Saint Joseph Island, - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

SKOT FREE · 06-23-2005, 03:52 PM

I discovered on My last trip to Port "A" that there is a ferry boat for ten bucks that will take you over to St. Jo's Island. The island is uninhabited. I called fishermans wharf and inquired about camping. They told Me that it is not a proble. I was wondering if anyone else has camped there, and what thier opinions of it are. I am going to go check it out in a couple of weeks. I will write a trip report on My return.

06-24-2005, 03:05 PM

There are no people there but plenty of cows, saltgrass, and more moqsuitos than there are grains of sand on the beach! Not your typical paradise. Stay in a state park instead. Oh, it is a great place to go fishing though.
.............from a Rockport native.............................

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKOT FREE

I discovered on My last trip to Port "A" that there is a ferry boat for ten bucks that will take you over to St. Jo's Island. The island is uninhabited. I called fishermans wharf and inquired about camping. They told Me that it is not a proble. I was wondering if anyone else has camped there, and what thier opinions of it are. I am going to go check it out in a couple of weeks. I will write a trip report on My return.

ploddinTod · 06-24-2005, 08:16 PM

Never heard of it. Where's it located---north of the Port A cut? You ought to rent a kayak and paddle to it. It'd be kinda cool to explore the Laguna Madre that way.

06-25-2005, 09:05 AM

I visited the island years ago during a very rainy Spring Break. I think there was a local who ferried me and two friends across in his motorboat.

We were the only ones on the island among thousands of sea shells.
I filled my bucket with the best shells I could find.

I think a kayak trip over there is a splendid idea.

Happy trails.
blueskyscout

Xanne · 06-27-2005, 09:37 AM

I have been going to St. Joe's Island since I was in high school. We would go over there to surf since the waves were better. I hadn't been back for years until a couple of weeks ago when my girlfriend and I went across on the ferry boat. It's a very nice ride for $10.00 (roundtrip). There isn't any water or electricity on St. Joe's so be prepared to take everything you might need to camp. The island isn't maintained by anyone, so it can sometimes be pretty dirty with all the liter that has washed up. But that also allows for some great beachcombing....lots and lots of pretty shells. A word of caution! There are lots of rattlesnakes, so be careful if you go into the dunes.
Hope you enjoy your visit.
Michael

06-14-2006, 04:25 PM

Hi, my name is Susan and I live in Dallas TX. My husband and two kids and I used to visit Port Aransas every summer. We loved going to St Joe Island. I am
going back this year with my children and grandkids. We haven't been down
for the last 15 yrs, since my divorce. I have been researching St Joe's a little on the internet. When we went over over years ago, we always headed off the jetty to the right and visited the beach in that direction. I'm wondering
what is available if we head off to the the left of the Jetty? I have always wondered who or what owned St Joe Island. I recently read an obituary
in the Dallas Morning News for the prominent philanthropist Perry Richardson Bass, and it was mentioned that he and his family own St Joe's Island. Apparently, they have a large home on the island as well as a private air strip. Is the house visible from the beach? Just curoisity on my part.

I would like some info on the beach to left of jetty.

Thanks for your time!

CyberCelt · 06-21-2006, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

Never heard of it. Where's it located---north of the Port A cut? You ought to rent a kayak and paddle to it. It'd be kinda cool to explore the Laguna Madre that way.

No, it is actually an island off the coastline. I know what you are talking about kayaking. I am still waiting to do the Lighthouse Lakes Trail.

CyberCelt · 06-21-2006, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi, my name is Susan and I live in Dallas TX. My husband and two kids and I used to visit Port Aransas every summer. We loved going to St Joe Island. I am
going back this year with my children and grandkids. We haven't been down
for the last 15 yrs, since my divorce. I have been researching St Joe's a little on the internet. When we went over over years ago, we always headed off the jetty to the right and visited the beach in that direction. I'm wondering
what is available if we head off to the the left of the Jetty? I have always wondered who or what owned St Joe Island. I recently read an obituary
in the Dallas Morning News for the prominent philanthropist Perry Richardson Bass, and it was mentioned that he and his family own St Joe's Island. Apparently, they have a large home on the island as well as a private air strip. Is the house visible from the beach? Just curoisity on my part.

I would like some info on the beach to left of jetty.

Thanks for your time!

There is a research facility for one of the universities and a cattle ranch on St. Jose. Or at least there was.

When you exit the launch, walk over the island straight ahead. Explore this beach.