Lake Corpus Christi State Park: Know it All!

When people think of Corpus Christi, Texas they often think of the beach, or a busy city with lots to do.  But what if I told you there is a quiet place just 45 minutes outside of the city where you can go and relax?  If this is what you’re looking for, you’ll love Lake Corpus Christi State Park!

This 356 acre state park has been around since the 1930’s and is a great place to kayak, fish, hike, or go camping.  There is also beautiful wildlife and birds to be seen here!

Regardless of why you plan on visiting Lake Corpus Christi State Park, we’re going to dive into everything.  From the price, to camping, and even the activities that you can do here.  So let’s start with some important links!

Important Links 

Lake Corpus Christi State Park website

Camping – Make Reservations Here

Texas State Parks Pass

Day Passes – Reserve Here

A Lake Corpus Christi State Park Camping Trip

Park Map

Location

Lake Corpus Christi State Park is 45 minutes from the bustling town of Corpus Christi, TX.  This means you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet without being completely in the middle of nowhere.  

If you live near other major cities of Texas, you’ll want to plan for a bit of a drive.  The state park is 6 hours from Dallas, about 4 hours from Houston, and 2 hours from San Antonio.  

Address: 23194 Park Road 25 Mathis, TX 78368

Fees

Like all Texas State Parks, there is an entry fee to enjoy this park.  The fee to enter Lake Corpus Christi State Park is $5 per adult (13+) and free for children (12 and under).  

Unfortunately, these fees are still applied even if you are camping here.  So even if you have paid for camping in full, you will have to pay the day fee per person, per day upon your arrival.  Yes, this can add up quickly, especially when camping with older kids.

BUT, there is a work around!  If you buy a Texas State Parks Pass for $70, you and a car-full of guests can enter all 88 state parks for free for 365 days from purchase.  If you intend to visit multiple parks, or camp for several days, this park pass will save you quite a bit of money!

Day Pass Reservations

Lake Corpus Christi State Park does often fill up to capacity, especially on the weekends.  So if you are planning ahead and want to visit Lake Corpus Christi State Park, you will want to make a Day Pass Reservation.  

In order to do this, simply click the link and enter the date that you would like to visit.  Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance.

Once you have your date selected, you will select the time you would like to arrive.  There are 310 day passes available for the morning time slot (7am – 4pm) and then 85 passes available for the afternoon (4pm – 10pm).  The passes are good for the remainder of the day once you enter.    

The Texas State Park Office does recommend that you get a reservation whenever possible so you don’t risk getting turned away if the park is at capacity!

Having a Gathering?  Rent a Pavilion!

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a graduation, or just hosting your annual picnic, you will love hosting at Lake Corpus Christi State Park.  They have 2 pavilion options for you to choose from.  

The first is the Mesquite Pavillion, which is just off the water at the north end of the park.  You can host up to 55 people here for just $75, plus the park entrance fees.  This option is Handicap Accessible.  

The second option is the stunning Historic CCC Castle!  Again, you can host up to 55 people here for just $75, plus park entrance fees.  This option is not handicap accessible.  

Before booking, I suggest calling (512) 389-8920 to check for availability, as well as possible group rates.

What to Expect

Lake Corpus Christi State Park is a fairly large park spread out around the southeast corner of Lake Corpus Christi.  This park is easily driveable, with plenty of parking and dozens of covered picnic tables to enjoy.  

There isn’t much shade at this park, so come prepared for a hot and sunny day.  And remember, you are in southwest Texas, so it can and will get hot, even in March.  So pack plenty of water! 

Things To Do Here

You might be asking yourself, what is there to do at Lake Corpus Christi State Park?  Or maybe you’re wondering why you should even go. There is actually a decent amount to do here whether you come for a day, or you stay for a week.  

The large lake offers fishing for bass, sunfish, and catfish from either land, their pier, or from a boat.  This same lake is a great place to go boating for a day, or to bring/rent a kayak and go paddling on the water.  Swimming is also allowed, within the confines of the No-Wake zones.

You can hike one of their short and easy trails, or enjoy the park’s birding area and watch for the diverse birds.  Or you can simply come for a picnic by the water at one of their Day Use picnic areas.  And if you are looking to stay for a weekend or longer, they offer a few different ways to go camping or book a cabin/shelter. 

Regardless of how you plan to spend your time or how long you plan to spend here, there’s something for everyone who loves the outdoors.  So let’s dive into a few more details.   

Fishing

Fishing in Texas State Parks allows you to fish without buying a Texas Fishing License.  Your fee to enter covers the cost for you to fish along the banks.  However, if you leave the state park, you will need a state license, so plan accordingly!

Within the 18,256-acre Lake Corpus Christi, you could catch white and largemouth bass, crappies, channel, blue, and flathead catfish, and of course, redear and bluegill sunfish.

Boating/Paddling

There are 2 boat ramps within the confines of the state park, but be sure to plan ahead as the boat ramps are not always open due to water levels.  But you can always take a kayak/canoe out onto the water.

In fact, the park has a self-renting kiosk right by the water.  You simply pay the fee, and a kayak, life vest, and paddle will be rented to you.  If you want to reserve in advance, check out this website.

Swimming

There are several No-Wake sections in the park where you are allowed to swim. However, you should be aware that there are No Lifeguards On Duty in any of these sections. Adults should supervise their children to ensure they are safe while swimming here.

Hiking

There are 3 short trails in Lake Corpus Christi State Park that are all dirt paths with a distance of less than a mile.  While these aren’t the typical trails you might think of when hiking comes to mind, they are a great place to stretch your legs and then stop in the birding area.

Birding

Lake Corpus Christi is home to many different birds, including those who migrate to and from Mexico during the Spring/Fall.  I was able to stop and see a Green Jay while I was there.  

The entire birding area is shaded and has multiple bird feeders where you can sit and watch for birds.  

Picnicking 

There are dozens of covered picnic tables throughout the park and there are 2 pavilions where you can sit and enjoy lunch.  The pavilions can be booked, but if they aren’t I highly suggest heading over to the Historic CCC Castle Pavilion and enjoying the view!  

Camping 

Which brings us to all the different ways to stay at Lake Corpus Christi!  

You can camp in a tent on a Water-Only site or a Water/Electric site.  You can camp in a camper/RV on a Water/Electric site or a Full Hook-Up site.  Or you can stay in a screened shelter, or even a basic cabin.  

However you decide to stay, there is a 14 day maximum visit and prices may vary depending on day, weekend, or holiday.  And don’t forget that you still have to add in the daily entrance fee to your stay.  

For all the details about camping at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, check out this link, which breaks everything down for you!

Things to do in the area

If you are camping at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, or just passing through, you might be wondering what else there is to do in the area.  In Corpus Christi there are great museums, activities and restaurants to try and explore.  

If you are looking for a great beach, you can head over to Mustang Island State Park or to Padre Island National Seashore for a great beach day.  

Or if you are looking for a smaller town within an hour, you might love exploring the town of Port Aransas, which has great restaurants, beaches, and natural areas to check out.   

Conclusion

Lake Corpus Christi State Park is an enjoyable place to visit for a day or even a week.  With all the fishing, boating and birding there is to do, you won’t be bored here!

If you need a few days away from it all, there are several options for camping that will fit any budget.  And if you simply want to enjoy a great view, you’ll love the Historic CCC Castle.  

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at averagewildexperience@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to get back to you.

-Happy Exploring!