Lapping water and Gulf breezes: We must be on the coast! Goose Island offers camping, fishing and birding along St. Charles and Aransas bays, north of Corpus Christi.

Camp, fish, hike, geocache, go boating, and observe and take photos of wildlife, especially birds. We don’t recommend swimming here, as the shoreline has concrete bulkheads, oyster shells, mud flats and marsh grass.

Choose from 44 campsites by the bay or 57 sites nestled under oak trees, all with water and electricity. Every camping loop has restrooms with showers. We also have 25 walk-in tent sites without electricity, and a group camp for youth groups.

Fish from shore, boat, or our 1,620-foot long fishing pier. We have a regular boat launch and a kayak/canoe launch (bring your own boat). We also have a fish cleaning station. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a Texas state park.

Borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes at the park through the Tackle Loaner Program. Occasionally, we see alligators in the park; read our alligator safety tips. Rent our group recreation hall for your next family event. Buy gift items at the park’s store.

Be sure to visit the Big Tree, which has been standing sentinel on the coast for centuries. In 1969, it was named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak.