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
Texas Maps and Info
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 Name | Goose Island State Park |
| Location | Rockport / Aransas County, Texas, USA (on Lamar Peninsula between St. Charles Bay & Aransas Bay) |
| Latitude & Longitude (Park HQ) | 28.1335° N, 96.9843° W |
| Total Area | 321.4 acres (≈ 130 hectares) |
| Established / Designated | Land acquired 1931–1935; park established by legislative act in that period |
| Managed By | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) |
| Region / Geography | Texas Gulf Coast / Coastal‑Bend region; peninsula & bay settings, coastal marshes, oyster‑shell ridges, tidal bays |
| Nearest City / Address | 10 miles northeast of Rockport; Park Address: 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, TX 78382‑7965, USA |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) — UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving |
| Famous / Notable Feature | The "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 & Recreation | Camping, fishing (pier, shore, boat), boating, kayaking/canoeing, birding & wildlife observation, nature walks, picnicking |
| Facilities & Amenities | Campsites (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 & Wildlife | Fishes: 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 Suitability | No designated swimming area — shoreline consists of concrete bulkheads, oyster‑shell ridges, mudflats and marsh grass; swimming not recommended |
| Entry Fee / Access Info | Daily 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 Visit | Park open year‑round; popular seasons include spring and fall for milder weather and birding — summers can be hot and humid |
| Environmental & Ecological Significance | Coastal 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 Notes | Initial facilities built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1930s — roads, picnic areas, shell‑crete recreation hall and other infrastructure |
| Official Website | https://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)
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