Discuss: Matagorda Island State Park - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Shannon · 11-19-2001, 07:12 PM

Share you comments or questions about Matagorda Island State Park, located in Port O'Conner, Texas.

07-29-2003, 03:16 PM

I'm thinking about visiting Matagorda Island with my son (13 yrs. old) for nature viewing and photography. How did the storm affect things? Is the catamaran ferry still running?

Also, is it wise to try to spend the night this time of year? Does it cool off at night?

04-13-2005, 01:28 PM

Hi, I hope this forum is still operational.

I am considering a trip to Matagorda. I have been looking at some very cool aerial photos of the island here (http://www.texmaps.com/aerials/09san...ay/index.html), and I was trying to find the dock and beach campground in the photos. Can anyone tell me where they are in relation to what appears to be the abandoned airport (with all the runways and roads going in many different directions)? I think the dock is right by the old airport, and I see a road going from there up and to the left, out onto the little semi-circular strip of land that forms a lagoon. Is that where the beach campground is, on that little strip of land?

Also, what is the approximate current temperature on the island?

Any help would be appreciated. Just trying to find my way around the island.

09-08-2005, 07:19 AM

Hey the place that the Ferry drops you off is near the Runways... the beach is on the other side of the Island so you would either have a long walk or could take a ride on a truck... it used to be free but I think they charge for that now.

It looks like they have a new Ferry??? last time I went it had burned down. Well It is an okay park... nothing spectacular.... mainly good fishing and an ok beach... not much wildlife, but not too many people either.

I like to go camp and fish there.

09-12-2005, 02:15 PM

My friends and i go every Oct. For anyone considering a trip, the ferry isn't running (it often breaks down) you can call the park office to get phone numbers of guides to take you over. The prices are OK. If you have 4-6 people it will run about 100 bucks round trip.
About the park- its primitive so take everything you need, especially water, ice, and bug spray. There are miles of roads to bike on, secluded beach, and lots of wildlife (deer, hogs, alligators, turkeys, coyotes etc). Lots of great fishing especially for those who wade or 'yak fish.
The best part is there's rarely more than 20 other people on the whole island.

toejam · 09-24-2005, 08:57 AM

Quote:

its primitive so take everything you need, especially water, ice, and bug spray

What's the deal with water? I keep hearing conflicting reports of either no water or there is an old barracks with running water, including showers.

I would love to take a kayak out to Madagorda Island and not have to worry about the ferry. This trip is high on my short list.

11-11-2005, 08:12 AM

There's no water, no services, no nothing. Bring everything you think you might need. The ferry hasn't been in service for a long time, and there are no plans to put it back into service.

toejam · 11-19-2005, 08:31 AM

Just called the park office to get the scoop.

Generators run Thursday - Saturday to provide running water at the bathroom at the headquarters area. Camping is allowed at the headquarters and the beach, but the bunkhouse is closed. There is no shuttle running, so going to the beach and lighthouse requires a pretty good hike.

The Island will become a wildlife management area soon because the parks service can't afford to operate it.

I'd better get that trip in soon!

02-05-2006, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hey the place that the Ferry drops you off is near the Runways... the beach is on the other side of the Island so you would either have a long walk or could take a ride on a truck... it used to be free but I think they charge for that now.

It looks like they have a new Ferry??? last time I went it had burned down. Well It is an okay park... nothing spectacular.... mainly good fishing and an ok beach... not much wildlife, but not too many people either.

I like to go camp and fish there.

02-20-2006, 03:50 PM

how would you get on matagorda island is there a service to get on the island. Is there certain times you can get to the island. Does the light house work we would love to come to the island

toejam · 03-06-2006, 06:36 AM

There's a ferry from Port O'Conner. Once on the island you have to walk a couple of miles to the lighthouse. Call the park and they will give you the details.

CyberCelt · 03-07-2006, 08:26 AM

Matargorda Island is WMA. You would need to pack in what you need and hire a ride at Port OConnor.

Keep this one on your list, it is opening soon:
New LCRA park on Matagorda Bay opening this summer

If you are looking for kayak trails, check out the Lighthouse Lake Trails, located in Redfish Bay near Port Aransas. Encompassing nearly 20 navigable miles of water averaging 8 inches to 2 feet deep.
http://www.shallowwaterangler.com/de...2_destination/

There are some other kayak trails for birding, but I could not find the specific information--tioo many bookmarks!

Have a wonderful Texas day.

Eileen