By all means, go to and enjoy South Padre. Depending on what you are looking for, despite the wind and a bit of partying during spring break time, it is most generally pleasant. If you can keep your rig washed and a good coat of wax on it you probably won't have a problem. You cannot keep the sand out of the unit whether you have a Prevost Conversion or a simple pop up. You can clean and never get it all but it is a small price to pay for warmth. North end of the island at the National Seashore and Malquite Beach is a nice place if you don't mind not having all the amenities. A great place to get away from it all. You can stay on the free beach, Bird Island Basin and in the campground. No hookups at either place. Flush toilets and cold showers at Bird Island Basin and the campground and the visitor center and a generator is almost a must. Be aware that loud generators are not generally allowed. Parking on the sand at the free beach has its own drawbacks but the view is great. Fishing in the surf or at Bird Island Basin is a bit tricky unless you have some experience but many do enjoy it. Biking on the roads in the park is okay but be aware of the wind. There is a two week limit but sometimes it isn't enforced to the letter of the law. It is kinda like a convertable auto, you should have at least one but the second one is a matter of choice. I spent vacations there for over 20 years.
I'm with pawatt(as usual)on this deal. I'd prefer to stay inland, and take day trips to SPI. We had friends this past winter that stayed on the island for two months. We visited them one day, and decided it wasn't for us. The sand seemed to be a worse problem than the wind. At least the day we were there.
We stay in Mission, and yes the wind blows. However, it isn't as strong there as it is on the island. IF you're beach people however, THAT'S the place to go and enjoy it. Lots of fun things to do, and great places to eat at SPI.
Larry & Ann w/Lucy the cocker
'00 Mountain Aire 350 Cummins/Spartan
Toad: '05 Jeep Liberty Ltd.
I agree with "everyone" above. I have never been "sand blasted" at SPI. We have many Friends who spend time on SPI and then move on into the RGV during the Winter.
I, personally, have stayed on the Island, many years ago, at the County park and just dealt with the sand. It is beautiful on the Island and yes, you do have to deal with some elements that Mother Nature hands out. Such as the salt spray, sometimes more wind than you would prefer but if you love the water as much as I do you will just deal with it and have a great time.
We spend the Winter in the middle of the Rio Grande Valley and make day trips out to the Island. DH just doesn't feel it is worth the hassle of keeping the salt off of everything for several months. As I said some of our friends stay out there for a week or so and then move inland.
Whatever you decide... "have fun" and enjoy!
Shirley
Ron & Shirley
2005 Itasca 37B Suncruiser W24 Workhorse Chassis To Discover New Oceans We Must Lose Sight Of The Shore
If and when you go, be darned sure and wash your rv , top to bottom , the very bottom, after you leave. It is the salt air and spray that will do the damage, not the wind. Course this is good advice for any salt air/water place. We have spent many a nights on the beach, in the sand, and boy does it get salty.
We stayed at Isla Blanca County Park in January '04 and never experienced any wind-driven sandy conditions. However, staying at Padre Island NS later that year, we found the wind to be a real asset...as it cooled things down and kept the skeeters at bay, for the better part.
We lived in Sharyland (Mission) for a number of years and the wind is not over-powering. Go on down and enjoy yourself.
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I have never been "sand blasted" at SPI. We have many Friends who spend time on SPI and then move on into the RGV during the Winter. 
