Mustang Island

Mustang Island SP https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustang_Island_State_Park Mustang Island State Park is located south of the city of Port Aransas, Texas, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It has a 5-mile (8.0 km) beachfront and offers camping among 48 water and electric sites and 300 drive-up primitive sites, picnicking, kayaking with access to the Mustang Island Paddling Trail, fishing, swimming, hiking mountain biking, sunbathing, and birdwatching with over 400 bird species identified here.

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Mustang Island State Park TexasStateParks.org/App TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia #TexasStateParks #BetterOutside LEGEND Headquarters Park closes at 10 p.m. except to overnight guests. State Parks Store Restrooms d Corpus Christi Bay gh Roa Chemical Toilets Rou PLEASE NOTE • Park regulations apply on open beach area. • Glass containers prohibited on beach. • Vehicles are prohibited from operating on sand dunes or outside established roadways. Park staff assumes no responsibility toward freeing vehicles stuck in sand. • Permit required for all areas. Valid permit required on windshield of each vehicle in park. • Pets must be kept on leash and are not allowed in public buildings. Please pick up after them. • NO PICNICKING in numbered campsites. • Public consumption or display of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Hot Showers • Regulations prohibit the possession or discharge of fireworks, firearms, crossbows and arrows, air or gas weapons, slingshots or any device capable of exploding, or causing injury or killing within the State Park. • Swim at your own risk; hazards such as stingrays and jellyfish, as well as dangerous undercurrents, exist in the Gulf. • NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY. If a swimmer is seen in distress, CALL 911 FIRST, then alert park staff for assistance. • Use of metal detectors prohibited. Primitive Beach Camping Water and Electric Sites N Swimming Parking Fishing Dump Station Trash Container To Port Aransas To Corpus Christi Picnic Shelters 361 Park Host TEXAS Fee Booth Maintenance 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 47 45 43 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27 25 48 46 42 44 40 38 36 32 34 30 28 26 Drinks, T-shirts, caps and one-of-akind gift items are available at the Texas State Parks Store located in our park headquarters building. ange Pass Water Exch 21 23 19 17 11 15 13 9 7 5 3 1 us Christi P ass Corp Texas State Parks Store Gulf of Mexico Gulf of Mexico Jetty TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © 2023 TPWD PWD MP P4502-084E (2/23) This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/ 9394 State Hwy 361 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 749-5246 Jetty PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900 Proud Sponsor of Texas State Parks 

Mustang Island Paddling Trail This map is also available in a durable laminated version from select retailers. To get a list of these retailers contact Shoreline Publishing at 713-973-1627. 

