Mesquite Campground

There's a reason this park hosts the Keep Texas Wild Triathlon! Loop around the campground on Castle Trail for some great views of the water and a close-up look at the limestone refectory, built by the Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

With over 18,000 acres to explore, Lake Corpus Christi is a great place to quench your thirst for the open water. Most campgrounds are only a short walk from the dock, so you can unload and get grillin’ right away. For those who like to stay prepared, you can read up on the latest lake stats here.

Take your boat out on the lake or stick to the shore at one of two lighted piers—either way, you won’t come back empty-handed. This particular stretch of water is most popular for its bass, crappie, and catfish, and has plenty of tried and true spots to check out. And once your bucket is full, the park has got you covered with its two cleaning shelters. Catch the latest fishing report here.

Trails weave around the campground and shore for quick access to a lakeside walk or a trek through the woods. Sightseers in your group will enjoy exploring historic buildings and bridges in the area, and younger adventurers can work their way up to Junior Ranger status.

Water activities of all kinds are welcome here, and you’ll want to get up close and personal with this often crystal clear water. High temperatures make summer the most popular time at this lake, but the sheer size of Lake Corpus Christi gives everyone a lot of room to paddle around.

When Texas temperatures hit their highest, this is an especially popular park for local families who want a place to cool off. No lifeguards are on duty, but there are plenty of places close to camp to take a quick dip before you settle in for a lakeside sunset.

In addition to serving as a home to a wide array of wildlife, this park is a temporary stopping point for many migratory birds, so be sure to bring your binoculars. You might even get the chance to share a trail with the deer and javelina that populate this area!