Mustang Island State Park is a Texas state park on Mustang Island, south of Corpus Christi, with more than five miles of coastline for beach recreation and fishing. From Texan Hotel, it is about 19.6 miles away; you can also browse the hotel’s rooms as you plan your Corpus Christi trip.
- Location: Mustang Island, at 9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi.
- Coastline: More than five miles of beach.
- Activities: Beach recreation, fishing, kayaking, bird watching and geocaching.
- Day-use fee: $7 per person age 13 and older; children 12 and under enter free.
- Hours: The park is open daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
What makes Mustang Island State Park different
Mustang Island State Park pairs a long Gulf shoreline with opportunities to explore the island’s bay side. Beach recreation and fishing are among the park’s activities, alongside kayaking, bird watching and geocaching.
The Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail follows the island’s western shoreline in Corpus Christi Bay. Its three segments cover 20 miles, giving paddlers a route that differs from a day spent on the Gulf beach.
Bird watching is especially good during spring and fall migrations. Spring and summer are the park’s busy season, so keep those seasonal patterns in mind when planning your visit. For another protected coastal outing, the Padre Island National Seashore day-trip guide covers access and planning.
Beach access and park facilities
Beach access comes with basic facilities, but services are spread across the park. Portable toilets are located along two miles of beach, while full restrooms and hot-water showers are near the water-and-electric campground.
The park has 48 water-and-electric campsites and 50 drive-up primitive sites. The water-and-electric campsites sit one-third of a mile from the beach. Day-use visitors can also find picnic shelters, parking, fishing areas and a park store that sells supplies and gift items.
Two beach wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge; ask park staff upon arrival. Keep in mind that swimming is at your own risk: the park warns of stingrays, jellyfish and dangerous undercurrents, and says no lifeguard is on duty. If you see a swimmer in distress, call 911 first, then alert park staff.
Park rules shape what you can bring and where you can go. Glass containers are prohibited on the beach, and vehicles may not drive on sand dunes or outside established roadways. Pets must be leashed, kept out of public buildings, and picked up after.
Day-use fees, hours and reservations
Day-use entry costs $7 per person age 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter free. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Capacity can be an issue: the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says the park often reaches capacity and highly recommends reservations for day use as well as camping. Reservations guarantee entry. You can reserve through the Texas State Parks Reservation site or by calling 1-512-389-8900.
A valid permit is required for all areas and must be displayed on the windshield of each vehicle in the park. The facility map says the park closes at 10 p.m., except to overnight guests. Fees, hours and reservation details can change, so check the official site before you go on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
How do you drive to Mustang Island State Park from Corpus Christi?
The park is about 22 miles from Corpus Christi via S Padre Island Drive and SH 361, then five miles north on SH 361. The Corpus Christi tourism board describes the main access as Gulf Beach Road off SH 361.
Other parts of the park can be reached from Newport Pass Road and Access Road 3, also off SH 361. The tourism board gives a physical address of 17047 State Highway 361, while Texas Parks and Wildlife gives 9394 State Highway 361. Use the entrance and access route that match the area you plan to visit.
If you’re planning other trips around the city, the Corpus Christi guide to driving, buses and coastal routes can help you think through local transportation.
A practical beach-day checklist
A little preparation helps you manage park rules and beach conditions. Before setting out, make sure you have:
- A reservation for day use, especially during the busy spring and summer season.
- Your vehicle permit displayed on the windshield.
- Beach supplies that comply with park rules, including no glass containers.
- A leash and a plan to pick up after your pet, if you bring one.
- A swimming plan that accounts for the park’s warning about hazards and the absence of lifeguards.
Picnicking is not allowed in numbered campsites, and public consumption or display of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Use established roadways and keep vehicles off the dunes. If you’re considering another island outing, the Port Aransas day-trip guide covers routes and a simple plan.
FAQs
Can you visit Mustang Island State Park for the day?
Yes. The park offers day use, and Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends reserving in advance because the park often reaches capacity.
How much coastline does the park have?
The park has more than five miles of coastline along Mustang Island.
Are beach wheelchairs available?
Yes. Two are available to borrow free of charge; check with park staff when you arrive.
Can you kayak at Mustang Island State Park?
Yes. The park offers kayaking, and its paddling trail has three segments along the western shoreline in Corpus Christi Bay.