Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- +12524732111
- North Carolina, United States
- https://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm
About This Beach
Quick Facts
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Location: Mustang Island, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Address: 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
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Beach Type: Saltwater public beach (Gulf of Mexico)
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Sand Type: Soft Gulf Coast sand
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Water Conditions: Moderate Gulf surf
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Best For: Camping, swimming, fishing, long beach walks
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Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
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Beach Hours: Open daily (park entry hours apply)
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Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
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Beach Cleanliness: Well maintained state park
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Average Rating: ⭐ 4.7
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Pricing: State park entry fee required
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Parking: Large parking areas and drive-on beach access
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Accessibility: Excellent (paved facilities and beach access)
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Crowd Level: Moderate
Overview
Mustang Island State Park offers five miles of undeveloped Gulf shoreline combined with organized state park facilities. It provides a more natural beach setting than city beaches while still offering amenities and managed access.
It’s one of the most complete beach experiences on the Texas Gulf Coast.
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.
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
- Swimming
- Surf fishing
- Beach camping
- Kayaking and birdwatching
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Beach Trip
Turn your beach search into a complete trip — book stays, discover experiences, and prepare like a pro.
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
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Swimming
Surf fishing
Beach camping
Kayaking and birdwatching
Surf fishing
Beach camping
Kayaking and birdwatching
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.
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.
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
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
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
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
On-Site Camping: Tent and RV options
Port Aransas Hotels: Short drive north
Corpus Christi Hotels: Larger selection
Port Aransas Hotels: Short drive north
Corpus Christi Hotels: Larger selection
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.
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.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Pay entry fee at park entrance
Check weather before camping
Respect protected dunes and wildlife
Check weather before camping
Respect protected dunes and wildlife
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
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, 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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- (252) 261-3552
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- https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/kitty-hawk-beach/