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Goose Island State Park Texas (TX) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Goose Island State Park: A Premier Destination for RV Camping, Rich History, and Natural Beauty

Goose Island State Park is a must-visit for RV enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable camping experience. Nestled on the coast of the beautiful Aransas Bay, the park offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Established in 1931, the park has played a vital role in preserving the area’s rich heritage, including its importance as a fishing and hunting ground for the ancient Karankawa Indians.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Goose Island State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Goose Island State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37'

Max RV length

37'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

RV Rentals in Goose Island State Park

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Getting to Goose Island State Park

Transportation and Rig Size Restrictions

Goose Island State Park is easily accessible by private vehicle with multiple entrances located along Park Road 1

Visitors can take advantage of the park’s spacious RV sites which can accommodate rigs up to 65 feet in length. However it’s essential to note that there are restrictions on the size of RVs allowed on certain park roads so be sure to check the park’s website for the latest information before embarking on your trip. Additionally visitors can access the park by boat with several marinas and boat ramps located nearby.

  • Parking area

When it comes to RV parking Goose Island State Park has plenty of options. There are designated RV parking areas throughout the park including in the campsites. However RVs are not allowed to park overnight outside of these designated areas. It’s recommended to camp with an RV and explore the park using alternative transportation methods such as biking or hiking.

  • Public Transportation

Goose Island State Park offers several public transportation options for getting around. Shuttle buses are available during peak season to take visitors to popular spots within the park. Additionally there are walking paths throughout the park that provide a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the area.

Top Campsites in Goose Island State Park

  • Reservations camping

The top four most popular campsites near Goose Island State Park that require reservations are

Goose Island State Park Campground

This campground is located within the park itself and offers 154 sites with water and electric hookups. It’s popular for its proximity to the beach fishing pier and nature trails. The campground is pet-friendly open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 80 feet in length. Amenities include restrooms showers and a dump station.

Palmetto RV Resort

Located just a few miles from Goose Island State Park this resort offers 175 full-hookup sites with concrete pads. It’s popular for its resort-style amenities which include a pool hot tub and clubhouse. The resort is pet-friendly open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length.

Rockport Beach Park

This campground is located on the shores of Aransas Bay and offers 46 sites with water and electric hookups. It’s popular for its beach access fishing pier and boat ramp. The campground is pet-friendly open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length. Amenities include restrooms showers and a laundry facility.

RV Park on the Bay

This park is located in Rockport just a few miles from Goose Island State Park and offers 100 full-hookup sites. It’s popular for its location on the water as well as its amenities which include a pool hot tub and clubhouse. The park is pet-friendly open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length.

  • First-come first-served

Here are three campgrounds in Goose Island State Park that are first-come-first-served

Live Oak Campground

This campground is located in the park and offers 59 sites with water and electric hookups. It’s popular for its proximity to the beach fishing pier and nature trails. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 80 feet in length are permitted.

Oak Grove Campground

This campground is located in the park and offers 8 primitive sites for tent camping. It’s popular for its secluded location and proximity to hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round.

St. Charles Bay Campground

This campground is located just outside of the park and offers 18 sites with water and electric hookups. It’s popular for its location on the water and proximity to fishing and boating. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length are permitted.

  • Alternate camping

If the campsites inside Goose Island State Park are full RV renters can try these alternative camping options nearby

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area including the ones mentioned above that offer full-hookup sites and resort-style amenities. These campgrounds may have availability even when the state park is full.

Backcountry Camping

For a more primitive camping experience RV renters can try backcountry camping at nearby Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area. The area offers primitive campsites on the beach as well as opportunities for fishing birdwatching and hiking. Permits are required and there are no amenities or hookups available.

Boondocking

RV renters can also try boondocking or dry camping in nearby parking lots or rest areas. While this option may not be as scenic or comfortable as the other options it can be a good last resort when all other options are full. It’s important to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before boondocking.

  • General activities

Camping and RV enthusiasts flock to Goose Island State Park for its wide range of outdoor activities. Here are the top five popular recreational activities that attract outdoorsy RV campers

Fishing

Goose Island State Park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities with a variety of fish species such as red drum speckled trout and flounder. The park has a fishing pier and several fish-cleaning stations. The best fishing spots are located along the bayfront and the St. Charles and Aransas bays.

Hiking

The park has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coastal wetlands and the bay. The Big Tree Trail is the most popular leading to the famous “Big Tree ” a 1 000-year-old live oak tree that is over 35 feet in circumference.

Bird Watching

Goose Island State Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 bird species that can be spotted throughout the year. The park has several bird blinds and observation decks including the Woodland Trail and the Osprey Overlook.

Biking

The park has several bike trails that offer a fun and scenic ride for cyclists of all levels. The Live Oak Trail is the most popular with its 1.5-mile loop that winds through a grove of ancient live oak trees.