INTERPRETIVE GUIDE MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK IS ONE OF THE FEW UNDEVELOPED BARRIER ISLAND HABITATS ON THE ENTIRE TEXAS GULF COAST. SPANIARDS EXPLORING THE GULF OF MEXICO LANDED ON HER BEACHES. THE NOMADIC KARANKAWA INDIANS FISHED THE LAGOONS AND HUNTED THE PLAINS WHERE WILD MUSTANGS ROAMED. THIS LONG THIN STRAND Whatever your pleasure in visiting here – surf fun, fishing, boating, basking on the beach, birdwatching, camping or exploring – your respect for the web of island life is your honor to the future. Enjoy … responsibly! • Drive and hike only in designated areas to avoid disrupting or destroying the homes of wildlife. • Put trash in a designated bin. Trash is often deadly to wildlife. • Dispose used fishing line in trash bins, because it can become a deathtrap for birds and wildlife. • Glass containers are not allowed on the beach. If broken they are dangerous to both people and animals. FURTHER READING William Allen and Sue Hastings Taylor, Aransas: The Life of a Texas Coastal County. ON ONE SIDE AND CORPUS CHRISTI Jay A. Raney and William A. White, Down to Earth at Mustang Island, Texas. BAY ON THE OTHER PROTECTS THE NEARBY POINTS OF INTEREST MAINLAND FROM HURRICANES, AS Padre Island National Seashore (361) 949-8068 Port Aransas Birding Center Chamber of Commerce (361) 749-5919 Mustang Island State Park P.O. Box 326, Port Aransas, TX 78373 • (361) 749-5246 www.tpwd.texas.gov/mustangisland OF LAND WITH THE GULF OF MEXICO WELL AS NURTURES PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE. IT HAS SHAPED TEXAS HISTORY AND IT CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE HUMAN ACTIVITY. THE ISLAND’S BEAUTY AND THE MYSTERY OF ITS NATURAL AND CULTURAL WORLDS ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE. © 2020 TPWD. PWD BR P4502-084H (4/20) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK M U S T A N G I S L A N D S T A T E P A R K Barrier islands are living natural systems, constantly moving, re-forming, expanding and contracting, responding to the winds, waves and storms. Mustang and its sister barrier islands appeared only in the last five thousand years or so as the oceans reached their present sea level. They serve as buffers between the open gulf and the mainland. On the gulf side, rows of sand dunes often rise thirty feet or more. The lee side of the dunes provides protection from wind and salt spray, creating a more sheltered environment for vegetation and wildlife. This makes it possible for tenacious vines and deep rooted coastal grasses to maintain dune integrity. Without the protection of the dunes, island meadows, freshwater potholes, tidal inlets and coastal lagoons would vanish. Dunes rise in two tiers. Seaward primary dunes are often tallest and become more sparsely vegetated as sands constantly sculpt their faces. Grasses and shrubs begin to catch hold behind the crest of the dunes, extending as a carpet of vegetation over secondary dunes. Beaches are constantly exposed to the relentless pounding of the surf. The lee side of barrier islands including Mustang Island opens to placid lagoons and small shallow bays. Here the chain of sea life breeds and grows in nursery habitats provided by grassy wetlands, oyster reefs and brackish estuaries. Infant shrimp, crabs and fish of all kinds grow in these protective waters before migrating to the open gulf. Over this island background, hawks soar in search of pocket gophers, ground squirrels, mice, snakes, and cotton rats. Coyotes and bobcats stalk the brambles for cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, opossums and skunks. Lagoons that catch and hold the rain provide a source of freshwater for these creatures. Surrounded by bulrushes, cattails and sedges, the ponds attract migratory waterfowl, songbirds and wading birds (over 400 bird species), seeking forage and refuge. Whitetail deer gather around to drink and browse. Raccoons feast on pond crustaceans. Between the dunes and tidal flats, patient wildlife watchers can get an eyeful, especially at dusk when island creatures begin to stir, or around dawn when animals return after their nocturnal rounds. However, if you miss the live show, it’s almost as fun to look for and

