Corpus Christi, Texas RV Rentals

Corpus Christi, Texas is a beautiful and friendly city that’s perfectly situated on the idyllic shores of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s neatly tucked into a sheltered bay protected by the shores of Mustang and Padre Islands. In fact, the Padre Island National Seashore is home to hundreds of migratory birds and endangered sea turtles, making Corpus Christi a perfect getaway for any nature lover. 

With over nine beaches to choose from and 223 days of sunlight per year, Corpus Christi is a sun seeker’s dream. There’s also plenty of other fun and interesting activities to do in the bustling city, making Corpus Christi a great destination for your next RV road trip. There are lots of affordable and comfortable RV rentals in Corpus Christi to suit any family’s needs, so check out some of the great attractions and events that draw so many people to this pristine beachside town, and start planning your next family vacation to Corpus Christi.

Popular RV Destinations in Corpus Christi

Horses on the Beach

Mustang Island is one of the protective barrier islands off the shores of Corpus Christi and is aptly named for the hundreds of wild mustangs that ran free on the island up until the late 1800s. The island is home to Horses on the Beach, a family-owned and operated reservations-only attraction that offers guided tours of the local beaches the Texas way: on horseback. Young or old, beginner or advanced, this experience will be one that you and your whole family will always remember.

Geared for people ages 8 and up, you can reserve hour-long daytime rides or a romantic sunset ride on a variety of beautiful and well-trained horses along Padre Island National Seashore. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and will cater to your needs to ensure that you have one of the best experiences of your entire trip. Rates are reasonable and begin at $59 per hour. 

USS Lexington

Driving over Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, you can’t help but notice the massive and majestic Essex-class, World War II vintage aircraft carrier sitting right next to the shore. Commissioned in 1943, the USS Lexington, CV-16 looks as large as a small town. Nicknamed “The Blue Ghost”, this warship turned museum played a major role in several battles across the Pacific Ocean during WWII.

The ship was decommissioned in 1991 and renovated into the museum, which is open year-round with the exception of a few holidays. It’s full of educational exhibits, featuring pictures of other vintage ships and aircraft, uniforms, and more. You can tour five distinct areas of this enormous vessel, from the flight deck to all of the lower decks, that will leave you in awe at the sheer size of the ship. Explore on your own or take a guided tour to get the full, in-depth experience.

Padre Island

Few destinations can compare to the Padre Island National Seashore. With over 130,000 acres of raw and untouched sand dunes and prairies and more than 70 miles of unspoiled beach coastline, it’s the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier islands in the world. Lounge in the sun on the soft sand, or seek out plenty of food and entertainment options, like Bob Hall pier, which is perfect for picnicking, fishing, surfing, or building sandcastles. 

Cool off and have a blast with the kids at Waves Resort with its huge waterpark, Schlitterbahn, delicious restaurants, and e-sports gaming center. Seize the opportunity of a lifetime with a guided viewing of the hatching of endangered Kemp’s ridley baby sea turtles, and cheer them on as they make their first steps toward the ocean. Also, consider taking in a fiery sunset on a canoe or kayak.

Texas State Aquarium

Opened in 1990m  the Texas State Aquarium takes you on an educational and entertaining aquatic journey from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, down through the Caribbean Sea, and beyond. Watch exciting dive shows, animal feedings, presentations on birds, otters, and dolphins, or have an up-close and personal experience with sharks, stingrays, dolphins, starfish, and sea urchins. You can also observe majestic and intimidating birds of prey, such as hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles.

Be sure to check out the unique Islands of Steel exhibit, which is modeled after a real Texas offshore oil rig, definitely something you don’t see every day. A recent expansion to the aquarium also allows you to get a taste of the wildlife and nature of the Yucatan Peninsula. Explore jungles, caves, coral reefs, and enjoy personal interactions with flamingos, crocodiles, exotic birds, and other species.

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Strategically located along the Oso Creek in Corpus Christi’s south side, the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a vast 182-acre facility that showcases 11 artistically and innovatively designed floral gardens and exhibits. Stroll leisurely through the Rose Garden and large Rose Pavilion, the whimsical Hummingbird Garden, the desert-like Arid Garden, the seasonal Plumeria Garden, and much more. It’s a feast for the senses.

