Life by the Bay

Lapping water and Gulf breezes: We must be on the coast! Goose Island offers camping, fishing and birding along St. Charles and Aransas bays, north of Corpus Christi.

Things to Do

Camp, fish, hike, geocache, go boating, and observe and take photos of wildlife, especially birds. We don’t recommend swimming here, as the shoreline has concrete bulkheads, oyster shells, mud flats and marsh grass.

Camping

Choose from 44 campsites by the bay or 57 sites nestled under oak trees, all with water and electricity. Every camping loop has restrooms with showers. We also have 25 walk-in tent sites without electricity, and a group camp for youth groups.

Fishing

Fish from shore, boat, or our 1,620-foot long fishing pier. We have a regular boat launch and a kayak/canoe launch. We also have a fish cleaning station. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a Texas state park.

• Borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes at the park through the Tackle Loaner Program.
• Occasionally, we see alligators in the park; read our alligator safety tips.

Rent our group recreation hall for your next family event. Buy gift items at the park’s store.

Paddling

Bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one of our kayaks. Rentals, including paddles and lifejackets, are available at a kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Big Tree

Be sure to visit the Big Tree, which has been standing sentinel on the coast for centuries. In 1969, it was named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak.

Get involved

We need your help! Volunteers at the park help in the office, with maintenance, and with birding. Stop by headquarters or check our Volunteer page.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We offer a variety of programs, including nature hikes, birding tours, kids programs and more. Check our Events page to see what’s coming up.

Kids

Check out the Junior Ranger Program! An Explorer Pack offers tools for looking at nature up close and personal. Pick up a free Activity Journal; complete a certain number of activities to earn a badge.

Civilian Conservation Corps

The CCC started work here clearing, planting trees, and caring for the Big Tree. Later, the CCC men constructed the current recreation hall out of shell crete using oyster shells. They also built roads, bridges and drainage systems. To learn more about the CCC’s work here, check the links below. 

• The Look of Nature:  Goose Island 
• A New Deal for Texas Parks (interactive exhibit)

Area Attractions

Endangered whooping cranes spend winter across St. Charles Bay at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Also nearby are the Texas Maritime Museum, the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site and Rockport Beach.

In Corpus Christi, visit the Texas State Aquarium and the U.S.S. Lexington. Rockport has art galleries, restaurants, and more.