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Mustang Island Campground

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At Mustang Island, you don’t have to cut your beach visit short when the sun goes down -- just sleep in the sand!

Okay, you’ll actually be sleeping in a tent on the beach (thank goodness; sleeping in sand doesn’t sound super comfortable). There’s room for 300 campsites on the 1.5 mile stretch of beach, and small campfires are permitted. If it’s super rainy, call ahead about camping here; sometimes bad weather can close access to these primitive campsites. If you’re looking for a formal campsite- Mustang Island has 48 sites that come with water and electric hookups plus a grill and picnic table. You won’t have a sea view, but you won’t be very far from the sea either -- the beach is about 50 to 75 yards away from the campsites.

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16 ratings · 8 reviews

Kelsie L.

November 24, 2017

There are no substantial shade structures at the campground and it is obvious it is geared towards RV camping. If tenting bring plenty of bug spray as the summer time is when the mosquitos are out. During the day the off shore breeze keeps them at bay but towards dusk as the winds die down is when they come out to play. Close to the beach and has good shower facilities but it is a bit of a walk to the restrooms. Also, your tent will get sand in it and it's unavoidable. It's just part of camping along the coast.

Paul B.recommends

October 16, 2017

4x4 recommended. Watch the tide. Mosquitoes are horrible near the dunes; otherwise, this place is fantastic!

Molly H.

January 18, 2017

Mustang Island is a great spot to enjoy the beach. It's clean, quiet, and always has plenty of space. There are shower spickets on the beach, so you can rinse off if needed, as well as porta-potties. Every time I've been, it's been a bit windy at night. So be prepared for some flying sand.

Leanna S.

May 31, 2016

We've camped twice at MISP. The first was in July 2013. The sand was so hot it burned the pads of our feet but we didn't mind at all! We originally reserved a spot in the numbered campsites not realizing you cannot see the ocean because of the dunes. If you have an RV it's great but we opted to move to the primitive sites directly on the beach. We arrived on a Wednesday and loved the quiet seclusion. However by the weekend the beach was overflowing with day use guests. Don't worry though, they all seem to clear out just in time to enjoy a tranquil sunset and dinner by the campfire. However, it's the sunrises that are really spectacular...wake early and enjoy.

Guy D.

November 27, 2015

We had a great experience at Mustang Island State Park. The beach was clean and there was plenty of space for a private campsite. In fact, it was as if we had the entire beach to ourselves. My girls loved the freedom of accessing the surf and sand directly from our camp. You can see some highlights from our trip here... https://vimeo.com/channels/texasstateparks/140013238

Lisa R.

September 30, 2015

Mustang Island SP offers camping in a developed camping area directly behind the dunes, OR primitive beach camping (review left by Ryan Jordan below is actually incorrect). SP entrance and camping fees apply to both. While there are plenty of people, it's a nice alternative to the more crowded (& dirtier) beaches of nearby Port Aransas.

Ryan J.

March 19, 2015

Actually, the previous tip is incorrect. Mustang Island SP is like big parking lot behind the dunes for RVs. You can camp on the beach and it only requires a $12 yearly beach parking sticker for your vehicle., but it is unrelated to Mustang.

Sarah V.

January 21, 2015

Mustang Island is a great place for beach camping. They do not have designated sites, you just drive right onto the beach and pick where you want to pitch your tent. You should not have trouble keeping good distance from your neighbors, which gives you a sense of having your own private beach! Disclaimer though to some cars with low clearance..you may get stuck in the sand! Rangers are on hand to pull you out though in case it happens!

Your guide to camping in Mustang Island Campground

Overview

Biking

Feel like taking a ride up the beach? Mustang Island State Park has miles of flat beaches that are perfect for riding a mountain bike along the water.

Fishing

There’s no better way to enjoy a day in the sun than fishing on the coastline. Set up along the bay and catch some dinner for the night! You can also head out on the water and take the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. The 20 miles of trails pass through some of the best shallow-water fishing areas in Texas

Paddling

Kayak and paddle away into the beautiful water at Mustang Island. Definitely check out The Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail which consists of the North Trail (8.5 miles), the Shamrock Loop Trail (5.24 miles) and the Ashum Trail (6.8 miles). All of the trails follow the western shoreline of Mustang Island in Corpus Christi Bay. The Ashum Trail follows the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay over a firm sand bottom and allows for outstanding bird watching as well as sight casting opportunities. The Shamrock Loop Trail skirts the beautiful, protected waters of Shamrock Cove, where it connects with the North Trail, which follows the shoreline to East Flats and then meanders through marsh and spoil islands to the Island Moorings Marina in Port Aransas.

Surfing

The waves in the gulf can stay pretty small, but what's a better time to learn to surf!? Alternatively, plan your trip after a storm and maybe you can catch a larger swell.