The venue is also home to the 2,600 square foot screened Butterfly House and the 1,800 foot Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory. Be sure to check out other entertaining exhibits like the Exotic Parrot Collection, Resident Reptiles, and the Tranquil Gator Lake. The funky and eclectic “artscaped” Sensory Garden is a memorable blend of flora, fauna, and original art installments.

The Botanical Garden is open daily from 9-6 and admission is very reasonable. They even welcome well-behaved dogs, as long as they’re leashed. It’s a calming and relaxing change of pace.

Events and Entertainment in Corpus Christi

Whooping Crane Festival

February

Corpus Christi is well-known as one of the migratory bird capitals of the world, with dozens of species of birds making the warm waters of the protected Gulf Coast their winter home. Every year since 1996, the city has been honoring its love of birding and, specifically, the arrival of the graceful and slender whooping cranes with the Whooping Crane Festival. The four-day event is jam-packed with activities that focus on all things fowl.

You can get your fill of fun and educational speakers and experts that graciously conduct birding field trips, informational lectures, photography workshops, boat tours, and trade shows. You can even take part in a painting and wine tasting class and a free nature-focused trade show.

Rodeo Corpus Christi

April/May

Every Spring, Corpus Christi plays host to dozens of world-class cowboys and thousands of spectators that fill up the American Bank Center for the Corpus Christi Rodeo. You won’t want to miss the most quintessential of all Texas pastimes. The exciting and highly charged competition takes place over four days.

Athletes compete in traditional Rodeo events, like Bull Riding, Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Mutton Busting, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Scramble, Barrel Racing, and more. Each day of the event is followed by a live concert put on by a nationally known recording artist or band. Don’t miss your chance to get fully immersed in the true cowboy culture.

Texas Jazz Festival

October

Corpus Christi has been honoring its love and appreciation of Jazz music since the 1960s with the Texas Jazz Festival. Typically held in mid-October each year, this highly attended festival showcases some of the best Jazz musicians in the country across three separate stages and three days of non-stop partying. With an attendance of over 50,000 people, this is one of Corpus Christi’s biggest annual events.

Musicians come from all over the nation and are composed of not just professionals, but talented high school and college jazz bands. Admission is free, and so is shuttle service to and from the event. To keep you satiated and hydrated, there are tons of well-priced delicious food and drink vendors on hand offering up authentic Texas flavors.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival

October/November

Another culturally significant and traditional event you’ll want to take part in is the annual Dia de Los Muertos Street Festival. Come in costume yourself, or just immerse yourself in the vibrant and brightly colored decorations and costumes all around you. The iconic Sugar skulls represent a departed soul and are a reflection of the folk art style of this fun, yet reverent festival.

You can choose from up to 15 different face painters who will be sure to give you a Sugar skull makeover that you’ll love and will fit right in with. Enjoy plenty of different live bands and musicians spread out over three separate stages. Wander through the plentiful street vendors to find the perfect souvenir or delicious treat, and be sure to stop by the “Altars of Remembrance” which is on display in the Ritz Theater and honors those who have passed on.

Harbor Lights Festival and Illuminated Boat Parade

December

If you’re brave enough to plan your RV road trip to Corpus Christi near Christmas, we know you’ll love the annual ringing in of the Christmas season with the joyous Harbor Lights Festival. The beautiful Bayfront Marina plays host to this all-day event that offers plenty of entertainment for children, including the Children’s parade, the Children’s Activity Area, and the Children’s Fun Zone. Don’t worry though, there’s plenty of entertainment and fun for the adults too.

Experience a wide variety of live entertainment on the event’s main stage, get your fill of delicious food and drinks from multiple vendors, watch as Santa’s Snowball Express Motorcade arrives in style to welcome him, and really get in the holiday spirit with the annual lighting of the HEB Holiday tree. Of course, you won’t want to leave early and miss the best part: the Illuminated Boat Parade that highlights dozens of festively decorated and lit boats as they meander through the water near the Seawall.

FAQs

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Corpus Christi can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Corpus Christi?

While most states require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, the legal age to rent one in Texas is 21. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent.

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Corpus Christi. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

This policy varies among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Corpus Christi will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you picked up the vehicle.

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Corpus Christi?

Many RV and camper rentals in Corpus Christi are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.