Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park opened in 1979. It is almost 4,000 acres on Mustang Island and has five miles of beach. 

A brown sign that says Mustang Island in silver letters.
The entrance to Mustang Island State Park.

Location

9394 State Highway 361 Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

A wooden sign that says headquarters in front of a two story building with a large ramp.
The headquarters and park store at Mustang Island State Park.

Cost

The entry fee for Mustang Island State Park is $5 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 Mustang Island 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. 

The beach.
The beach at Mustang Island State Park.

Reservations

Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans. 

This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate. 

A bird standing on top of the shade of a picnic table over the sandy beach.
A picnic table at the beach.

Staying at Mustang Island State Park

Campsites

Primitive campsites are $10 per night. This is a section of the beach where you can drive your car on the beach and camp. Small campfires are permitted and you are allowed to swim in the water. There are bathrooms with showers that are available, but not close. 

Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. These campsites are on the other side of the dunes from the beach. There is a picnic table, a grill, and shade shelter. There are hookups for water and electricity. Restrooms with showers are in the vicinity.

Restrooms in Mustang Island State Park

There are restrooms throughout the park, but most of them are chemical toilets. There is a bathroom with showers near the park headquarters. 

Restroom building.
The restrooms at Mustang Island State Park.

Paddling Trails

Instead of hiking trails, this park has routes to paddle on the bay side of the island. 

What is there to do at Mustang Island State Park?

Relax on the beach. 

Ocean waves.
The park is right on the ocean.

Go fishing. 

Kayak along one of the paddling trails.

Dogs at Mustang Island State Park

Mustang 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 bathrooms. 

What to do near Mustang Island State Park

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is 26 miles from the park. You an visit the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium or the Selena Museum. Be sure to eat at Whataburger.