A serviced north-end beach park
Andy Bowie Park is at 7300 State Park Road 100, on the island's developed north end. You may see it called Cameron County Beach Access #2. Don't confuse it with the city's Beach Access #2. At Andy Bowie, you park and walk to the Gulf; this isn't a drive-on beach entrance.
The county lists restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, parking, concession areas and RV camping in its park system report. For RV reservations, use the links on the Andy Bowie Park page or call 956-761-3704. Reserving an RV space doesn't allow you to camp on the beach. Read the opening update below before booking or visiting.
What the 2026 improvements added
The county's June 25, 2026 project announcement describes new elevated picnic pavilions with lighting at the north and south ends, refurbished buildings and bathrooms, a resurfaced parking lot, and a new south-end beach walkway with rinse stations.
Call before you go. The announcement said finishing work would continue before reopening. On September 6, 2026, the county website still showed a renovation-closure notice, even though the park page listed office hours. Those pages don't clearly confirm that day-use entry and all facilities are open. Ask the park office at 956-761-3704 before making the drive.
Office hours and entry fees
The park page lists daily office hours of 8 a.m.–7 p.m. in peak season and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. off season, without giving the season dates. Office hours aren't necessarily gate or facility hours. The city's county-park overview lists a per-vehicle entry fee. Ask the park for the current amount when you call about opening; an old price found online may no longer apply.
Allow time to find parking and bring shade for a beach day. In spring and fall, you might also want to leave room for birding on the Laguna Madre side. Wind, surf and park work can change your options, whatever month you visit.
What else is nearby?
Once the park confirms it's open, Andy Bowie is worth comparing with the simpler drive-on entrances if you want restrooms, rinse stations and picnic areas. If you want to take a vehicle onto the beach, look at Cameron County Access #6 and read the beach-driving guide.
Want to add a wildlife stop? The Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary listing and visitor guide introduce a nearby Laguna Madre outing. For more birdwatching ideas, explore the north-end flats. Check beach conditions before deciding how much of the day to spend on the Gulf.