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE BIRDS OF MUSTANG ISLAND S T A T E P A R K a n d V I C I N I T Y A FIELD CHECKLIST 2020 Cover: Illustration of Piping Plover by Clemente Guzman III. INTRODUCTION M ustang Island State Park covers 3954 acres of Mustang Island, a subtropical barrier island separating Corpus Christi Bay from the northwestern the Gulf of Mexico. The only State Park south of Galveston located directly on the Gulf, this park provides an opportunity to view habitats typical of the Texas Coastal Bend. These habitats include: open Gulf waters and 5.5 miles of beach; barrier island dunes and grasslands, estuarine wetlands (bayside waters, marshes, and tidal flats). For more information about the ecology of Mustang Island see Down to Earth at Mustang Island by Jay A. Raney and William A. White (2002. Bureau of Economic Geology). The geographic area covered in this checklist includes all of Mustang Island, which is some 18 miles in length. This includes the city of Port Aransas, which has certain micro-habitats which are prime birding spots. These include the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Facility, a boardwalk into a pristine marsh habitat, as well as Scott and Joan Holt Paradise Pond, which features an observation boardwalk into a wooded freshwater pond. The latter is a valuable migrant trap, which produces a host of neotropical migrant songbirds. Also included in the checklist area is the extreme northern tip of Padre Island, which is seven miles south of the park. The Packery Channel County Park, and adjacent neighborhoods provide an opportunity to view many Trans-Gulf migrants as they stop briefly in the oak mottes there, or in the vegetated lawns of the residential areas on the island. Located at the northern edge of the Tamaulipan biotic province, the park is most suitable for year-round observations of coastal waterbirds. Resident herons, egrets, ibises, gulls, and terns from nearby rookeries and nesting colonies are easily seen feeding or resting on the island’s wetlands. With its relatively wild winter climate, this area is prime wintering grounds for many waterfowl and shorebird species. Large populations of loons, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, and ducks (especially Northern Pintails, American Wigeons, Redheads and Lesser Scaup) spend the winter in adjacent Corpus Christi Bay, the Gulf or on freshwater island ponds. During winter months, bayside tidal flats teem with shorebirds, ranging from oystercatchers, plovers, and curlews to sandpipers and godwits. More pelagic species can sometimes be observed along the Gulf beach or from the Port Aransas or Packery Channel jetties. Northern Gannets or jaegers are the most often encountered in winter and Magnificent Frigatebird or, on rare occasions, a Masked Booby in summer. Birds of prey also find the island a good wintering spot. Short-eared Owls nave been found hunting over open grasslands.. The telephone poles down the center of the island make good perches for the occasional Peregrine Falcon and frequently for Ospreys, White-tailed Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks. 1 Situated on the central Texas coast, Mustang Island is an excellent location for observing migrating birds which tend to concentrate along the coastline. On some days, the island acts as a “highway” for streams of migrating waterbirds and passerines. One then has only to sit and match birds moving by! The beach and bayside trails show such dramatic increases in waterbirds that it is not uncommon to see large flocks of waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, or tern species traveling north during the spring and south during the fall. The same phenomenon is demonstrated by hummingbirds and passerines such as swallows. Migrants are especially numerous and identifiable during passage of cold fronts, when inclement weather forces birds of all species down. Those that land in dunes and grasslands generally survive, while large kills occur in the Gulf, as evidenced by dead birds occasionally washed up along the beaches. During such “fall-outs,” birding can be hectic but extremely rewarding. It is spectacular indeed to see a small bush containing Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo and Painted Buntings! And of course, there is always the chance for some unexpected rarity such as a Cape May Warbler, Western Tanager or Bobolink. One should remember that the status of a species depends on the presence of suitable habitat. Because of the limited habitat types found within the park (either wetlands or grasslands), some species are not normally expected here, although they may be abundant on the mainland or in wooded habitats elsewhere on the island only a few miles away. This checklist was compiled by Mel Cooksey of Corpus Christi. This edition of the checklist is based in part on the previous edition compiled by Tony Amos of Port Aransas. Checklist nomenclature and organization follows the American Ornithologist’s Union Check-list of North American Birds (1998, 7th editi

