Goliad State Historical Park

The Great Outdoors

A highlight of camping at the Goliad State Historical Park is its access to the surrounding historic site, which encompasses 188 acres along the San Antonio River. Begin your visit at the El Camino Real de los Tejas Visitor Center before touring the reconstructed Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga and the ruins of the Mission Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Also not to miss is the burial site of the Goliad Massacre victims at the Fannin Memorial Monument, which was constructed by French-American sculptor Raoul Josset in 1939.A short drive east of the Goliad State Historical Park is the Coleto Creek Reservoir, which was established in 1980 following the construction of a dam by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. Aside from being a cooling pond for electricity generation at the nearby power station, it also serves as a recreational hub for fishing and boating. You can launch your vessel from the boat ramp or cast a line from the fishing pier to lure white bass, catfish, and bluegill, then stretch your legs along the 1.5-mile walking trail that winds its way along the reservoir shores.The Goliad State Historical Park is also a good base for exploring the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses more than 114,000 acres on the edge of San Antonio Bay. It was established in 1937 to provide a refuge for migratory birds, with regular sightings of whooping cranes, herons, and roseate spoonbills rewarding birdwatchers. As you explore the grassland trails, keep your eyes peeled for bobcats and collared peccaries, together with American alligators that are known to inhabit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge’s freshwater marshes.

Exploring the City

Campsites at the Goliad State Historical Park are two minutes’ drive from the center of Goliad, where you’ll find a supermarket for stocking up on grocery supplies. There are also gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental and a good choice of eateries that include burger joints, a pizzeria, and a Mexican restaurant.While you’re in Goliad, don’t miss a visit to the Markethouse Museum, which occupies an 1871 building that was originally used as a market for meat and produce vendors. It later housed the Goliad Fire Department before the Markethouse Museum moved in to showcase the rich history of the city. Learn about the region’s Native Americans, ranching history, and early settlement while browsing the vintage farming equipment and fire department artifacts that are on display. Highlights of the museum include an antique static electricity generator and a 19th-century broom factory, as well as a variety of unique flags that are available for purchase.Just south of the Goliad State Historical Park is the Presidio-La Bahia, a fort that was constructed by the Spanish Army in the mid-18th century. It played a significant role in the Texas Revolution’s Battle of Goliad in 1835 and the Goliad Massacre of 1836. It was lovingly restored in the 1960s before being designated as a National Historic Landmark. Embark on a self-guided tour of the complex, which includes the Our Lady of Loreto Chapel - one of the oldest churches in America and the setting for the signing of the First Declaration of Texas Independence.The Goliad State Historical Park can also be used as a base for day trips into San Antonio, home to the 18th-century Spanish mission of the Alamo. Learn about the infamous battle that took place in 1836 for Texan independence from Mexico, then soak up the elevated views across the city from the 750-foot Tower of the Americas. Also not to miss in San Antonio is the waterfront River Walk, with charming cafes and retail stores lining the banks of the San Antonio River. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a visit to the Six Flags Fiesta Texas, home to the Scream, the Crow’s Nest Ferris wheel, and the Krypton Coaster.Whether you want to discover the Spanish colonial history of Texas or get cultured in the museums of San Antonio, book an RV rental in Goliad County and start planning your visit.