Mustang Island State Park – Texas, USA

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About This Beach

Nestled along the Texas Gulf Coast, just south of Port Aransas and east of Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park is a pristine coastal haven known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches, and abundant wildlife. Stretching across five miles of unspoiled sandy shoreline, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a more natural, less crowded beach experience.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, camping, kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing, all within a peaceful coastal environment. The park’s blend of beach wilderness and Gulf waters makes it a favorite for those who want to reconnect with nature — without sacrificing accessibility.

📜 History & Unique Features

  • Mustang Island was named for the wild horses that roamed the area in the 18th century.

  • The island served as a natural barrier protecting the Texas mainland and was a strategic site during early Gulf exploration.

  • Mustang Island State Park was officially opened to the public in 1979, offering visitors preserved coastal ecosystems and beach access.

  • The park’s Paddling Trail, spanning over 20 miles, is part of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Paddling Trails system — ideal for kayaking through coastal wetlands and bird habitats.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit
Spring (March – May): Ideal weather for camping, birdwatching, and water sports.

Summer (June – August): Warm Gulf waters and long beach days — busiest season.

Fall (September – November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, great fishing.

Winter (December – February): Peaceful, cooler months for hiking and photography.

Things To Do

Popular Activities
  • Relax on the Beach: Enjoy miles of soft sand and gentle Gulf surf.
  • Swimming & Surfing: Calm waters for families, with small surf breaks for beginners.
  • Camping on the Beach: Over 50 primitive and RV campsites available, many just steps from the ocean.
  • Fishing: Cast a line directly from the shore or kayak to nearby fishing spots.
  • Birdwatching: Spot herons, pelicans, ospreys, and migratory species — the park is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
  • Kayaking & Paddling: Explore the Mustang Island Paddling Trail through wetlands, dunes, and seagrass flats.
  • Shell Collecting: The beaches here are great for finding unique shells and sand dollars.
  • Stargazing: Minimal light pollution makes for stunning night skies.

Amenities

Nearby Amenities
  • Restrooms and rinse-off showers
  • Covered picnic areas with grills
  • Camping sites (primitive, drive-up, and RV)
  • Fresh water and dump stations
  • Park store for basic supplies
  • Ranger-led educational programs
  • Pet-friendly areas (leashes required)

Beach Hours

Beach Hours

Open Now

Open 24/7

Hours/Lifeguards

Hours/Lifeguards
Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Campgrounds: Check-in after 2:00 PM / Check-out by 12:00 PM

Park Headquarters: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pricing

Pricing
Day-Use Entry Fee: $5 per adult (children under 12 free)

Annual Texas State Park Pass: $70 (unlimited access to all state parks)

Campsites:

Primitive Beach Campsites: ~$10–$15 per night

Water/Electric Sites: ~$20–$25 per night

RV Hookups: ~$25–$30 per night

Kayak Rentals: Available nearby in Port Aransas or Corpus Christi

Food & Drinks

Food & Drinks
On-Site: Bring your own food, drinks, and coolers (no concessions).

Nearby Dining:

FINS Grill & Icehouse (Port Aransas): Burgers, seafood, and waterfront views.

Doc’s Seafood & Steaks (Corpus Christi): Popular local seafood spot.

Island Joes Coffee & Gallery: Great stop for coffee and breakfast before exploring.

Black Marlin Bar & Grill: Laid-back coastal dining nearby.

Events & Festivals

Events & Festivals
Texas SandFest (April): One of the nation’s largest sand sculpting competitions, held nearby in Port Aransas.

Birding Festivals: Regular events celebrating coastal and migratory birdwatching.

Star Parties: Seasonal stargazing events hosted by Texas Parks & Wildlife rangers.

Clean the Beach Days: Volunteer programs for eco-conscious visitors.

Contact Information

Location

Beach Address
9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas, 78418, United States
Access Points
Mustang Island State Park
9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

Located 15 miles south of Port Aransas and 25 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi

Accessible via TX-361 by car or RV

Day-use parking available near main beach entrances

Easy access for campers, kayakers, and visitors
9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas, 78418, United States

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