Galveston Island State Park is split into two parts. One part has the sandy beach that faces the Gulf of Mexico, and the other side faces the bay. The two parts are across the street from each other.
If you are looking for a great way to spend the day in Galveston, the park gives you access to a part of the beach that is less crowded and has great amenities. There are picnic tables and outdoor showers along the beach.
Location
14901 FM 3005, Galveston, Texas 77554
The park is located on Galveston Island. There are two parts of the park that each have their own entrance.
Cost
The entry fee for Galveston State Park is $5 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under. The day use fee provides access to both sides of the park.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Galveston State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Galveston Island State Park is only about an hour from Houston, Texas. Many people go to the park when it is good weather. It is especially popular for day use to visit the beach.
You should make reservations in advance for both day use and camping. Both types of reservations can fill up. If the park is at capacity and you do not have a reservation you can be turned away.
Day use reservations have two entry times, usually one for 8:00 in the morning and the other for 3:00 in the afternoon. Both entrance times let you stay until the park closes.
Unless you know for sure you don’t want to come until late in the day, it is better to get the 8:00 start time if it is available because that gives you all day in the park. People with the early start time are not required to leave before the afternoon start time.
Staying at Galveston Island State Park
Campsites
Some of the campsites are on the bay side of the park, and some of them are on the beach side of the park. In general the campsites on the bay side seem larger and quieter, but they also have more signs warning about alligators and don’t have the beach.
Primitive campsites are $15 per night. These sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and water in the area.
Bayside campsites with water are $15 per night. They are not located in the section of the park with the beach. These sites are for tents only The sites have a picnic table, water, shade shelter, fire ring with a grill, and a lantern post. There is a bathroom with a shower in the vicinity.
Bayside campsites with electricity are $20 per night. These campsites are not located in the section of the park with the beach. Some of the amenities of the camping area are shared between multiple campsites. There is water and electric, and restrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Beachside campsites with water are $15 per night. They have a picnic table, a fire ring, water, and restrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Beachside campsites with electricity are $20 per night. These sites are only for tent camping. There is a platform for the tent, and vehicles are not allowed near the platform. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in this area. The campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and electricity. There is water and bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Beachside campsites with electricity are $30 – $35 per night. They have a picnic table, a fire ring, water and electricity. There are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Tentrr Campsites are $79 per night. Tentrr is a private company that rents already set up tent sites with large safari tents with a queen bed inside. The campsites have a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and water in the area.
Lodges
Stewart House sleeps eight and is $250 per night. It has electricity, lighting and air conditioning. There are three bedrooms with beds, but you must provide your own linens. The kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator, stove with oven, and dishwater. There is a bathroom with a shower. There is a kitchen table with chairs. The house has two fireplaces and a screened porch, but no television or phone. Pets are not allowed.
Ranch House sleeps six and is $200 per night. It is currently being renovated. The house has electricity and air conditioning. There are three bedrooms with beds in them, but you must provide your own linens. There is a bathroom with a shower. Pets are not allowed.
Group Facilities
There is a group pavilion that can be rented for $75 per day.
Restrooms in Galveston Island State Park
There are bathrooms throughout the park. In the camping loops there are bathrooms with showers. Near the beach there are outdoor showers as well and changing areas.
Trails in Galveston State Park
There are a number of hiking trails in the park, as well as several paddle trails for kayaking or canoeing.
Many of the hiking trails are on the bay side of the park, and that is where the paddle trails are as well.
What is there to do at Galveston State Park?
You can fish on the beach and the bay. You do not need a fishing license to fish from the shore inside the park.
You can swim at the beach, or just relax in a beach chair with a good book. Chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas are all available to rent.
There are picnic tables along the beach and bay side.
Kayaks and canoes are available to rent in the park. You can take them on one of the paddling trails.
You can also rent a bike.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding.
The nature center is open on weekends from 10 am – 2 pm.
Dogs at Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
The trails and time at the beach can be a lot for dogs. Remember to make sure they have plenty of fresh drinking water, and that they do not overheat in the sun.
What to do near Galveston Island State Park
The park is located on Galveston Island. You can go to the Strand, which is a part of the island that is known for having a lot of bars, restaurants and even historic hotels.