Matagorda Island State Park
Port O'Connor

Download a Park Map (PDF) - courtesy of TPWD

Accessible only by private boat or charter, 7,325-acre Matagorda Island State Park and National Wildlife Refuge is not only an important sanctuary for wildlife, but also for individuals seeking a tranquil retreat. Visitors should be completely self-sufficient: bring plenty of drinking water, food, adequate sun protection, and insect repellent. The island lacks conveniences such as electricity, water and telephone service.

Activities include picnicking, beachcombing, camping, boating and swimming. Primitive beach and dockside campsites are available. Hiking and bicycling are allowed on the island's 38-mile-long beach as well as 32 miles of paved roads. No private aircraft or motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. An on-island beach shuttle service is available -- $2 per person for adults 13 years of age and older, $1 per child (12 years and below.)

Nineteen state or federally-protected species inhabit Matagorda Island, and more than 300 bird species including whooping cranes and peregrine falcons have been noted; clearly, birding and wildlife observation are prime activities. Numerous snake and reptile species also occur on the island, as well as more common wildlife such as white-tail deer, coyote, raccoon, and jackrabbit. Bottlenose dolphins may be seen during the boat trip to the island. Fishing the waters surrounding the island may yield red drum, spotted sea trout, tarpon, shark and mackerel. Deer, waterfowl and game bird hunting is permitted at various times of the year. Contact the park for further details.

The park is also home to the historic Matagorda Island Lighthouse, a 92-foot-tall structure built by the Republic of Texas in 1852. Despite damage sustained from the Civil War, hurricanes and coastal erosion, the lighthouse has remained standing. Thanks to the Matagorda Island Foundation's efforts, the lighthouse is actively being restored and was relit on December 31, 1999.

Park Rating Explanation of Symbols
Campsites/Overnight Facilities
Leashed Pets Permitted?	YES
Picnic Areas/Playgrounds
Solitude
Trail System
Water Recreation
Wildlife
Ratings are based on a scale of 0 to 4.

Shannon's Notebook

Peregrine falcon

Copyright © Justin W. Moore
See more photos at OutdoorPhoto.com

Check the weather reports and tide forecasts prior to your arrival. Since the island is extremely hot during summer, visits during the spring or fall are suggested. Insect repellent is highly recommended, as is sun protection and ample drinking water.

Share your comments or questions about this park.

Location

The park headquarters and information center is located in Port O'Connor on the Intercoastal Canal (I/C). The park is accessible 11 miles south of Port O'Connor via passenger boat or charter.
Map of Park's Location

For GPS Users: N 28° 13.62' W 096° 38.40' (WGS84/NAD83)
Convert to another coordinate sytem or map datum (Courtesy of Jeeep.com)

Hours

Open 7 days a week year-round.

Check for restricted park access before any trip. When controlled public hunts are in progress, general access is not permitted.

Fees

There is no park entrance fee. Fees for charter boats vary, and should be obtained by contacting the Port O'Connor Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Note: Learn about the $60 Texas State Parks Pass which exempts passholders, and the passengers in their vehicle, from the entrance fees at all Texas State Parks.

Reservations

Reserve Now for campsites and other park facilities.

Reservations can also be made by calling TPWD's Central Reservation System at (512)389-8900 from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 9 AM to noon on Saturdays.

Events

Consult TPWD's Park Events Calendar for information on upcoming events at this park.

Weather

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact the Friends of Aransas & Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuges, the officially recognized non-profit support group of Matagorda Island SP/NWR & Aransas NWR. Address: P.O. Box 74, Aransas, TX 77950.