Horse-friendly campgrounds are limited near Robstown, Texas. Mustang Hollow Campground in Mathis, 35 miles northwest of Robstown, accommodates tent, RV, and cabin campers with electric hookups, sewer connections, and water. While the campground features a petting zoo with miniature horses and donkeys, it does not offer dedicated horse corrals or designated equestrian camping areas. The campground includes picnic tables, showers, toilets, and trash disposal. Sites are described as small, dirt, and uneven, with train tracks and a highway nearby contributing to noise.
Goose Island State Park Campground, located in Rockport about 40 miles northeast of Robstown, provides camping options in both wooded and bayfront settings. The park does not feature specialized horse facilities but offers RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups. The wooded camping area provides more privacy with sites set apart by thick vegetation, while bayfront sites offer water views but less privacy. The park includes fishing opportunities, walking trails, and wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching during winter months when whooping cranes and other species visit. Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly during warmer months, requiring adequate preparation with insect repellent.
$20 - $40 / night
$10 - $75 / night
"The wooded area camping loops wind through lovely groves of Texas Live Oak, and Loblolly Pine, which make great habitat for winter warblers."
"I visit a lot of the state parks in Texas. Goose Island is a good one. It's a great area for fishing because it's really close to rockport."
"There is a petting zoo with miniature donkeys and horses, goats and emus! This was a wonderful treat feeding the critters. Sites are small, dirt and uneven."
"Nice pool area, walking distance to the water(no beach). Easy highway access to Rockport (nice city park beach) and the ferry access to Port Aransas. "
"You can easily walk 1 mile to the Fulton marina area where there are several good restaurants. The park has a motel and 2 nice swimming pools also. We will probably return someday."
TravelerThis is mostly a snowbird camp with a few left over for the rest. Nice pool area, walking distance to the water(no beach). Easy highway access to Rockport (nice city park beach) and the ferry access to Port Aransas. Nice pads but the stickers in the back corner of the park were a problem for all of us, dog included.
GuideFine place to stop on the way through and very friendly staff. There is a petting zoo with miniature donkeys and horses, goats and emus! This was a wonderful treat feeding the critters. Sites are small, dirt and uneven. 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 frustrating for the kids. Lake was entirely dry—of course no fault of the campground, but didn’t allow for fishing, etc. There were plenty of sites available but we were placed right by the train tracks and main highway. I do understand why, though, because there are quite a few permanent folks toward the back of the park.
LegendThe wooded area camping loops wind through lovely groves of Texas Live Oak, and Loblolly Pine, which make great habitat for winter warblers. The sites are spacious and set reasonably apart from each other to offer some privacy. Most campsites offer water and electricity. These sites are MUCH quieter than the Bayfront sites, which are plagued by loud boat engine traffic. This area is much for secluded, thus not alot of walk/drive by traffic going through.
The bathroom building with internal hot-water shower stalls was relatively clean and updated. The area is great for all kinds of low-key activities like fishing, biking, walking, paddling etc. I wouldn’t go here if I had my heart set on swimming, though. The water is relatively shallow and in the middle of a massive oyster colony, pretty sharp edges on those bi-valves, so be careful.
One of the best activities, especially during the winter months, is birding. The area is the winter home to the endangered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and many, many more. Grab your binoculars and your birding guide!
RangerI visit a lot of the state parks in Texas. Goose Island is a good one. It's a great area for fishing because it's really close to rockport. 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. The park staff was very friendly and helpful. Goose Island is close to Walmart. HEB and many other stores in restaurants. The park all around is great. I will definitely return.
GuideGoose Island SP is a great little hidden gem of a park on the Texas Gulf Coast. The camping area is small, but they've arranged the spots very well, with good vegetation between each spot that hides your spot from your neighbor. They offer both 30 amp and 50 amp service, water, fire ring, table on cement pad and nice flat spots. Good day use spots and excellent boat ramp with a fish cleaning table. Yes there are bugs, but this is in the middle of reclaimed wetlands, so be prepared! This is their world and we must adapt. The bay-side camping area is the island part of the park and is still being renovated (as of Aug 2020), but according to park staff, they should be open by Nov 2020. There is also a brand new, huge pier with boat access and fishing that will be open soon. Near-by there is "The Big Tree", purported the oldest tree in Texas (1000-2000 years old!) and Rockport beach and all the other Texas coast attractions. Highly recommend and we will be returning soon.
GuideVery clean and scenic campground. Plenty of space between sites if you park away from the seafront. I personally wouldn’t want to be right by the ocean as it’s just a 5 min walk from the more peaceful sheltered sites. We had campsite 115 and were very happy with it. Close to bathrooms and easy access in and out. Lots to see in the area, and if you want the beach we’d recommend Port Aransas which is only about 30 mins away. That beach is dog friendly and nicer than the closer Rockport. The short ferry ride across is also fun and free. Dolphins alongside the ferry. The only negatives would be mosquitos and humidity. Both were manageable given when we went, but only just. I’d aim for early spring or late fall to try to minimize these.
LegendThis island state park is dedicated to getting out on the water and putting out a fishing line. I think there were more sport fishing folks than birds– and that’s saying something. The Bayfront area camping loops are set right up to the shore and offer amazing views of the bay, sunrise and sunset. The sites are packed rather close together, but there is certainly enough room for trailers and tents of all size. All campsites offer water and electricity. The bathroom building is relatively clean and updated, has flush toilets, and external access individual shower stalls. Pro-tip: third shower from the left has good enough pressure to remove a tattoo!
The area is great for all kinds of low-key activities like fishing, biking, walking, paddling etc. I wouldn’t go here if I had my heart set on swimming, though. The water is relatively shallow and in the middle of a massive oyster colony, pretty sharp edges on those bi-valves– so be careful.
One of the best activities, especially during the winter months, is birding. The area is the winter home to the endangered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and many, many more. Grab your binoculars and your birding guide!
The only real downside is that the boat launch is extremely popular with airboat enthusiasts and their engines are crazy loud. If being awoken at 4am by some hunter/fisherman launching his boat isn’t your thing, then I’d suggest choosing the wooded area of this state park, away from the water and noise.
GuideGreat park, roomy sites, bit of noise in the morning when the airboats are leaving. I imagine that's worse on the sites next to the water. Bathrooms/showers were adequate/clean. Hiking/biking trails around and thru the campground. Really big park, lots of Live Oaks. Weather was HUMID (we'refrom CO...) but not too hot. This park is about a 40min drive from Aransas NWR. so perfect for us!
TravelerI booked this spur of the moment for myself. I wanted to tent camp someplace with easy access to finding Whooping cranes. This was perfect. Great campsite, plenty of privacy, water available at the campsite. Great restroom facilities within a short walk. Two shower stalls - clean, plenty of dyer pressure and hot water, outer bench for organizing clots and toiletries. Big Tree was only a couple of miles away, easy to get to for morning light photography. I Abslotuly loved this campsite for this time of year. It was humid so things were pretty water soaked in the mornings out of the tent but it's coastal camping.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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