Mustang Island State Park

Star3.98
56 reviews
9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78418, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$4 - $7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife Department site

Official Website
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Mustang Island State Park
$4.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day use fee is $7 per person aged 13 and older. Overnight camping fees are $5 per person for primitive camping and $10 for basic campsites.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 56 reviews

4931 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersbeachwell-maintained

"User reviews for Mustang Island State Park are mixed, with praise for the beach's natural beauty and accessibility, and criticisms about crowding, restroom maintenance, and litter. Many reviewers appreciated the convenience of camping directly on the beach."

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Campground Map

9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78418, United States

Mustang Island State Park

9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78418, United States

Driving directionsFrom Houston: Take Hwy 59 South to Victoria. Take Hwy 77 South to Corpus Christi. Take SH 358 East to Park Road 22 to Padre Island. Then North On SH 361 for 5 miles to the park. OR On Hwy 77 at Sinton, take Hwy 181 to Gregory. Take SH 361 to Port Aransas, then 13 miles South to the park. From San Antonio: Take I 37 South to Corpus Christi. Take SH 358 East to Park Road 22 to Padre Island. Then North on SH 361 for 5 miles to the park.
The roads leading to the park include major highways such as Hwy 59, Hwy 77, and I-37. SH 361 is used for the final approach to Mustang Island State Park. Roads are paved, but some user reviews mention soft sand requiring 4x4 vehicles for camping on the beach.
Nearby places
Corpus Christi: approximately 15 miles away
Port Aransas: approximately 13 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as fuel, groceries, and camping necessities can be found in Corpus Christi (approximately 15 miles away). A Dollar Store is within a 10-minute drive.

Best Time to Camp at Mustang Island State Park

Blessed with a subtropical coastal climate, Mustang Island welcomes visitors year-round with its gentle seasons. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days with temperatures climbing into the high 80s and low 90s—perfect for swimming and beachcombing. Winter offers a refreshing escape with comfortable temperatures hovering between 50 and 60 degrees, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. The constant Gulf breeze keeps the air fresh, though coastal winds can pick up dramatically, adding to the wild, untamed character of this barrier island paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; summer has warm weather but jellyfish, wind and crowds noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Reviews indicate spring/fall are more favorable with cooler temps and fewer insects.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring often cited as favorable for camping with cooler temps and good conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Mild subtropical winters and year-round access; fewer crowds but less 'beach weather'.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Mustang Island State Park is open year-round.

About Mustang Island State Park

Where the vast Texas sky meets the endless Gulf of Mexico, Mustang Island State Park invites adventurers to experience coastal camping at its finest. Choose your own adventure: pitch your tent directly on the pristine beach for an authentic primitive camping experience, or settle into one of the well-appointed RV sites complete with water and electric hookups. Days here unfold with the rhythm of the tides—cast your line into the surf at dawn, explore miles of unspoiled shoreline, or simply lose yourself watching dolphins play in the waves while shorebirds dance along the water's edge.
Mustang Island State Park accommodates a wide variety of camping experiences, including primitive beach camping, RV camping with hookups, and tent camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Park does have a 14-day limit.

Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Mustang Island State Park can engage in a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Additional activities include biking, paddling, primitive beach camping, and guided tours.
HikingHiking trails are available within the park, with surfaced paths suitable for a range of skill levels.
FishingFishing is described as a popular activity, and several reviews mentioned the joy of nighttime crab spotting. Specific fish species or fishing techniques were not detailed.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the ocean. One reviewer described it as 'fun,' but others cautioned about the presence of jellyfish at certain times, emphasizing the need for extra sun protection.
BikingBiking is supported on surfaced roads and trails within the park.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant activity. Reviewers noted abundant crabs on the beach at night and the presence of beach squirrels.
Beach activitiesThe beach is a main attraction, offering activities such as sandcastle building, sunbathing, and ocean swimming. Some user reviews highlighted issues such as litter and tar deposits on the beach.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSoft sand may require 4x4 vehicles for access. Burrs are reported as a nuisance for pets, and tar from storms can affect the beach.

Weather at Mustang Island State Park

Reviews

4.0
56 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mustang Island State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Mustang Island State Park are mixed, with praise for the beach's natural beauty and accessibility, and criticisms about crowding, restroom maintenance, and litter. Many reviewers appreciated the convenience of camping directly on the beach.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the beautiful and accessible beach, well-maintained amenities like showers, and various recreational opportunities such as swimming and fishing. 'The place is really nice,' one...
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Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained restrooms, crowded campsites, and issues with litter and tar deposits on the beach. One reviewer commented, 'The beach is filthy, covered in trash and...
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Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommended arriving early to secure a spot, especially on weekends, and bringing items like wagons with big wheels to navigate the sand. 'Get there early as it tends to get pretty full around...
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Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews report jellyfish sightings and high temperatures with frequent winds. Spring and fall seem more favorable for camping based on the reviews, with cooler temperatures and fewer insect...
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Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Being able to park on the beach and set up your tent was super convenient.' (Herman Haynie) 2. 'Washrooms and showers are well maintained.' (Ajay Parmar) 3. 'The only thing were the...
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Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Primitive camping on the beach received mixed reviews; some enjoyed the space and privacy, while others warned about high winds and soft sand that require 4x4 vehicles. RV camping sites were...
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Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews about accessibility features were identified.
Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one review highlighted the issue of burrs that could be problematic for dogs. 'We have a small, fluffy Yorkshire Terrier and each time we took him out he was covered with burrs.'
Based on 56 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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