Calhoun counties. Clear intervals did not mean low beach approaches and sand-driving conditions were normal.
Areas Affected
The advisory was extended at 11:14 p.m. CDT October 27. NWS described water reaching low-lying property, parks and roads, with possible localized road closures. It was a notice of coastal lowland flooding potential, not an announcement that an entire campground was closed. Actual barriers and posted restrictions still had to be followed on site.
The October 28 point forecast near Malaquite Campground called for a high of 79°F and a low of 75°F. Mostly sunny daytime conditions carried a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with east winds of 5–14 mph and gusts to 18 mph. Updated at 1:46 a.m. CDT October 28, the forecast expected easterly winds and clouds to continue October 29.
In a separate October notice, the park forecast tide levels above 2.0 feet on several days, reaching 2.6 feet near month’s end. These figures were tide forecasts, not depths of water over roads. NPS advised checking tide tables and weather before departure because beach conditions change frequently.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
South Beach access begins at the end of paved Park Road 22, 0.5 mile south of the visitor center. NPS recommends four-wheel drive even for the first 5 miles and notes that conditions may require it. Travelers considering driving an ordinary RV or towing a trailer onto the beach should check current sand conditions while still on pavement, rather than assume a route shown on the map is suitable.
Malaquite Campground operates year-round, first come, first served, with check-in at 1 p.m. and checkout at noon. Park alerts checked October 28 did not list a campground closure, but that did not guarantee a vacancy or freedom from flooding effects. Since sites are not secured by reservation, recheck access on the park conditions page and through visitor information at 361-949-8068 before arriving.
Distinguish beach-driving rules from access to Malaquite Beach. Vehicles are prohibited on Malaquite Beach, while driving South Beach’s sand is possible only when conditions permit. NWS advised allowing time to detour around flooding and avoiding barriers or water of unknown depth. Even after an advisory’s end time, check actual sand and approach conditions before deciding where to drive.
Sources: NWS Padre Island forecast · NWS Coastal Flood Advisory · NPS park alerts and conditions · NPS South Beach access · Malaquite Campground
Photo: NPS Photo · Original photo · Photographed June 4, 2015 · Public domain