Mustang Island State Park
Texas Parks & Wildlife protects five miles of empty Gulf coast just south of Cinnamon Shore — dunes, drive-up camping, primitive walk-in sites, and a 20-mile bay paddling trail. The drive is ten minutes. The crowd, by design, never builds.
The southern half of Mustang Island looks like the rest of the Texas coast did before the condos arrived: dune grass, low brush, and a long line of beach broken only by a tire track or two. That's the point of Mustang Island State Park. It's a ten-minute drive south on TX-361, open 24 hours a day for a small day-use fee, and the fastest way to get a wild-coast feel without leaving Port Aransas behind.
What it is
The park covers 3,950 acres of Texas Parks & Wildlife land — roughly five miles of Gulf shoreline, the dunes that sit behind it, and a chunk of Corpus Christi Bay on the island's back side. No condos. No shops. No boardwalks. The road in, the beach, and the grass between them.
Gates never close. Headquarters and the main beach access sit at Mile 13 of TX-361, about ten minutes south of Cinnamon Shore.
What to do
Low-key is the whole brand. Most people come for the empty beach, the surf rod, or the night sky. A few other ways the park rewards a visit:
- Surf fishing — the park is a popular spot for redfish, speckled trout, and small sharks. Texas saltwater license required.
- Mustang Island Paddling Trail — a 20-mile loop in the bay with five color-coded routes from short to all-day.
- Birding — the dune flats and back-island marsh are productive for shorebirds, herons, and migratory species.
- Primitive walk-in camping for a real wild-coast night, plus drive-up sites with hookups closer to the road.
- Dark-sky stargazing — far enough from town lights that the Milky Way is visible on clear nights.
Camping
Two camping zones share the park. Drive-up sites with water and electric hookups sit inland from the beach; primitive walk-in sites cluster closer to the dunes. Reservations run through Texas State Parks at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com, and they go months out for spring break, summer weekends, and any holiday weekend.
Practical info
Day-use runs $7 per person ages 13 and up; kids 12 and under are free, and so are Texas State Parks Pass holders. A self-serve fee station handles after-hours arrivals. The main day-use area has restrooms and showers; the primitive zones don't. Pack water, sun protection, and bug spray — the latter matters most at dawn and dusk.
How to get there from Cinnamon Shore
Head south on TX-361 for about six miles. The entrance is well signed at Mile 13. Driving past costs nothing; only entering the park triggers the fee.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mustang Island State Park from Cinnamon Shore?
About 10 minutes by car. Drive south on TX-361 from Cinnamon Shore for roughly six miles; the park entrance is signed at Mile 13.
How much does it cost to enter Mustang Island State Park?
Day-use is $5 per adult. Children under 13 are free, and Texas State Parks Pass holders enter at no additional charge. There's a self-pay station at the entrance when headquarters is closed.
Can you drive on the beach at Mustang Island State Park?
Yes. The state park's beach is part of Texas's drive-on beach corridor — same as the rest of Mustang and Padre Islands. Drive only on the marked sand strip between the dunes and the water, and slow down for foot traffic. A standard 2WD vehicle handles it in most conditions; soft sand after rain is harder.
Is the camping at Mustang Island State Park good for families?
Yes — the drive-up campsites near the headquarters have water and electric hookups, restrooms, and showers, and the beach is a short walk away. Primitive walk-in sites are a better fit for experienced campers wanting a quieter night closer to the dunes.
Do I need a fishing license to fish at the park?
Yes. Texas requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 17 or older fishing in coastal waters. Day, year, and short-term licenses are available online from Texas Parks & Wildlife and at most Port Aransas tackle shops.
Are dogs allowed at Mustang Island State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. Dogs are not allowed inside park buildings.
What's the difference between Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore?
Both protect undeveloped Texas barrier-island coast, but Mustang Island State Park is smaller (~5 miles of beach, ~10 minutes from Cinnamon Shore) and more accessible — paved access, drive-up campsites, hookups. Padre Island National Seashore is larger (70 miles, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world), about 45 minutes south, and gets remote fast: 4WD is recommended past Mile 5. See our Padre Island National Seashore guide for details.
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