A Family Getaway to Mustang Island State Park

Searching for a vacation destination with something enjoyable for every member of the family? Mustang Island State Park delivers. Plan a memorable day, weekend, or week-long camping adventure with your family.

Mustang Island State Park

Discover Mustang Island State Park’s Coastal Landscapes in Corpus Christi

With miles of sandy shoreline, Mustang Island State Park provides a peaceful setting for a day trip, weekend stay, or week-long escape. Mustang Beach, located within the state park, stretches across an 18-mile-long barrier island on the Texas coast. Visitors can enjoy beach camping, beachcombing, sea turtles, dolphins, birds, and more.

Overnight choices include 48 water and electric campsites along with 50 drive-up primitive sites. Water, cold-water rinse showers, and portable toilets are available along a two-mile section of the beach. Visitors can also use full restrooms and showers with hot water.

The protected area of Mustang Island State Park welcomes visitors year-round for bird-watching, shallow-water fishing, paddling excursions, and sea turtle hatchings. Search the surf-pounded sands for distinctive seashells, take in the surrounding wildlife, or simply enjoy an afternoon, a weekend, or a lifetime by the coast.

How to Get There

Mustang Island State Park can be reached from Gulf Beach Rd via SH 361. Additional areas of Mustang Island State Park are accessible using Newport Pass Rd and Access Rd 3 from SH 361.

Fees & Passes

Park admission costs $7 per day, per person, for visitors ages 13 and over. Campsite fees are separate. Day passes and camping reservations are recommended and may be arranged online or by phone at (512) 389-8900.

Accommodations

Hotels: Lively Beach, Padre Escapes Vacation Rentals, El Constante, Aruba Bay Resort

Camping: Mustang Island State Park Campground

Food: Padre Island Burger Company, Doc's Seafood & Steaks, Snoopy's Pier, Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery

What to Know

Entrance Fee Required
Beach Wheelchairs Available
Restrooms on Site
Hot Showers Available
Water and Electric Sites for Camping
Dogs Allowed on Leash
No Lifeguards on Duty

What to Love

Untouched Beaches
Diverse Wildlife and Birding
Excellent Fishing
Mustang Island Paddling Trail
Ranger Programs
Seashell Hunting

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Mustang Island State Park?

From S Padre Island Dr, take SH 361. After turning onto SH 361, continue five miles north to park headquarters; the total distance is about 22 miles. The physical address is 17047 State Highway 361.

Can I bring my dog with me to Mustang Island State Park?

Pets may visit Mustang Island State Park, provided they remain on a leash at all times.

Are there lifeguards on the beach at Mustang Island State Park?

No lifeguards patrol the beach at Mustang Island State Park. Swimming and other water activities are done at your own risk.

In an emergency, call 911.

What do I do with my trash?

Complimentary trash bags are available in the blue boxes at the beach entrances along all access roads. The bags are designed to let sand fall through while preventing them from catching the wind and blowing down the beach. Trash cans are positioned at every beach entrance and throughout the beach. Help leave the beaches in better condition for the next visitor.

Is camping and/or campfires permitted?

Camping and campfires are allowed at Mustang Island State Park. Check with a park ranger for additional campfire rules.

Know Before You Go

Directions, parking permit information, and other practical details are available for planning a visit.

Watch Live Beach Cams

Review current conditions before traveling to the beach.

Sea Turtle Releases

Visitors can check whether a sea turtle release is scheduled during their visit.