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Crystal Beach TX (Update/Trip Report)

wannabegone
Explorer
Explorer
The DW and I are planning on going to Crystal Beach TX in the near future for a day or 2 on the beach. We go to Galveston a good bit but have always stayed in the RV parks. One of the main reasons we got the truck camper was to take short trips, stay on the beach etc. We have driven the car on the beach and around the area but haven't had the truck (dually) out on the beach with or without the camper. I've read all the do's and don'ts about Beach driving and have assembled hopefully all I will need. My question is more geared for locals who spend time at the beaches on the peninsula. Where is the best place for a newbie to beach driving to camp, I'm thinking most consistently solid areas. Other than the expected soft sand, washes, debris and to far out for high tide what should we be on the look out for. Do you air down the tires as soon as you get off the pavement or wait until it "feels" necisary. Is there a bad time to go. Any advice will be appreciated.

Chris
2005 Chevy Crew Cab 3500 6.6 Duramax
2008 Keystone Springdale 307FKLGL
2008 Lance 1181
1994 Harley Electra Glide Classic
7 REPLIES 7

wannabegone
Explorer
Explorer
It is at the top of our list. Plan on trying it next trip. We really like Nick's on seawall in Galveston but after the wait at the ferry this trip I'm really hoping Stingaee's is a good alternative so we can head out through High Island.
2005 Chevy Crew Cab 3500 6.6 Duramax
2008 Keystone Springdale 307FKLGL
2008 Lance 1181
1994 Harley Electra Glide Classic

TxGearhead
Explorer II
Explorer II
Try Stingaee's for a meal next time. West of Rollover, turn north at the Valero.
2018 Ram 3500 CC LB DRW 4X4 Cummins Aisin Laramie Pearl White
2018 Landmark Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4
2014 NauticStar 21 ShallowBay 150HP Yamaha
2016 GoDevil 18X44 35HP Surface Drive

wannabegone
Explorer
Explorer
Thought I would give an update on my trip. We headed down last Friday morning. After a few stops for shopping and dining at one of our preferred Galveston seafood restaurants we took the Galveston Ferry over to the Bolivar Peninsula and Crystal Beach about midafternoon.







We had pretty much decided to stay at Rollover Pass since the DW wasnโ€™t yet ready to put โ€œsomething that heavyโ€ into the soft sand and until I get a feel for the tides and where the wide spots are I was ok with that. For anyone who isnโ€™t familiar with Rollover Pass it is a privately owned, man-made cut between the Gulf of Mexico and Rollover Bay north of Galveston Tx on the Bolivar Peninsula. Parking was either $10 a night or a membership (now 6 month) $25 individual or $40 family for unlimited parking. I went with the $40 even though the 6 months end June 30, I plan to go back several times before then and I wanted to support the Pass.







We asked were the best place to park was, we were pointed to where all the locals like to fish. There wasnโ€™t as many people there as I expected so we eased over on the north, bayside in between a class B and a couple of guys with a ez up set up.




Now this isnโ€™t your quiet and relaxing kind of place these people are serious about their fish. The evening went well with the DW and I not catching anything but learning and observing as we went. The fun started at darkโ€ฆ.. generators and light galore.







Like I said these people are serious about their fish. The only good thing was since we donโ€™t have solar yet I was able to fire up the genni and not only give it a work out but top off the batteries. I have to say I was impressed by the Lanceโ€™s noise damping ability since the fishing and generators went all night.

Being late sleepers when we got up between 9 and 10 we found ourselves surrounded. There were poles everywhere. Ahhhh Saturday on the coast.

We got up, dressed and decided to move out of the โ€œprime spotโ€ and go see about picking up some of the supplies that appeared to work for our neighbors. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful and several down the way were happy to see our spot open up. We went and did a little exploring, picked up some supplies and had lunch at a local place. HardHeads Crystal Beach, great food very friendly people. Drove down to the curve at High Island where HWY 87 intersects with HWY 124. Since I knew we were not going to stay here this trip I didnโ€™t want to get out on the sand and take the chance of having to air down. I did walk down the โ€œroadโ€ a little bit. The part I was able to see was fairly narrow, not much area on the beach side and looked to be very busy with it being a Saturday. I do plan to venture farther down that way on one of our week day trips, maybe take the ATV and see if it widens out further up from the intersection.

Back to the pass, with bait, frozen shrimp, and more tackle. We opted for the southern beach side for night 2. Wasnโ€™t sure about the fishing but the beach was inviting. Backed in, stood around talking to several people about our set up then took a short stroll down the beach.






When we got back we pulled the poles out and commenced to fishing. The current is strong in the pass. Be it tide coming in or out but we did see lots of fish. Most looking up ad laughing at us. The DW did catch 2 cat fish, at the same time on her 2 poles but that was all the catching we did, now I remember why I quit fishing years ago lol. Looked to be slow for most but you could watch the schools of fish pass by on their way to and from Rollover Bay and most of the fish they were pulling out were good sized. Once night came I thought we had dodged the generator bullet but it wasnโ€™t long before the pros showed up and got the party started.




Lots of woop woops and ye haws going on so they must have been pulling them in left and right, did I mention how serious these people about their fishing.

Sunday morning wasnโ€™t as crowded as Saturday but there were still people everywhere. I got up and explored the beach a bit more until it was time to head for home.



All in all it was a good weekend, we usually do not venture out on the weekends because of the crowds so next time weโ€™ll see how it is during the week. While not our usual RV trip I am finding I say that more and more since we got the TC. If you like to fish this is a great place to goโ€ฆ.if you love fishing it is a must, lots of fish, lots of great people, lots of fun. If you want to go, go soon, the Texas Land Commission wants this great fishing resource closed and filled in, the sooner the better from what I understand. Galveston County just pulled the emanate domain card and are wanting to turn the place into a park. Lawsuits are ongoing but there is no telling how much longer the pass will be there.
2005 Chevy Crew Cab 3500 6.6 Duramax
2008 Keystone Springdale 307FKLGL
2008 Lance 1181
1994 Harley Electra Glide Classic

wannabegone
Explorer
Explorer
PatRenee wrote:
We go there all the time... we drive all over the beach in a 10000 lb. Excursion and have never even came close to getting stuck... no need to let air out of your tires either.... as far as where to camp.... ANYWHERE.... just put tent close to dunes or tide will get you. If you like ti fish and don't have a boat park close to Roll Over Pass...great bank fishing there....



I do remember last year when driving up the beach thinking it would be easy to wake up in the high tide in several places. Stepping out of the TC in to ankle or deeper water would sure put a cramp in a good trip. We are considering roll over pass but from the info we found online I wasn't sure how much longer the pass will be there.
2005 Chevy Crew Cab 3500 6.6 Duramax
2008 Keystone Springdale 307FKLGL
2008 Lance 1181
1994 Harley Electra Glide Classic

LynnandCarol
Explorer
Explorer
our fave rv park there is port bolivar rv park.

PatRenee
Explorer
Explorer
We go there all the time... we drive all over the beach in a 10000 lb. Excursion and have never even came close to getting stuck... no need to let air out of your tires either.... as far as where to camp.... ANYWHERE.... just put tent close to dunes or tide will get you. If you like ti fish and don't have a boat park close to Roll Over Pass...great bank fishing there....

darsben
Explorer II
Explorer II
I am not a local but I am PM'ing you my experiences
In the meantime
look at; http://crystalbeach.com/
Traveling with my best friend my wife!