Kayaking

The park’s calm waters and scenic views make it a great spot for kayaking. Kayakers can explore the coastal wetlands the bay and the surrounding islands including Lighthouse Lakes and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

  • Alternative activities

For RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities Goose Island State Park also offers several alternative options. Here are the top five popular activities for RV campers who prefer sightseeing nature watching and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities

The Big Tree

As mentioned earlier the “Big Tree” is a popular attraction for visitors to Goose Island State Park. This ancient live oak tree is over 1 000 years old and is a popular spot for photos.

The Lighthouse

The Lydia Ann Lighthouse located near the park is a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the bay. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history.

The Beach

Goose Island State Park has a small beach area that is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. The beach is located on the St. Charles Bay and offers stunning views of the water.

The Boardwalk

The park has a boardwalk that winds through the coastal wetlands and offers scenic views of the bay. The boardwalk is a popular spot for nature watching and photography.

The Nature Center

The park’s nature center offers exhibits and programs that educate visitors about the local wildlife and ecosystems. The center also has a butterfly garden and a birdwatching area.

Season-specific experiences in Goose Island State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Goose Island State Park and RV campers will find plenty of recreational activities landmarks and famous attractions to enjoy. One popular activity is birdwatching which can be done throughout the park but the Big Tree Area is particularly stunning. This area is home to a 1 000-year-old live oak tree and a variety of bird species including pelicans herons and egrets.

Another great springtime activity is fishing. The park is located on the Aransas Bay which is teeming with fish such as redfish speckled trout and flounder. The fishing pier is a popular spot but there are also several other spots throughout the park where anglers can cast their lines.

Hiking is another popular activity at Goose Island State Park during the spring. The park has several trails that wind through the marshes and forests offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The Live Oak Trail is a particularly scenic hike as it takes you through a forest of ancient live oak trees.

RV campers may also enjoy visiting the historic Lighthouse at Lydia Ann which is located just a short drive from the park. This lighthouse was built in 1857 and offers stunning views of the bay. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history.

Finally the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is another must-see attraction for RV campers visiting Goose Island State Park during the spring. This historic mansion was built in the late 1800s and features beautiful Victorian architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the Fulton family and their impact on the area.

  • Summer activities

Summer is the perfect time to visit Goose Island State Park and RV campers will find plenty of recreational activities landmarks and famous attractions to enjoy. One popular summer activity is swimming at the beach. The park has a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for swimming sunbathing and building sandcastles.

Another great summer activity is kayaking or paddleboarding in the Aransas Bay. The park rents kayaks and paddleboards and there are several scenic routes to explore. The bay is home to a variety of wildlife including dolphins and sea turtles.

RV campers may also enjoy taking a boat tour of the Aransas Bay. These tours offer a unique perspective of the park and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the history of the area see wildlife up close and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Big Tree Area is also a popular summer destination for RV campers. This area is home to a 1 000-year-old live oak tree and a variety of bird species. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the area and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Finally the Rockport Aquarium is a must-see attraction for RV campers visiting Goose Island State Park during the summer. This aquarium features a variety of marine life including sharks stingrays and sea turtles. Visitors can also participate in interactive exhibits and learn about conservation efforts in the area.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Goose Island State Park and enjoy its recreational activities landmarks and historical sites. One popular attraction is the Big Tree a 1 000-year-old live oak tree that stands tall at over 40 feet and has a trunk circumference of 35 feet. Located near the park’s entrance it’s a must-see for RV campers.

Another fall favorite is the annual Whooping Crane Festival which celebrates the return of the endangered whooping cranes to their wintering grounds at the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The festival features guided tours lectures and workshops on these magnificent birds.

For those who enjoy fishing the fall is an ideal time to cast a line in St. Charles Bay which is teeming with redfish speckled trout and flounder. The park’s lighted fishing pier and cleaning station make it easy for RV campers to enjoy this popular activity.

Birdwatching is also a popular pastime at Goose Island State Park during the fall with over 300 species of birds including pelicans herons and egrets making their home in the park’s marshes and wetlands.

Finally RV campers can take a step back in time by visiting the historic 1800s-era Karl Schmidt House located in the park’s day-use area. The house which was once the home of a German immigrant farmer has been fully restored and is now open for tours.

  • Winter activities

During the winter months Goose Island State Park offers a variety of recreational activities and landmarks for RV campers to enjoy. One popular attraction is the park’s hiking trails which offer scenic views of the bay and the surrounding woodlands. The trails are also a great place to spot wintering birds such as the American white pelican and the brown pelican.

Another winter favorite is the park’s Oyster Shell Beach which is a great spot for beachcombing and shell collecting. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing with redfish and black drum being the most commonly caught species.

For those who enjoy history the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a must-visit. The mansion which was built in the 1870s is a stunning example of Victorian architecture and is open for tours year-round.

RV campers can also take a short drive to the nearby town of Rockport which is known for its charming downtown area and its arts and culture scene. The town’s annual Rockport Film Festival which takes place in November is a popular event for movie lovers.

Finally the park’s campgrounds offer a cozy and comfortable place to relax and enjoy the winter weather. With full hookups picnic tables and fire rings RV campers can enjoy all the comforts of home while taking in the beauty of Goose Island State Park.

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