-Official- FACILITIES Get the Mobile App: MAPS ACTIVITIES TexasStateParks.org/app 2025 Toyota Tacoma From scenic trails to serene lake shores, the Toyota Tacoma is your ultimate companion for exploring the untamed beauty of Texas wildlife. With its redesigned interior and powerful performance, you’ll be ready for any excursion. Adventure. It’s what we share. | toyota.com/tacoma Options shown. Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation 8 Places to Stay 10 Recreational Vehicles 12 Tips for Time in Nature 14 Visitor Fees & Passes DIRECTORY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 52 68 20 38 60 30 84 20 Big Bend Country 60 Pineywoods 48 State Parks Map David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Mischelle Diaz Communications Director TPW COMMISSION Jeffery D. Hildebrand, Chairman Houston Oliver J. Bell, Vice-Chairman Cleveland James E. Abell Kilgore Wm. Leslie Doggett Houston Paul L. Foster El Paso Anna B. Galo Laredo Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas Dick Scott Wimberley Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Cover Photo: Galveston Island State Park, Chase Fountain Texas State Parks Official Guide, Twenty-first Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (4/25) TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas.gov/ nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD through Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email lep@ tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. WELCOME from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director I am excited about the future for Texas State Parks. I am glad we have been able to highlight past successes like our 100-year anniversary and our Gold Medal win, but it is important that we build on that success moving forward. For 2025, thanks to your support, we embark on a new era for Texas State Parks, and we should all be proud of what we have built and where we are headed. As more and more Texans are discovering the beauty of state parks, it is exciting to have the opportunity to grow our system of parks through the Centennial Parks Fund. This is a huge legacy that will impact outdoor recreation and conservation for years to come and work has begun to identify beautiful properties that will become the next great state park. Adding new state parks will allow Texans to explore new, special wild places in a variety of ways. That said, we will continue to protect and improve existing parks that have served Texans so well. Texas is a big state with lots for our team to steward and visitors to enjoy. Our teams across the state remain eager to welcome outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike, to discover what our parks have to offer. Since 1923, our mission has been to help connect our visitors with the outdoors. As we honor those who have come before us, I invite a new generation to be a part of the story of the heritage that connects us all. You and your family should be a part of the next chapter of Texas State Parks as there is more to enjoy than you may realize. I hope you’ll visit soon and often and bring your friends and family along. Parks are for everyone and we’re looking forward to embarking on the new golden age of Texas State Parks along with you. WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS Balmorhea State Park is fully reopened with renovations to the San Solomon Motor Courts, campsites and historic spring-fed swimming pool. In addition, South Llano River State Park has a new visitor center, amphitheater and river bridge. The Devils River Dan A. Hughes Unit is set to open in 2025, offering new opportunities for camping, hiking and paddling along 10 miles of pristine river frontage. Improvements include Indian Lodge’s renovations, repair and road construction at Garner State Park, and updates at Eisenhower, Lake Corpus Christi, Bonham, Pedernales Falls and several other state parks. 3 PARKS NEAR YOU Where do you want to go? You’ll find many state parks nearby. Dallas/Fort Worth >>

Guía de Parques INSTALACIONES Descarga la Aplicacíon Móvil MAPAS ACTIVIDADES texasstateparks.org/app ¡Los niños entran gratis! La entrada es gratis para los niños de 12 años y menores. Encuentra un parque: parquesdetexas.org Contenido Estero Llano Grande SP 2 Actividades y Programas 4 Parques Cercanos 6 Lugares para Quedarse 8 Tarifas y Pases 9 Directorio 10 Mapa de Parques 18 Instalaciones y Actividades BIENVENIDO Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes, los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias! Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a nuestra manera. Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales, explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos. ¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre! Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain © 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21) TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas. ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS ¿Qué puedo hacer en los parques estatales? ¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico o elige entre muchas otras opciones! Bicicletas Pedalea a lo largo de los parques a cualquier velocidad, en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona de confort. Caminatas Empieza con un circuito más corto, avanza a terrenos más difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada. Pescar Puedes pescar sin licencia en tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen equipo para pescar a manera de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar. Barcos Renta canoas y kayacs y explora uno de los senderos acuáticos en Texas. Nadar Animales Silvestres Acampar Descubre aves, mamíferos y plantas que tienen su hogar en Texas. Muchos parques tienen señalamientos y listados que te ayudan a aprender más. Encuentra un lugar que cumpla con lo que quieres. Prueba nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de las estrellas. 2 Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org Escape del calor en arroyos, ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas y playas del mar. Tu seguridad en el agua es muy importante. Lleva el chaleco salvavidas. Aprende a nadar. Guarda a los niños. (512) 389-8900 ¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles están disponibles! Los niños de 12 años y menores entran GRATIS Cielos Estrellados Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada. Familias en la Naturaleza Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario tener experiencia. participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque. Mochilas para Exploradores Soldados Búfalo de Texas Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más. Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas. ! Seguridad en el Parque Ten cuidado con el agua Pre