Mustang Island State Park
RV Guide

Over 500 rare whooping cranes roam the skies over Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which is just a few hours drive from Mustang Island. In 1941, only fifteen of these animals remained in North America. Other local wildlife includes sea turtles, alligators, and even a few coyotes. Audio and guided tours are available to help you see everything the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge has to offer. Hunting is available as well, depending on the season.

Spring breakers usually congregate at Port Aransas, as the weather is already warm and comfortable in early March. Some Port Aransas highlights include the tall observation tower at Roberts Point Park, parasailing, pirate cruises, and a boardwalk over some alligator-inhabited wetlands.

If you feel like driving the motorhome off of park grounds for a day, Corpus Christi, a mid-sized town is just a short drive from Mustang Island State Park. The seafood is excellent here. Attractions include the USS Lexington aircraft carrier, the Texas State Aquarium, the bustling North Beach, and the Selena statue and museum.

Yes, the beach is open even in winter. The average January low is 46, which means that the afternoons are usually ripe for some beach time. The sunlight is less intense, which means fewer bugs, calmer waters, and smaller crowds, making it easy to relax and enjoy beach time during your RV vacation.

Although there are no mountains on the Coastal Plain, don't hesitate to bring the bikes along with the pop-up as there are a few off-road biking opportunities. Holly Hike Trail is a quick, three-mile trail that’s ideal for beginners. Somewhat more advanced riders might try one of the off-trail loops. The Oso Creek Trail is a little longer and a little more difficult. In fact, parts of the seven-mile trail are almost completely overgrown. Even in the winter, watch out for rattlesnakes—we aren’t kidding.

Don't forget the binoculars in the Airstream as you wander through the park. Spring and fall migrations are prime birding time at Mustang Island State Park. There are many different types of birds here, as the area encompasses pretty much every feature of a barrier island ecosystem. There are sand dunes, marshes, tidal pools, and grasslands. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provides an excellent online guidebook on the types of birds that are the most common—there are hundreds of different species to be seen!

Anglers do not need licenses to fish at Mustang Island State Park, but this is just one of the reasons you should consider casting out along these waters. There are two large fishing jetties at the end of Water Exchange Pass, one of which extends well out into the Gulf of Mexico. This body of water gets very deep very quickly, so this location offers both deep and shallow water fishing opportunities. Redfish, flounder, black drum, and trout bite all year long. During the summer, there are also mackerel, jackfish, and (gulp) sharks. Park rules even allow for limited wildlife collecting, like anemones, shrimp, and barnacles. Those looking to reel in a keeper should bring their own rods and reels along in the Sprinter, as the park does not offer rentals.

This activity is a lot like Pokemon Go on the beach. However, instead of looking for animated mythical creatures, searchers look for buried treasure. Before you get too excited, we aren’t talking about “arr, mateys” pirate buried treasure. Instead, a geocache is a small, hidden item. It could be something like a lunch box or a film canister. Find it, take a little bit of treasure, leave another bit of treasure (like a rubber ball), sign your name in the logbook, award yourself a digital smiley face, and then hunt for the next geocache. To participate, you need a pencil, some geocache swag, a GPS-enabled smartphone, and a sense of adventure.

Typically, the Mustang Island waves are moderate. They are strong and big enough to feel, but not big or strong enough for activities like surfing or windsurfing. So, it’s the ideal place to swim in the waves or relax on the sand. The park gift shop has a lot of relaxing aids, like waterproof headphones, books, and more. The beach is usually not too crowded either, especially if you pick a spot rather far away from the central parking area. If nature suddenly calls, there are several chemical toilets scattered along the beach.

This group of three paddling trails follows Mustang Island’s western shoreline. Most people drop the kayak in at Fish Pass, which is not far from the park’s main entrance. The road leading to the boat launch is a little sandy, so you may want to use a high-clearance vehicle, especially if it rained recently. The North Trail weaves among several islands and then goes into Corpus Christi Bay. It’s an eight-mile trail, so plan to take a cutoff or use a shuttle to get back to your origination point. The Shamrock Trail goes to Shamrock Cove, which is a good place for wildlife viewing. The Ashum Trail runs from Fish Pass to Wilson’s Cut, where it connects with the North Trail. If you didn't tow your own flotation devices along in the campervan, watercraft are available for rent in Portland and Aransas Pass. Guided paddling trail tours are available, as well.