Angel

We are looking for the best state park to camp for 3-4 nights in mid-June. One brother has a Mini-Winnie and we will have two other tents. Primarily looking for someplace close to beach that has facilities like bathrooms/showers AND someplace between Galveston and Corpus Christi. We are coming from Arkansas through Houston (pick up another brother) to San Antonio and back up. Ages of 10 campers range from Grammy (6oish) down to three grandkids (all 15 year olds.)

Looking at the postings I would think that Padre Island National Seashore is out because it is too primitive. We were tossing aroud the idea of Mustang Island SP or Goose Island SP? One brother really wants to stay around Rockport/ Port Aransas area for Gulf fishing. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

oceanus

I would suggest Mustang Island over Goose Island. It's larger and more open than Goose Island. You could do Padre Island NS, it's well maintained near the HQ. Or, I would even suggest some of the county parks, such as Padre Balli. It's in between Mustang Island and Padre Island. Bob Hall Pier is there, which has excellent fishing. Plus, there are showers and restrooms. Overall, Padre Balli would be my choice. Hope that helps.
Steve

hiwayman

Also there is a nice county park in the Surfside/Freeport area. I think it is called Quintana Beach County Park or something similar. Good facilities and very nice campsites. I have also stayed in a small private RV park in Port O'Connor but it was not very close to the water and did not have many facilities. I also did not see much if any beach front while there. We used it a stayover before heading to Matagora Island.

Have fun!

OutdoorPhoto.com

I agree with oceanus that Mustang Island State Park is probably your best bet given your requirements. You'll have some decent beach and you're close to Port Aransas - home of food and a great birding center!

puzzleboxlady

If the beach proximity is important to you, then Mustang Island is a better choice than Goose Island. The kids would probably enjoy Mustang Island or Port Aransas because of the beach (translated to "girls"). Although I & my kids (ages 7, 10, 19) prefer Goose Island for camping, fishing, and oak trees. Goose Island is about 30 minutes from Port Aransas. There are numerous other rv sites in Port Aransas, but I wouldn't really call them "camping" sites. Here is a link to the Port A chamber website http://www.portaransas.org

Don't forget to take the ferry between Port Aransas and Aransas Pass. Most tourists really enjoy this very short trip and it gives folks a great opportunity to see porpoises.