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Under 30 minutes from Corpus Christi, this is a great state park for enjoying this stretch of Texas’ Gulf coast. Beaching, birdwatching, and boating are just a few popular activities at Mustang Island State Park. The 20-mile paddling trail offers the opportunity to see coastal birds and their natural habitats, or fish the shallow waters, and there’s plenty of room to adventure.
For a shadier camping option, Goose Island has pines and greenery where you can have more privacy. Here, campers can book sites that have access to showers and electricity access, and reservations for these sites are highly recommended. Additionally, this is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Don’t miss The Big Tree, one of the biggest live oak trees in the United States and formerly the State Champion Coastal Live Oak.
You can go here year round, but late summer and Fall are the best times to visit Corpus Christi. For one, the weather is cooler during this time but the Gulf waters are still warm enough for swimming and boating activities. Additionally, you’ll find much fewer tourists and can enjoy less crowded beaches.