Texas has more than 600 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters. The Texas state parks have created campsites that will accommodate RVs and miles of beach access where primitive camping is only a few yards from the water. Outdoor activities include exploring the barrier islands by kayak, mountain bike or on foot. If a more relaxing trip is what you need, you can watch the wildlife along the coastal corridor.
Barrier Islands
Much of the Texas coastline is made up of coastal barrier islands--narrow, offshore deposits of sand that parallel the coastline. The sand dunes of the barrier islands can protect the mainland from the destructive winds and waves of storms. Sand dunes can grow as high as 15 feet, creating a refuge for many animals and birds, including several species of hawks and a small population of coyotes. Camping on the gulf coast presents many opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing and water activities. Be prepared for windy conditions. In the summer, expect the temperature to be 90 degrees or more with little shade. Be aware of approaching thunderstorms that can create 50-knot winds and high seas in a short period.
Tent/Primitive Camping
The most primitive beach camping in a Texas State Park is the 56,668-acre Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area. Accessible only by private or charter boat, the island is 11 miles from Port O'Connor. The 13 campsites at the dock area have fire rings and barbecue pits. Campers can also hike to the beaches and camp anywhere on the Gulf side of the island.
Mustang Beach State Park has five miles of beach access that is open for camping. The park estimates that it could accommodate 300 campsites in this area. There are portable toilets, rinse showers and drinking water stationed along the beach for day-use visitors and campers.
RV Camping
Mustang Island State Park, just south of Port Aransas, has 48 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups. The beach is just over the dune, 100 yards from the campsite. The facilities also include showers, restrooms, dump station and a park store. The five miles of open beach at Mustang Island State Park are a popular location for fishing, swimming, beach combing and kayaking.
Galveston Island State Park is 13 miles south of Galveston and has 120 campsites including premium sites with 50 Amp electric hookups. The facilities include restrooms, showers, an interpretive center and a boat ramp. Galveston Island also has a 1/4-mile nature trail and four miles of other hiking and mountain biking trails.
Kayaking
The Mustang Island Paddling Trail consists of three trails that follow the western shoreline of Mustang Island. The 8.5-mile North Trail begins at the Island Moorings Marina, makes its way out to Corpus Christi Bay and follows the shoreline to the Atlantic Cut. The Shamrock Trail is a 5.24-mile loop that begins at Wilson's Cut and out to Shamrock Cove, then follows the shoreline to sign No. 12 and loops back to Wilson's Cut. The Ashum Trail is a 6.8-mile trail that runs from Fish Pass along the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay to Wilson's Cut. All three of these trails pass through excellent shallow-water fishing and birdwatching areas.
Fishing
The Texas Gulf Coast is known for excellent fishing. You can fish from the beach, a lighted pier, small boat or shallow water on the bay side of the barrier islands. The species that could be part of your catch along the coastline include redfish, sea trout, red snapper, pompano and flounder. Offshore you may catch tuna, black drum, shark or marlin. Bull Redfish trophies are caught off the coast of Port O'Connor between September and November. There is no fishing license requirement for persons fishing in Texas state parks, including a pier or the shoreline; however, all licensing requirements must be met if you are fishing from a boat.
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