Anyone interested in getting with several people to hike for three to four days up from the Corpus Christi shoreline, finding non fee camping spaces wherever a good spot presents itself? Couldn't have a fire of course, but the adventure is present.
You can camp for free anywhere along the undeveloped barrier island of Padre Island National Seashore, although I don't know if you'd consider that fee-free since there's a $10 entry fee (good for 7 days) or $20 to buy the annual pass (good deal if you do this sort of thing more than once.)