Jamaica Beach is a small city on the East End of Galveston Island. But don’t let the word ‘small’ fool you – there are miles and miles of public beach access with pristine sand overlooking the ocean.
You’ll come across the Jamaica Beach RV Resort just past the beautiful coastal city. It’s advertised as a luxurious resort promising the best RV camping experience in Jamaica Beach.
But how good is the beachside RV resort in reality?
Find out for yourself in this thorough review of Jamaica Beach RV Resort. We review the location, amenities, activities available near the resort, and cost, among other things, to help you decide whether or not to camp at this resort.
Jamaica Beach RV Resort: An Overview
Jamaica Beach RV Resort is a family-friendly resort and RV campground in Jamaica Beach. Rated as one of the best accommodation options, it boasts many amenities to make your stay comfortable.
The RV resort is on Galveston Island, off the Southeastern Texas coast. The nearest major city is Houston, and it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach the resort. The distance from downtown Houston is about 65 miles.
You need to drive down the I-45 S highway and cross the bridge to the island. From there, you get to drive along the coast, covering several beaches till you reach the resort.
There are 181 RV sites at the resort, all of which are pull-through and full hook-ups. Some sites directly face the ocean, with the beach only five minutes away from the resort. You can feel the breeze all day long.
The resort also has cottages next to the beaches.
You might be camping in an RV, but it won’t feel so at this place. With heated pools, a playground, dry sauna, and mini-golf course within the premises, experience camping at a star-rated resort. Also, you’ll find plenty of things like a bouncy house and splash pad that’ll keep the kids engaged.
Even your pups will enjoy their stay at Jamaica Beach. This is a dog-friendly resort. There are dog parks and plenty of space to walk your pooch.
The island of Galveston is an ideal place to be if you love sand and the sea. There are miles of public beaches available to explore and camp in. Try your luck at fishing or go surfing in the waters and ride the waves.
The island comes to life during the summers, and it’s the best time to visit the resort.
But winters are just as welcoming, and you can leverage the reduced price to plan a long-term RV trip to Jamaica Beach.
Who Owns Jamaica Beach RV Resort?
The Jamaica Beach RV Park is a family-operated resort wholly owned by the Gustafson’s family. Over three generations of the family have worked on the resort. Presently, Ron Gustafsons is the owner and manager who ensures the well-being of all the campers and staff members.
Facilities and Amenities at Jamaica Beach RV Resort
Comfort is the top-most priority for campers looking to stay at a resort. Rest assured, that will never be compromised at Jamaica Beach RV Resort. The resort has 36 amenities located on-site, some of which are:
- Full hook-up RV sites
All of the 181 RV sites at Jamaica Beach RV Park are full hook-ups with electrical (30 and 50 amps), water, and sewer hook-ups available at each site. Along with that, you have picnic tables and free Wi-Fi access.
The sites have concrete pads, which makes them ideal for all-season camping. Furthermore, the roads are paved and well-maintained. All sites are pull-through, and there’s ample space in between the sites.
- Beachfront cottages
The RV park has three cottages, all of which are located a few meters from the beach. All of them are nearly identical. You’ll find two bedrooms with a king-size bed in one room and a double bunk bed in another. Also, you have spacious living rooms that offer an unobstructed view of the ocean and a private bathroom.
All cottages have modern amenities like a TV with cable, a coffee maker, an oven, and a safe to keep your belongings.
- Swimming pool and hot tub
The resort has two swimming pools, one of which is an indoor pool located near the cottages. You can relax by the pool and get good views of the ocean. The other pool – which is an outdoor pool – is in the middle and easily accessible from most sites.
By the pools, you’ll find hot tubs. Relax in the tubs to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
- Lazy river
The resort has a 700-foot lazy river that runs in a closed loop with adventurous twists and turns. Grab a tube from the counter and hop onto the river. The slow-moving water will carry you through the entire length.
The lazy river is wide enough for both kids and adults to enjoy. You have cabanas next to the lazy river to create a tropical vibe.
