Goliad is known for being the location of the Goliad Massacre which was significant during the Texas Revolution.
The location started as a mission in 1749, which was later abandoned by 1830. There a numerous historical sites that are in the complex.
Location
108 Park Road 6, Goliad, Texas 77963
Cost
The entry fee for Goliad State Park is $4 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Goliad 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
You can make reservations in advance for either day use or camping.
Staying at Goliad State Park
Camping
Campsites with water are $10 per night. They are tent only sites along the side of a river. The sites have a picnic table, fire ring or grill, and water. There is a restroom in the vicinity.
Walk-in campsites with water are $10 per night. They are tent only sites, and cars can park nearby, but not directly at the campsites. The sites have a covered picnic table, fire ring or grill, and water spigots that are shared with other campsites. There is a restroom with a shower in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. The campsites allow both tents and RVs. They have a picnic table, water, a fire ring or grill, and electric hookups. They have bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Full hookup campsites are $25 per night. They are designed for RVs, but tents are also allowed. The sites have a picnic table, lantern post, fire ring with grill, and hookups for water, electric, and sewage. There are restrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Group Facilities
There is a group hall with a kitchen, a group hall with a chapel, and an amphitheater.
Restrooms in Goliad State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. All of the campsites have restrooms available, and many of the campsites have restrooms with showers nearby.
Hiking Trails
The Angel of Goliad Hike and Bike Trail is 2.5 miles long and is open to hiking and biking. It connects the Angel of Goliad statue to Goliad’s historic downtown.
The shorter Aranama Trail is located near the mission.
What is there to do at Goliad State Park?
You can fish. The San Antonio River runs through the park, and Fishing licenses are not required. There is a dock available to fish from.
You can kayak or canoe on the river. The park is located on the Goliad Paddling Trail. The park does not offer rentals.
Have a picnic. Children will enjoy playing at the playground.
Learn about Texas history. Visit the Mission Espiritu Santo which was moved to this location in 1749. The birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza is near the park. He is famous for winning the Battle of Pueblo, which is celebrated every year with Cinco de Mayo.
Learn about El Camino Real, the King’s Highway. El Camino Real de los Tejas Visitors Center has exhibits about the famous road, which ran from Mexico City throughout Texas.
Dogs at Goliad State Park
Goliad 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 screened shelters and bathrooms.
It can get very hot in the park, and dogs can overheat or burn their paws. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog.
What to do near Goliad State Park
Presidio la Bahia
This fort is very close to the state park. It was built by the Spanish Army and served as a significant military garrison. During the Texas Revolution it was the location of the Goliad Massacre.
Fannin Memorial Monument
The monument honors Col. James Fannin and the troops that were massacred in the Goliad Massacre. After the Texan troops lost the Battle of Coleto Creek the soldiers were marched back to Presidio la Bahia and massacred.
Goliad, Texas
The town of Goliad has a beautiful courthouse surrounded by the historic downtown. Visit Schroeder Dance Hall, the second oldest dance hall in Texas.