Beach Camping in Port Arthur

This season is a time to celebrate outdoor pleasures from brilliant sunrises, bird calls, and blooms to starry, starry nights. Sea Rim State Park requires site reservations now and spaces are limited. Nathan Londenberg, park superintendent, said park guests have been appreciating wide, open spaces of more than 5 miles of natural beach.

The Floating Raft

Few have dared the relatively new floating raft at Sea Rim State Park. To be clear, this self-contained overnighter is in the marsh unit and you have to paddle 2 miles out to reach it. Will this be your bucket list item?

Make your reservations for RV space or the marsh unit cabin. Beach camping is sometimes available, so be sure to inquire.

Sea Rim Fun List

Ground nesting birds such as nighthawks and killdeer have been especially active this season. Their nesting areas are marked for their protection and that allows a long-distance view of their activities. “Have fun fishing and enjoy the beach. There’s plenty of room for people to spread out or go on a stroll to do some beachcombing. People are getting in the water to cool off,” Londenberg said.

Bring your kayak

The calm marsh unit has three levels of paddling trails that offer peaceful looks at the wildlife. Listen rustling grasses and spy birds on the fly. Currently, the park’s rentals are unavailable, but those who bring their own can paddle away. Get Sea Rim kayak tips here.

More Outdoor Fun

More outdoor options for guests and “staycationers” include: Pleasure Island for birding, pier fishing and launching into Sabine Lake; Buu Mon Buddhist Temple gardens; ship watching from the downtown boardwalk; Walter Umphrey State Park, Sabine Pass Battlegrounds State Historical Site and refuges near Sea Rim. Take a Walk on the Wild Side with more ideas here.

Don’t Tease the Alligators!

Be Safe! We’ve got lots and lots of gators and their moms love their babies as much as we love ours. Don’t tease them. And, as these tips from Texas Parks and Wildlife state: Don’t feed the wildlife! Read on for more safety tips:

• Keep watch on children! You are responsible for the safety of your children. Make sure you know where your kids are and what they are doing.
• Be aware of the natural surroundings. There may be plants with thorns or stickers.
• You are a visitor in wildlife’s home. Keep a safe distance from wild animals. Although they may look cute, they are wild and can carry diseases.
• Never feed the wildlife! Feeding wildlife can encourage bad behavior by animals and is against park regulations.
• Be careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure your campfire is out when you break camp.
• Axes, knives and saws are useful tools, but be sure you know how to properly use them.

Etiquette

Courteous behavior makes camping more fun for everyone, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s etiquette tips remind us:

• • Think about your fellow campers. Keep noise levels down, especially at night.
  • Leave the area clean. Pick up your trash and make sure to check the area for items you may have forgotten.
  • Keep food out of the reach of animals. Put food items away after use. Raccoons and other animals will take advantage of your carelessness.
  • Dispose of wastewater properly. Dumping gray water can pollute waterways and attract unwanted pests.
  • Camp in designated campsites. Use a tent pad if provided and keep vehicles on the pavement.
  • Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.