Has anyone camped on Mustang Island?

[Jsordia]

My wife and i are considering camping on Mustang Island in Port Aransas. We usually go to Lake Somervile, which we really enjoy, but we want to visit a new park this year.

I would like to hear your comments if you have stayed here in the past.

Thanks in advance,

Jorge

[Photoholic]

Nope! But Goose Island State Park is rather nice and you have the option of camping in the wooded area or down by the beach.

[picman]

Hope you like sand - a lot, because you'll be eating it, drinking it and sleeping in it. The wind just blows it every were. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice park. But, it is what it is - camping on the beach.

Liked Goose Island, except we were there in the middle of an annual caterpillar outbreak. They were everywhere climbing on everything. It's been years since I've been there, call the park to see if it is still a problem when you'll be there.

[shamrock]

I camped there with my kids years ago. Like 12 years ago. :D Lots of sand, lots of wind. If you're in a tent, make sure to use sand stakes and set them very well. When we were there, there were also lots of jellyfish. Take meat tenderizer. :D

[studiocygnet]

Originally Posted by shamrock

Lots of sand, lots of wind. :D

The wind is a good thing. No breeze = lots of mosquitos.
I would call ahead just to get the latest water conditions, it's no fun with a red tide or major jellyfish invasion.

[hotshot38]

Each year in June I photograph a 300 mile long Catamaran Race from South Padre to Galveston. Mustang Island is one of the overnight stops on the 4 legs of the race. I've camped on the beach in a tent two or three times. If you're prone to the heat, the breeze is a good thing. No breeze makes for a hot night. Here is what our info pamphlet said about Mustang Island last year:

(There in an HEB
supermarket located on 358 a mile or two before the causeway – a good opportunity for
fresh provisions) When you reach the traffic light on the island, turn north on Highway
361, and go 5 miles to the State Park entrance. Pay your camping fees at the booth or
headquarters, and then drive south along the beach to the site.
Lodging: Most teams will camp on the beach. There are numerous hotels 15 miles to
the north in Port Aransas. There are also RV hookup sites near park headquarters
available by reservation. Porta-potties and outdoor fresh water showers are located
along the beach. Full bath houses are located near Park Headquarters. Beach camp
fires are allowed. Ice is available at Park headquarters. The Park gate is locked at
10:00pm, however all campers are provided with the combination when they register.
No glass containers on the beach!
Park phone number: 361.749.5246 or 800.792.1112
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/mustang/
Entry fee: $4 per adult
Beach camping fee: $8 per vehicle
RV hook-up site (water + electric): $16

From what I remember the sand was REALLY soft last year. A 4x4 is recommended...even the paved entrance to the beach had a thick sand covering last year. Also, watch out driving along the waters edge...it may look firm, but there's a lot of seaweed mixed in with the sand which make it like quicksand to your vehicles.

[Jsordia]

I think i will stick to the woods... thank you all for your input. I think i will give Garner State park a try.

Jorge