Mustang Island State Park - 2/19/15

After arriving in Corpus Christi, TX, on the 18th, we decided to take a drive to Padre Island. We initially intended to go straight to the National Seashore, but took a quick detour to check out Mustang Island State Park first.  After crossing the bridge on US 22, turn left onto Tx 361 and the park is on the right.

Mustang Island is one of the barrier islands that serves as a buffer between the gulf and the mainland of Corpus Christi.

The gulf side has sand dunes as high as 30' and the lee side is a more sheltered environment for wildlife and vegetation. Hundreds of mustangs used to roam the island but disappeared by the late 1800s. In 1720, a French expedition documented the Karankawa Indians who inhabited the area for centuries. By the 1850s, they too had left the island.

There is a 48-lot RV and tent-camping area very close to the shoreline ($20/night). Water and electric hookups are available at each site and there is a dump station nearby for gray and black water waste. Beach camping is also permitted ($10/night). Additionally, there is a $5/person (over age of 12) entrance fee per day for the park. You can purchase an annual $70 Texas Park pass.

Shelters are also available on the beach providing some shade for those that seek it.

We considered staying here for a week or two, but the cost would be only $10 less per week where we are (with full hook ups). There are several access roads to the beach where there is no admission fee. We will definitely be visiting this island again while we are here for the next month. Just beautiful!

Website:  www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/mustang