Goose Island State Park

The "Big Tree" is one of the largest Coastal Live Oaks in the nation.

202 S Palmetto St.
Rockport, TX 78382-7965
361/729-2858
Park locator map

History: Goose Island State Park, 321.4 acres, surrounded by the St. Charles and Aransas Bays, is located north of Rockport in Aransas County. The park was acquired in 1931-1935 by deeds from private owners and Legislative Act setting aside the state-owned Goose Island as a state park. The earliest park facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

The "Big Tree," named State Champion Coastal Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) in 1969, is thought to be one of the largest in the nation. Estimated to be over 1000 years old, the "Big Tree" has a circumference of 35 feet, is 44 feet in height and has a crown spread of 90 feet.

Activities: Although located on Aransas Bay, there is no swimming area at this park. The shoreline is comprised of concrete bulkhead, oyster shell, mud flat, and marsh grass. The main recreational activities are camping, excellent birding, and fishing (the park participates in the "Loan A Tackle Program" and lends out fishing tackle to visitors.) Other activities include picnicking, boating (motors allowed), nature study, wildlife observation, and photography. Tours: Spring migration guided bird tours are held from February through April of each year.

Area Attractions: Located directly across St. Charles Bay from the park are the wintering grounds for rare and endangered whooping cranes in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Also nearby are the Copano Bay Fishing Pier, Mustang Island State Park, Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, Texas Maritime Museum and the Texas State Aquarium in the City of Corpus Christi. For more information on the area visit the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Facilities: Facilities include shade shelter campsites ("open cabanas") with water and electricity, located on the island near the bay; campsites with water and electricity in a heavily, tree-shaded area; campsites with water in the shady area; a group area; picnic sites (some with shade shelters); restrooms with and without showers; a snack bar within two miles; a fish-cleaning shade shelter; a double-lane boat ramp; a 1620-foot, lighted fishing pier with 2 fish-cleaning tables; a group recreation hall with tables and chairs (no kitchen - capacity 50); playground areas; and a Texas State Park Store.

Park & Facility Fees
Facility & Trail Map (PDF 116.5 KB)

Elevation: 20 ft.
Weather: July average high 92, January average low 45, prevailing southeast breeze, humid; August, September, and October are wettest months; first/last freeze: December 16/February 7.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year-round. Busy Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day; October through Thanksgiving and January through April.

Directions: The park is located 10 miles northeast of Rockport on State Highway 35 to Park Road 13, then 2 miles east to park entrance. Park location map media download (PDF 38.8 KB)

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

Information:

This park is participating in a pilot program to test the feasibility of offering Wireless Internet (Wifi) services to park visitors through private membership. This one-year test program is being offered through a partnership with Tengo Internet, Inc. This service does not rely on any park financial support and is funded directly by the provider. The provider is reimbursed through funds collected from direct users. The provider pays the State Parks Division a fee based on the income generated from memberships.

For more information contact the park or: www.tengointernet.com