Goose Island State Park Campground near Rockport consists of two distinct camping areas with different atmospheres. The wooded area features heavily vegetated sites providing privacy between neighbors, while the bayfront section offers open water views. Winter visitors often observe endangered Whooping Cranes that migrate to the adjacent Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The park has reopened with renovated facilities following hurricane damage in 2019.
What to do
Fishing from the pier: Goose Island State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with a newly renovated pier. According to one visitor, "Wish I would have come better prepared to fish. Did see a Whooping Crane. Stayed on the bay side."
Birding expeditions: The park's location next to wildlife refuges makes it ideal for spotting diverse bird species. One camper noted, "Right next to wildlife refuge, convenient to lots of beaches. Visited in winter for birding... Amazing sunrises. Make sure to see 'The Big Tree' which is a short drive/bike ride away."
Visit The Big Tree: This ancient live oak estimated to be 1,000-2,000 years old is located a short distance from the main park. A reviewer commented, "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."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The wooded camping area receives high praise for its secluded feel. One camper explained, "We really enjoyed staying in the wooded area of the park. Most spaces are very private because of the thick plant life. The beach spots looked cool but we didn't want the noise from the boats as mentioned in other posts."
Affordable pricing: The park offers good value, especially for those with a Texas Parks Pass. According to a review, "Beach & wooded sites. Remodeled after 2019 hurricane. A steal @ $22/night with TX Park Pass!"
Good connectivity: Unlike many remote campgrounds, technology-dependent campers appreciate the reliable connections. One visitor reported, "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."
What you should know
Airboat noise: Multiple reviewers mention noise from airboats in the bayfront camping area. One camper cautioned, "the air boats run all day on the weekends and are loud. watch out for low tree branches if you're staying in the wooded areas."
Hurricane recovery: The park continues to recover from past hurricane damage. A visitor noted, "The campground was nice and clean. 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."
No horse facilities: For equestrians seeking horse campgrounds near Rockport, Texas, it's important to note Goose Island lacks equine-specific amenities such as corrals, designated trailer parking, or bridle paths that would typically be found at equestrian-friendly campgrounds.
Wind exposure: The bayfront camping area can experience significant wind. One camper shared their experience: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose woodland sites for shade: The wooded area provides natural protection from the Texas sun. A camper recommended, "I see attraction of the beach front, but the wooded area is really nice with private sites, camp for grills, tables and….trees for shade."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe numerous animals around the campsites. One reviewer mentioned seeing "Lots of birds, deer, and fishing" during their stay.
Be prepared for insects: The park's wetland setting means insects are common. A visitor advised, "Yes there are bugs, but this is in the middle of reclaimed wetlands, so be prepared! This is their world and we must adapt."
Tips from RVers
Consider site location carefully: The wooded area has low-hanging branches that can be problematic for larger vehicles. A reviewer cautioned, "While there are some low branches- I was able to carefully maneuver into #125 with my tall fifth wheel. But it was close."
Select outer loop for larger rigs: Maneuvering space varies throughout the park. One RVer advised, "If you're staying in the wooden area, stay on the outer loop if you're a big rig."
Proximity to amenities: Unlike more remote equestrian campgrounds near Rockport, Texas, Goose Island offers convenient access to supplies. A camper noted, "Goose Island is close to Walmart, HEB and many other stores in restaurants."
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