Goose Island State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- $5 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- RecommendedCan reach capacity
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 122 campsites
- Official site
- tpwd.texas.gov(361) 729-2858
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Alert Screwworm AlertJune 13, 2026 - New world screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets and livestock often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do… (more)
June 13, 2026 - New world screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets and livestock often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do not move the animal. Call the Texas Animal Health Commission at (800) 550‑8242 or contact a private veterinarian. For wildlife with suspicious wounds or maggots, notify park staff or call (512) 389‑4505.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Alert Burn BanAug. 11, 2026 - The park is under a burn ban. Wood fires are not allowed. You may cook with briquettes, charcoal, containerized fuel stoves (i.e.… (more)
Aug. 11, 2026 - The park is under a burn ban. Wood fires are not allowed. You may cook with briquettes, charcoal, containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane), and propane fire camp rings. Water Outage Oct. 23, 2026 - Water is out at the Bayfront camping area due to a water line break. Please fill your freshwater tanks before arriving. Construction Alerts Aug. 11, 2026 - Multiple projects are underway in the park. Exercise caution in work areas: • We are improving some of our campsites. Expect intermittent closures for sites 1 - 24 and intermittent water disruptions. Watch for maintenance equipment on the east end of the island. • Work on the headquarters parking lot will begin on Aug. 12. Headquarters will be open. Use caution when entering the park. We encourage you to make reservations for camping and day passes in advance. • Habitat restoration and marsh wetlands construction will begin in June 2026. This project will not affect campsites, but you will see maintenance equipment on the west end of the Island. Water Conservation Alert Nov. 14, 2025 - Please use water sparingly for drinking, cooking, and in restrooms. Bring your own water or buy bottled water at…
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In Aransas County, about 7 miles northeast of Rockport, Goose Island State Park covers about 308 acres.
Visitors come for historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. Overnight options include 122 campsites across 8 camping areas, with RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, group camping, and showers.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit. Busy Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day, October through Thanksgiving, and January through April
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. Some parks restrict pets on certain trails.
Statewide rule from Texas's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult | $5 |
| Child 12 Years and Under | Free |
Official wording
• Adult: $5 Daily • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Texas park passes
- Texas State Parks Pass — $70 per year. Free entry for the holder and guests at the state parks it covers, plus camping and store discounts; a second pass for someone at the same address is $25 Details
- Texas Parklands Passport. Discounted or free entry for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and Gold Star family members Details
From the Texas state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- Recommended
- Camping
- Recommended
- Booking system
- Texas State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- (512) 389-8900
We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsites with Electricity (Bayfront) Campsites are in the Bayfront area loop. Most sites are on the waterfront but some are across the road from the waterfront. | 40 | Water hookup; 20/30/50-amp electricShowersPicnic tableGround fires prohibitedShade shelter | $25 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Electricity Campsites are located in the Wooded Area, nestled among large oak trees. | 53 | Water hookup; Electric hookupPicnic tableOutdoor grillFire ringLantern postRestrooms nearby | $20 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Water (Walk-in) Walk in up to 150 yards to campsites from the parking area. These are tent-only sites; no vehicles are allowed. Sites are in the Wooded Area loop, nestled among large oak trees. | 22 | WaterPicnic tableOutdoor grillFire ringLantern post | $10 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Group Camp (Youth) Only sponsored, nonprofit youth groups may use this site. | — | Water; 20 & 30 amp hookupsShowersPicnic tables1/2-acre camping areaParking for nine vehiclesCovered pavilion (seats 24)Large group fire ring with seating & wind breakTwo regular fire rings with grills | $75 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Overflow Campsites For late arrivals and overflow, these non-reservable sites are in a parking area and are for self-contained units only; no tents allowed. | — | Restrooms nearbyNon-reservable | $10 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Premium Full Hookup Campsites (50 Amp) Full hookup sites are not reservable in advance. Please contact the park for availability. Campsites are located in the Wooded Area, nestled among large oak trees. | 6 | Water hookup; Sewer hookup; 50 amp hookupPicnic tableOutdoor grillFire ringLantern postRestrooms nearby | $30 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Premium Full Hookup Campsites (30 Amp) Full hookup sites are not reservable in advance. Please contact the park for availability. Campsites are located in the Wooded Area, nestled among large oak trees. | 1 | Water hookup; Sewer hookup; 30 amp hookupPicnic tableOutdoor grillFire ringLantern postRestrooms nearby | $25 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Excess Vehicle Parking $4 fee per vehicle | — | Contact the Park |
Camping details from the park
Choose from 44 campsites by the bay or 57 sites nestled under oak trees, all with water and electricity. Every camping loop has restrooms with showers. We also have 25 walk-in tent sites without electricity, and a group camp for youth groups.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BoatingHistoric sites and toursFishingHikingCanoeing and kayakingPicnickingCamping
Boating and paddling
Bring your own kayak or canoe to launch from the shore or join one of the kayak programs offered at the park. Check our program calendar for a full list of programs.
Fishing
Fish from shore, boat, or our 1,620-foot long fishing pier. We have a regular boat launch and a kayak/canoe launch. We also have a fish cleaning station. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a Texas state park.
- Borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes at the park through the Tackle Loaner Program.
- Download our Fishing Tip Sheet.
- Occasionally, we see alligators in the park; read our alligator safety tips.
Rent our group recreation hall for your next family event. Buy gift items at the park’s store.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Group facilities
Water
- Boat ramp
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
- Fishing pier
- Fish cleaning station
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Primitive or backcountry camping
- Group camping
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 202 S. Palmetto St.
Rockport, TX 78382-7965 - Nearest town
- Rockport — about 7 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 28.1335, -96.9843
- Phone
- (361) 729-2858
- GooseIslandSP@tpwd.texas.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Texas State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- TPWD state parks map (embedded park data)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology