Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Cross the causeway at Port Isabel. Take the first right after crossing the bridge, travel one quarter mile and take the first right to the KOA entrance. GPS: N26.079219, W97.166637
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Beneath the sandy shores of the island lie centuries of secrets waiting to be discovered. This barrier island has captivated treasure hunters for generations with its legendary Spanish shipwrecks and hidden caches lost to time.
Whether you are a serious beachcomber with a metal detector or simply love the thrill of finding something special in the sand, treasure hunting on South Padre Island offers an exciting adventure for the whole family. South Padre Island KOA Holiday provides the perfect base camp for your treasure-seeking expeditions along the Texas coast.
The island's treasure hunting legacy stretches back over 450 years. In 1554, three Spanish ships — the Espíritu Santo, Santa María de Yciar and San Esteban — ran aground during a fierce storm, carrying stolen wealth from Veracruz to Spain. While salvage crews recovered some of the treasure, the exact amount is unknown. A vast amount of gold and silver may still be hidden beneath the shifting sands.
Another tale involves the Singer family's "Money Hill." In the 1860s, John Singer and his family discovered Spanish coins and jewelry while living on the island. They buried their findings along with other valuables in a large sand dune for safekeeping. When the Civil War forced them to flee, a hurricane reshaped the landscape, and Money Hill was never found.
Treasure hunter Bill Mahan documented these legends and many others in his research, inspiring generations of seekers to explore the hidden treasures of South Padre Island.
Today's treasure hunters don't need a pirate map — just patience and a sense of adventure. Hurricane Beulah in 1967 uncovered numerous Spanish coins along the beach, proving that treasures still surface after major storms.
Popular treasure hunting activities include:
Your treasure-hunting adventure begins with comfortable accommodations. Wake up steps from the beach, enjoy modern amenities after a day of exploring and swap stories with fellow adventurers around the campfire. We offer a variety of accommodations, from RV Sites to Deluxe Cabins, to provide you with the perfect retreat between your beachcombing expeditions.
Beyond treasure hunting, the island offers a range of other exciting activities suitable for the whole family. Combine your search for lost treasure with kayaking, fishing and exploring the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.
The island offers endless possibilities for thrilling discoveries. Book your stay today and experience the excitement of searching for hidden treasures along one of Texas' most historic coastlines. Who knows — you might be the one to finally uncover South Padre Island's lost treasure.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
