Where is Goose Island State Park,Rockport, Texas?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Goose Island State Park is located in Texas, USA. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and San Antonio Bay, situated on the northern part of the Texas Gulf Coast, and is famous for its fishing, bird watching, and beautiful coastal views.

Goose Island State Park Location Map,Rockport, Texas

Top Attractions Inside Goose Island State Park

  • Goose Island Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse offering picturesque views of Aransas Bay.
  • Fishing & Pier – Popular spot for surf and bay fishing with scenic waterfront views.
  • Beachfront & Swimming Areas – Sandy shores ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
  • Birdwatching & Wildlife Observation – Habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, and local wildlife.
  • Camping Facilities – Sites for tents and RVs near the bay and natural areas.
  • Kayaking & Canoeing – Calm bay waters for paddling and exploring coastal habitats.
  • Nature Trails – Short trails through coastal vegetation for walking and wildlife viewing.

Goose Island State Park Facts

Official NameGoose Island State Park
LocationRockport / Aransas County, Texas, USA (on Lamar Peninsula between St. Charles Bay & Aransas Bay)
Latitude & Longitude (Park HQ)28.1335° N, 96.9843° W
Total Area321.4 acres (≈ 130 hectares)
Established / DesignatedLand acquired 1931–1935; park established by legislative act in that period
Managed ByTexas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
Region / GeographyTexas Gulf Coast / Coastal‑Bend region; peninsula & bay settings, coastal marshes, oyster‑shell ridges, tidal bays
Nearest City / Address10 miles northeast of Rockport; Park Address: 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, TX 78382‑7965, USA
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) — UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Famous / Notable FeatureThe "Big Tree" — a coastal live oak (Quercus virginiana), centuries-old, one of the largest live oaks in the U.S. (trunk circumference ~35 ft, height ~44 ft, crown spread ~90 ft)
Typical Activities & RecreationCamping, fishing (pier, shore, boat), boating, kayaking/canoeing, birding & wildlife observation, nature walks, picnicking
Facilities & AmenitiesCampsites (with water & electricity / tent / group camp), restrooms & showers, 1,620‑foot fishing pier, boat & kayak/canoe launch, fish‑cleaning station, picnic shelters, shell‑crete recreation hall built by CCC
Fishing & WildlifeFishes: red drum, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum etc.; Wildlife & birds: over 300 bird species, white‑tailed deer, raccoons, armadillos, foxes, and marsh / coastal wetland ecology including migratory birds
Swimming / Shoreline SuitabilityNo designated swimming area — shoreline consists of concrete bulkheads, oyster‑shell ridges, mudflats and marsh grass; swimming not recommended
Entry Fee / Access InfoDaily entry fee: US$ 5 for adults (children 12 & under free), park open daily 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; camping & day‑use reservations recommended especially in busy seasons
Season / Best Time to VisitPark open year‑round; popular seasons include spring and fall for milder weather and birding — summers can be hot and humid
Environmental & Ecological SignificanceCoastal bay‑marsh & estuarine habitat; supports coastal live oak woodland, salt‑marsh, tidal wetlands, diverse bird & marine life; important for migratory and coastal bird species
Historical / Development NotesInitial facilities built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1930s — roads, picnic areas, shell‑crete recreation hall and other infrastructure
Official Websitehttps://www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island

Distances from Goose Island State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Rockport Beach – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Port Aransas Beach – 38 km (23.6 mi)
  • Aransas National Wildlife Refuge – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Rockport Harbor – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Moody Gardens, Galveston – 210 km (130.5 mi)
  • Corpus Christi Beach – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Texas State Aquarium – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Downtown Corpus Christi – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Padre Island National Seashore – 93 km (57.8 mi)
  • King Ranch Headquarters – 87 km (54.1 mi)
  • Port Lavaca – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Gulf Coast Bird Observatory – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • St. Joseph Island – 112 km (69.6 mi)
  • Copano Bay – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Matagorda Bay – 130 km (80.8 mi)
  • Bayside City Park – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Robinson Bayou – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Aransas Pass – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Goose Island Pier – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Fulton Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)