- Gym and sauna
The availability of an on-site gym and sauna make Jamaica Beach a proper resort. These are open to all the campers in the resort.
The gym has enough equipment to help you meet your fitness goals. After a moderate gym session, make your way to the sauna to detoxify and rejuvenate yourself.
- Restrooms with shower
There are restrooms in different sections of the resort. These are equipped with showers and other amenities like sinks and mirrors. Restrooms are open 24X7 for your convenience.
- Mini-golf course
The RV resort has a miniature golf course – something which very few RV parks tend to have. The 18-hole course is not only suitable for amateurs but also challenging enough for the pros. It is also handicap accessible.
Playing on the course is free of cost for all guests, and you get the equipment from the store. It’ll surely be a lot of fun.
- Playground
If the splash pool, lazy river, and golf course were not enough, the RV resort has also got a playground for hyperactive campers. You can run around and play games with your friends or family.
Other than the playground, you’ll find a basketball court, volleyball court, shuffleboard table. gaga ball pit, and a horseshoe pit within the resort. You can easily keep boredom at bay with so many things to do.
- Dog park
To ensure your dog isn’t left behind as far as entertainment is concerned, the RV resort has two dog parks. One is for the bigger dogs and the other for the smaller ones.
The parks are fenced, which will keep your dogs safe. But there’s plenty of space both inside and outside the resort to walk your pup.
- On-site pizza store
For pizza lovers, the RV resort has a pizza store next to the indoor pool. You can order your favorite pizza and enjoy the coastal views from the table. It’s a Hunt Brothers store and not maintained by the resort.
Other than the ones mentioned above, you’ll have other amenities at the Jamaica Beach RV resort like a dump station, laundry, clubhouse, community kitchen, etc.
Activities Near Jamaica Beach RV Park
Galveston island – along with neighboring Pelican Island – spans 542 sq km. So there are plenty of things to do when you arrive at Jamaica Beach RV Resort. Here are some of them:
- Hit the beaches
The beach is across the road from the park. Most campers go straight to the beach to catch the mesmerizing views of the Galveston Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other side of the island.
Most of the beaches are public beaches and open to everyone. Set up the sun loungers at any corner and soak in the sun.
Terramar Beach is a well-known beach 8 miles away from the RV resort. It’s clean and secluded, with ample free space to do whatever you want.
- Explore the Galveston Island State Park
The island has a state park known as the Galveston Island State Park. It preserves 2,000 acres of pristine land and an underdeveloped barrier island, which attracts a wide variety of birds. If you come during the spring or fall, you’ll be able to spot hundreds of species.
Located 2.4 miles from the Jamaica Beach RV Park, it’s an excellent place to enjoy the beaches, catch the fish, or set up a picnic. Kayaking is also permissible within the state park.
There are several trails through the bayside salt marsh. You can go on a hiking tour to explore the lesser-known side of Galveston.
- Walk on the Historic Pleasure Pier
The island has a pier with an amusement park built on it. You’ll find shops, rides, a 5D theater, and food concessions on the pier.
The pier was built in 1941 to facilitate transportation but was destroyed in 1961 due to Hurricane Carla. It was left untouched for over 70 years before the new amusement park was built and opened to the public in 2012.
Take a ride in any of the 16 rides and soar over the Gulf of Mexico. Then visit the shops on the pier to collect a few souvenirs and gifts for the loved ones back home.
- Spend a day at the Galveston Island Schlitterbahn Waterpark
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark, covering an area of 26 acres, is like none other. It’s home to the tallest water coaster in the world, Massiv. With a height of more than 81 meters, the water slider promises a thrilling experience.
In addition to that, the water park has a large collection of slides, coasters, and wave rivers.
After you’re done with the rides, spend some time at the private cabanas where you can order food and beverages. The waterpark also has a few shopping malls to cater to shopaholics.
It’s located near the Pleasure Pier. So whether to go for water rides or air rides, that’s your choice.
- Take an educational tour to Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is a non-profit organization that offers nature-focused educational tours. Here, you get to explore three pyramids: Aquarium, Discovery, and Rainforest. Each pyramid will take you through a different ecosystem.
