What is the beach parking permit revenue used for?

The funds help provide amenities for beachgoers, including:

• Permanent restrooms at Crystal Beach Rd.
• Seasonal portable restroom trailers and rinse stations at key locations.
• Portable toilets and blue trash bags.
• Emptying beach trash barrels and hand-picking cleanup crews.
• Beach maintenance equipment.
• Sheriff patrols on the beach.
• Open-top dumpsters on busy weekends.

Why is there a fee for a public beach?

We don’t charge for beach access, only for parking on the beach. Free parking areas are available:

• Western Free Area: Retillion Rd. east to the first washout.
• Eastern Free Area: 2.5 miles east of Rollover Pass to the Chambers County line.

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) allows Galveston County to charge a beach user fee to fund public amenities.

Are there bathrooms or showers?

Yes! Facilities include:

• Permanent restrooms & rinse stations at Crystal Beach Rd.
• Seasonal restroom trailers & rinse stations at:
• Crystal Beach Rd. (central)
• Alma St. (westernmost)
• Gilmore St. (easternmost, accessible from the beach only)
• Port-o-potties along the beach.

Do handicapped individuals or veterans need a beach sticker?

No!

Are there other parking permits accepted on Bolivar Peninsula?

No. The Bolivar Beach Parking Permit is the only valid permit.

Do I need a parking permit for my trailer?

No, just for the vehicle towing it. If the vehicle has a motor and is parked on the beach, it needs a parking permit.

Do I need a parking permit to access the beach?

No. You can:
✅ Drive along the beach without a parking permit.
✅ Walk onto the beach without a parking permit.
✅ Set up camp without a parking permit.
🚗 However, if your vehicle is parked on the beach, it must have a parking permit.

Are campfires allowed?

Yes! Small campfires are allowed, but check with local law enforcement for burn bans. If a ban is in place, fires are not allowed.

You must make sure fires are extinguished and clean up any debris, nails, screws and leftover wood before you leave.

Can we drink on the beach?

Yes, if you're the legal drinking age, but no glass containers. Also, the beach is considered a road, so:

🚫 No open containers inside vehicles.
🚫 No drinking and driving.

Can I tip you?

No, but we appreciate the thought!

How long are the parking permits valid?

Parking permits are valid January 1 – December 31. The expiration date is printed on the front of the parking permit.