Mustang Island, a barrier island across from Corpus Christi, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico helps protect the Texas mainland from severe weather. Mustang Island State Park is located in the southern-most part of the island, just north of Padre Island and the Padre Island National Seashore. Easily accessible from mainland Texas by air, sea or land, visitors and locals alike can appreciate the unique setting, wildlife and activities that Mustang Island State Park has to offer.
Mustang Island State Park
Since 1979, the 3,954-acre Mustang Island State Park has attracted visitors in search of miles of sandy beaches, camping and recreation. From a five-mile beach to marshy wetlands, sand dunes and jetties jutting out from the coast, the diversity of the park creates a range of activities and scenery that make daily and overnight visits to the park a pleasurable experience.
Camping
Mustang Island State Park visitors can spend the day at the park or stay overnight in one of the park's 348 campsites. The park has 300 sites sit right on the beach. No hookups are available at these sites, but campers can use campground the restrooms and showers. The remaining 48 campsites come with full water and electrical hookups. Located 50 to 75 yards from the water, these sites can be reserved in advance.
Fees
Beachside camping cost only $8 a night, while the developed campgrounds with full hookups charge double the amount at $16 a night, as of August 2010. In addition to nightly campground fees, visitors are charged a daily entrance fee to access the park. The $4 daily fee applies to visitors who are 13 or older. Visitors with a Texas State Parks Pass do not have to pay the fee, but are still responsible for standard campground fees and activity use fees which cost $2.
Wildlife
The park helps protect many of the wildlife species and ecosystems present in the park due to its location in the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors are free to enjoy and explore the environment through birding, swimming and hiking. From small rodents, coyotes and other small mammals, to hundreds of species of birds and fish, visitors can expect to see plenty of wildlife during their stay.
Activities
Water activities dominate landscape of Mustang Island State Park. Whether choosing to sunbathe on the beach, surf in the waves or explore the coast on kayaks, visitors can enjoy the Gulf of Mexico in many ways. For those who prefer to stay dry, inland and coastal areas provide hiking and biking trails and picnic areas.
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