The Aquarium Pyramid contains the vivid beauty of the ocean floor, while the Rainforest pyramid consists of 2,000 exotic plants and animals. Along the canopy trail, which is a few meters above the ground floor, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.
Also, there’s an IMAX 3D theater, 4D FX theater, and the Ridefilm theater to give you the best immersive experience.
Lastly, cap off the tour at the golf course located on the seaside with lush paspalum fairways.
- ‘Brave yourself’ at the Galveston Cemetery Ghost Tour
Jamaica Beach was used as a burial ground by the Karankawa people. Thus, the island now has one of the oldest cemeteries in Galveston.
The cemetery is the burial ground for soldiers involved in the civil war and people who perished in the Great Storm of 1900.
Night tours will take you through the miles-long cemetery that is actually a combination of seven cemeteries. Along the tour, you’ll hear spooky (but real) stories about people who are buried under your feet. Indeed, it’s not for the faint of heart!
- Take a ferry ride to Port Bolivar
The neighboring island to Galveston is Bolivar Island. The only way to reach Bolivar is by taking a ferry boat ride.
When you’re at Jamaica Beach RV Resort, it’s highly recommended that you take a ferry boat ride to Bolivar Island. The ride takes about 30 minutes and will give you an excellent 360-degree view of the region. What’s better is that the rides are free, and you can also transport a vehicle on the ferry!
Jamaica Beach RV Park Rates
The resort has reasonable rates for RV sites. During the summer months (May 28 to September 6), a standard RV site costs $58 per day, while the premium sites are priced at $70 per day. Deluxe sites are in the middle at $63 per day.
But on the weekends, you’ll see a price increase of $10-12 per day for every site.
Winter camping is relatively cheaper. You can book a standard RV site for $50 a day. Premium sites cost $58 a day, so there’s not much of a difference.
You can reserve the sites online or at the front office of the resort.
Can You Camp Overnight on Jamaica Beach?
The beaches of Jamaica Beach are public beaches and come under the laws of the local government. And the laws prohibit the driving or parking of vehicles on the beaches. Therefore, it’s better not to drive or park your RV or car overnight on the beaches.
There are lots of parking places next to the roads along the beaches. Or you can find day parking spaces at some of the RV parks. It’s best to park your vehicle at these designated spots.
Other RV Parks in Jamaica Beach, TX
The Jamaica Beach RV Resort is quite popular, especially during summer. So you may not find a spot as they get booked months in advance. In such cases, you can consider other RV parks in Jamaica Beach. Some of them are:
- Sandpiper RV Resort
Sandpiper RV Resort is your best alternative if you want to camp in an RV resort. The amenities are closer to Jamaica Beach RV Park with full hook-up RV sites, swimming pool, shower, and cookout facilities.
The RV sites are both pull-through and back-in and can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet. You can also arrange picnic tables and a BBQ grill at the site upon request.
With all the attractions of Galveston Island within a few miles, the location of the RV resort is just perfect.
The price starts from $50 per day, with the premium sites being charged at $80 per night. Good Sam members can avail handsome discounts!
Dellanera RV Park is a small beachfront park with 65 RV sites with full hook-ups. The park is located right on the beach, and you can clearly hear the ocean waves from your RV site.
The park has a pavilion with restrooms, a laundry facility, and picnic tables. The prices start from $50 per day, and you can expect to pay way less during the off-season.
The park is closer to the Galveston Fishing Pier, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and other attractions than Jamaica Beach RV Resort.
The third option is camping at the Galveston Island State Park Campground. It’s located within the state park and is maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPAW).
The RV sites are on the bay side of the park. You’ll get a clear view of Galveston Bay from any one of the sites. The sites have water and electricity hook-ups only.
The campground has a communal pavilion and restrooms as amenities. So it’s a pretty basic campground. The perk of staying here is the reduced cost. You get to pay $20 per day for each site, which is excellent for long-term camping on a budget.
