Goose Island State Park

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 sites 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 camping area.

Fishing: Fish from shore, boat, or our 1,620-foot long fishing pier. We have a regular boat launch and a kayak/canoe launch (bring your own boat). 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.

Goose Island State Park Fishing Tip Sheet
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.

Volunteer: 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.

The Big Tree: Be sure to visit the Big Tree, which has been standing sentinel on the coast for more than 1,000 years. In 1969, it was named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak.

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 Copano Bay Fishing Pier, the Bay Education Center, and the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site.

In Corpus Christi, visit the Texas Maritime Museum and the Texas State Aquarium. Rockport has art galleries, restaurants, and more.