Golden sandy shores, sloping dunes, and coastal lagoons stretch along the coast of Mustang Island, and five miles of it lies within the state park. Head down to the ocean for a swim, cast a line off the shore to fish for trout and flounder, or bring your kayak or canoe to follow part of the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. Campers can book a spot at the Mustang Island State Campground, where all sites have electric hookups. Alternatively, pitch a tent right on the beach at one of the 50 primitive sites. 

1. You can reserve one of the 48 developed campsites at Mustang Island State Campground via the Texas State Parks website. Primitive sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. 
2. Online reservations open five months in advance. 
3. Campsites can book up fast, especially over summer weekends and holidays, so plan ahead and book as soon as possible.

Peak season at Mustang Island State Park runs from April through October, and the park often reaches capacity, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. Arrive early to snag one of the beach campsites and expect the beach to get crowded on summer and holiday weekends. Bird-watching is popular throughout the year, but sightings are most common during the spring migration.

• Mustang Island State Park is set on a barrier island between Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. From Corpus Christi, it’s a 25-mile, 30-minute drive across the causeway. 
• Park entrance fees apply in addition to camping fees.
• Facilities include a park store, restrooms, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a dump station. Several porta-potties sit along the beach.
• You can fish along the coast and marshes, but fishing licences are required.
• There is no lifeguard patrol at Mustang Island, and swimming is at your own risk. Watch out for stingrays and jellyfish, and never swim after sunset.