Wintering on the Texas Gulf Coast

Every fall, RVers from the Midwest, the Plains and Canada head south to trade snow shovels for sand. Texans call them Winter Texans. Most people picture the Rio Grande Valley, but more snowbirds are discovering the upper Texas coast, where the beach is steps away and Galveston is a ferry ride across the bay.

This guide covers what a winter on the Bolivar Peninsula is really like: the weather, getting here, what to do, and how to choose an RV resort for a long stay. 

What is a Winter Texan?

A Winter Texan is a seasonal visitor, usually retired, who spends the coldest months on the Texas coast or in South Texas. Many arrive in October or November and stay through March or April. They often return to the same resort every year, and the friendships they make are a big reason why.

Where is the Bolivar Peninsula?

The Bolivar Peninsula is a 27-mile strip of beach communities just northeast of Galveston Island, including Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Gilchrist and High Island. It's quieter and less developed than Galveston, with wide Gulf beaches, bay marshes and small-town restaurants and shops.

You can reach it two ways:

By ferry from Galveston. The free Galveston–Port Bolivar ferry crosses the bay, and dolphins often swim alongside. Wait times can be long on busy weekends, so plan ahead.

By land from the north. Drive in from I-10 through Winnie and High Island on Highway 124, then follow Highway 87 down the peninsula. This route skips the ferry entirely, which is handy with a big rig.

Crystal Beach, near the middle of the peninsula, is about [__ minutes] from the ferry landing and roughly [1.5–2 hours] from Houston.

Winter weather on the upper Texas coast

Winters here are mild, but expect them to feel more like a long fall than the tropics. Galveston's typical January high is in the low 60s °F, with lows in the upper 40s. Many days climb into the 70s, and by March highs are regularly in the 70s again.

Cold fronts, called "northers," bring a few windy, chilly days each winter, and nights can occasionally dip near freezing. Pack layers and a windbreaker, and keep your RV's heat and hose protection ready.

The Gulf water is cool in winter, so this is beach-walking and beachcombing season rather than swimming season. A heated pool and hot tubs make a big difference on cooler days.

Why snowbirds choose the Bolivar Peninsula

The beach is your backyard. Crystal Beach is one of the few places in Texas where you can drive on the sand. A beach permit is required for your vehicle or golf cart, and winter beaches are wide open.

World-class birding. The peninsula sits on a major migratory flyway. Bolivar Flats, at the western tip, is one of the best-known shorebird spots on the Gulf Coast, with avocets, plovers and huge flocks of waterbirds in winter. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, a short drive north, hosts large numbers of wintering geese and ducks. Stay into spring and the bird sanctuaries at High Island become a destination for birders from around the world during spring migration.

Fishing all winter. Anglers fish the surf, the jetties near Port Bolivar and the bays for redfish, black drum, sheepshead and speckled trout. A Texas fishing license is required, including for fishing on the beach.

Galveston is next door. Take the ferry for the historic Strand district, museums, Moody Gardens, restaurants and Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration each February. Galveston also has major medical facilities, which matters on a months-long stay.

Houston is within reach. Two major airports, big-city shopping and specialist care are a day trip away. That makes it easier for family to visit, too.

What to look for in a winter RV resort

A weekend campground and a winter home are different things. For a long stay, look for:

Monthly or seasonal rates, and a clear answer on whether utilities are included

• Full hookups with 30- or 50-amp service and level concrete pads
• A real activity calendar so the weeks don't blur together
• On-site food and drink for nights you don't want to cook
• Laundry and a fitness center for everyday living
• Beach access and help with beach and golf cart permits
• Pet-friendly policies that work for months, not days
• Spending the winter at Camp Margaritaville Crystal Beach

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach is a beachfront resort built for long, easy stays. Winter Texans get:

• Monthly rates from $975 for the 2026–27 season, with utilities included on select sites, so there's no surprise electric bill. [See current monthly rates → 2026–27 monthly rates offer]
• A 10% discount at Fins Bar & Grill for monthly guests
• Adult activity programming through the season, plus holiday celebrations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Mardi Gras
• A resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, hot tubs, a fitness center and laundry
• Live music on weekends and direct access to the beach

Learn more about our Winter Texan program 

When to book your winter site

Monthly sites for the 2026–27 season run from October 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, and availability on the eligible sites is limited. Returning guests often book early, so reserve as soon as you know your dates. If you're planning a shorter winter, ask about January through March openings.

Frequently asked questions

When is Winter Texan season on the Texas coast? Most Winter Texans arrive between October and December and stay through March or April.

Is Galveston warm enough for winter RVing? For most snowbirds from northern states, yes. January highs average in the low 60s °F, with plenty of 70-degree days and a few cold fronts.

Do I have to take the ferry to reach Crystal Beach? No. You can drive in from I-10 via Highway 124 through High Island, or take the free ferry from Galveston.

Can you drive on the beach at Crystal Beach? Yes, with a beach permit for your vehicle or golf cart.

Spend this winter where the beach is your backyard. Book your monthly site or call our reservations team at (409) 515-1970.