Equestrian camping near Robstown, Texas offers limited options in an area characterized by coastal plains and Gulf Coast humidity. Robstown, located in Nueces County, sits at an elevation of around 70 feet above sea level with temperatures often exceeding 90°F during summer months. Most nearby campgrounds do not feature dedicated horse facilities, though camping options for traditional tent, RV, and cabin stays are available within a 40-mile radius.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Goose Island State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple fishing spots with well-maintained facilities. "Good fishing spot. Water at primitive sites, separate from RV area," notes Shelly S., who appreciates the well-maintained grounds and informative staff.
Wildlife viewing: Winter months bring special bird watching opportunities beyond the whooping cranes. Harry H. mentioned, "Right next to wildlife refuge, convenient to lots of beaches. Visited in winter for birding." The park offers various camping options with "amazing sunrises."
Petting zoo visits: Families staying at Mustang Hollow Campground can interact with small animals. "There is a petting zoo with miniature donkeys and horses, goats and emus! This was a wonderful treat feeding the critters," shares Nick & Allyssa S., noting the friendly staff.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The wooded camping area at Goose Island State Park provides secluded spots. Katie B. states, "We really enjoyed staying in the wooded area of the park. Most spaces are very private because of the thick plant life." The layout offers a noise buffer from boats along the bay.
Affordability with passes: Texas State Parks offer excellent value for campers with annual passes. George R. describes Goose Island as "A Gulf Coast gem" and "A steal @ $22/night with TX Park Pass!" after its post-hurricane remodel.
Convenient amenities: Richard M Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown provides RV camping with basic services and proximity to town resources, allowing visitors easy access to supplies while maintaining a central location for exploring regional attractions.
What you should know
Limited lake access: Seasonal water levels affect recreation at some campgrounds. At Mustang Hollow, a reviewer noted, "Lake was entirely dry—of course no fault of the campground, but didn't allow for fishing, etc." This impacts water-based activities during certain times.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience unavoidable noise disruptions. Larry observed at Goose Island, "Air boats are loud early and late," while Mustang Hollow campers mention proximity to "train tracks and main highway."
Changing landscapes: Hurricane damage has permanently altered some camping areas. Peg F. noted about Goose Island, "There is still a lot of damage from the hurricane. I hadn't been there in over ten years and was very surprised at how much the area has changed. There are beach houses all around and that kinda spoiled the natural vibe."
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate insect protection for coastal areas, especially during summer months when mosquitoes are prevalent. Adequate repellent, long clothing, and screened shelters are necessities according to experienced campers at Goose Island who note "there are bugs, but this is in the middle of reclaimed wetlands, so be prepared!"
Activity verification: Call ahead to confirm available amenities and activities. Nick & Allyssa S. caution that at Mustang Hollow, "Pictures show a playground, dog park, etc., however, none of these things exist. It looks like they did at one point, but not in the last decade. No atvs or activities listed on website which was frustating for the kids."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use the natural setting for educational experiences. At Goose Island State Park, Larry reports, "Did see a Whooping Crane," providing children with potential rare wildlife sightings. The nearby "Big Tree" offers another educational stop.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose outer loops when staying in wooded areas with larger rigs. Eric R. advises Goose Island visitors to "watch out for low tree branches if you're staying in the wooded areas. If you're staying in the wooden area, stay on the outer loop if you're a big rig."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies between campgrounds. Red S. reports, "While most of the state parks do not have WI-FI, they say they do. It's very poor. I have T-Mobile, and the cell service at Goose Island was great. 5G was great. Also, the digital TV signal was excellent."
Weather preparation: Strong coastal winds can affect camping experiences. David N. shares, "We hit some big wind 3/21/22. We were in the beach front with waves crashing over so we got luck and moved to the wooded area." Having contingency plans for weather events is essential when camping in this region.
