Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Goose Island State Park - Review

Goose Island State Park
202  S. Palmetto St.
Rockport, TX 78382
PH# (361) 729-2858

Brief Description
Located 40 miles Northeast of Corpus Christi Texas on the Lamar Peninsula between Copano Bay, Saint Charles Bay, Aransas Bay and Mesquite Bay, Goose Island State Park is a haven for salt water fishermen while still close enough to Fulton, Rockport and Port Aransas for day trips to the beach and shops.

Goose Island as seen from the day use area.


Main Attraction
With out a doubt the main attraction at Goose Island is the fishing. The park features a boat ramp, shore fishing, bait shop and a very long pier. With that said there are not many other featured attractions with the exception of a rather short nature trail and the legendary "The Big Tree". The Big Tree is a Live Oak estimated at well over 1000 years old and is the 2nd largest Live Oak in the state of Texas (edged out not long ago by a Live oak found in Brazoria County).

1/2 way down the pier looking out to the Bay.

1/2 way down the pier looking back at the island.


Trail head for "Turks Cap Trail"

Sign at trail head.


The Big Tree.


Day Use
The day use area is simple and set just off the island and features covered picnic tables and grills.

The day use area had a lot of sticker grass (don't wear sandals).

Looking out from the day use area at the Bay, saw many birds at the park.


Camping Facilities

There are 2 places to camp while at Goose Island SP, the first is Bay side and features relativley tightly packed sights directly on the bay. There is no cover here and a steady wind but if you want to be right on the water this is the way to go.

The other sites are on the mainland among the the Oaks and this is where we choose to set up our camper, here you will find trees, shade, cover from the wind and a bit more privacy.

Our "off season" stay was very peaceful.
Restroom Facility.

Restroom/Shower Facilities
The restroom got a daily visit from the rangers and where very clean. The showers delivered hot water and had lockable doors for privacy. Despite the harsh coastal conditions these restrooms get a 4 out of 5.

Personal Experience
This was a trip we did not plan. When other arrangements fell through we found ourselves scrambling to fill a week of time. It just so happened that we gave it a try and we where happy that we did. The ONLY complaint I have is that we had a lot of mosquitoes at our site... A LOT! but we had OFF so we where ok.






Conclusion
A great place to stay for the fishing enthusiast and close enough to other attractions to make an excellent "home base" Goose Island State Park is a must for the angler and a worthwhile visit for anyone else.

Remember that 1 hour away (the wait at the Aransas Pass Ferry accounts for most of the time) is Port Aransas and a little further away is Mustang Island State Park with its miles of Gulf front access.

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