Galveston Island State Park is a nature lover’s paradise, located on the western end of Galveston Island, Texas. The park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of nature in a serene environment. Here are some of the reasons why Galveston Island State Park is a must-visit destination:
The park has several campsites that offer a unique camping experience. Visitors can choose to camp near the beach or the bay. The campsites have picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. The park also has primitive camping options for those looking for a more rustic experience.
Water is very low on Bay side and fisherman walk about waist deep casting their lines. It was relaxin to watch them.
Stress is caused by not camping enough ?
We stayed on the Bay Side Camping Area and loved it but can be a long walk to bathrooms ?. We were located on the bay side of the park, while the Dunes Camping Area is located on the Gulf side of the park. The Bay Side Camping Area is more secluded and offers a quieter camping experience, while the Dunes Camping Area is closer to the beach and offers easy access to the water and more crowded.
Beautiful Beaches: The park boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Texas. With over two miles of pristine beachfront, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
We recommend arriving on Galveston Island by ferry
Hiking Trails: The park has several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty. The Bay Side Trail and the Beach Side Trail offer stunning views of the bay and Gulf of Mexico. The park’s trails also provide a glimpse of the island’s history, with interpretive signs highlighting the island’s flora, fauna, and history.
Do you still need more reasons to visit?
- Wildlife Viewing: Galveston Island State Park is a haven for wildlife. The park is home to several species of birds, including egrets, herons, and pelicans. Visitors can also spot migratory birds like sandhill cranes and snow geese. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including alligators, snakes, and turtles.
- Fishing: The park is a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The park has a fishing pier that is open 24 hours a day, and visitors can fish from the beach as well.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Visitors can explore the park’s bayou by renting a kayak or paddleboard. The park’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Things to do outside the park ?
- Moody Gardens: A nature park that features a butterfly exhibit, aquarium, and a rainforest pyramid.
- The Strand Historic District: A historic district with 19th-century architecture that features several shops, restaurants, and art galleries. We spent a morning here and recommend.
- We enjoyed arriving on Galveston Island via a free car and GG ferry via Port Bolivar.
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: An amusement park with several rides, games, and attractions located on a pier. This looked like fun but closed while we were in town.
- The Bryan Museum: A museum that houses one of the largest collections of southwestern artifacts and art in the world.
Money Saving Tip
If you are visiting a Texas State Park and camping more than 5 days within a year buy the annual state pass. Texas charges a per person fee of up to $8 for everyone in the car ever day one ☝️ visits. We took advantage of the pass and saved hundreds of dollars. Other discounts allow your second night camping half off ?
- Unlimited Entry: With a Texas State Park Pass, you have unlimited entry to more than 90 state parks and historic sites in Texas. This means you can visit your favorite parks as often as you want without having to pay the daily entrance fee each time. These fees can add up quickly.
- Savings: A Texas State Park Pass can save you money if you plan on visiting multiple state parks throughout the year. The pass pays for itself after just a few visits, and you can save even more if you take advantage of discounts on camping and other park amenities.
- Convenience: With a Texas State Park Pass, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or credit cards to pay the daily entrance fee. You can simply present your pass at the entrance station and be on your way to enjoying the park.
- Supporting State Parks: By purchasing a Texas State Park Pass, you are supporting the preservation and maintenance of Texas State Parks. The funds from the pass go directly to park improvements, trail maintenance, and conservation efforts.
- Discounts: In addition to unlimited entry to state parks, a Texas State Park Pass also provides discounts on camping, equipment rentals, and other park amenities. Pass holders can also receive discounts at some local businesses.
- Access to Special Events: Texas State Park Pass holders can enjoy special events and programs offered exclusively to pass holders, such as guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
Nothing says ‘summer’ like camping. Okay, maybe popsicles and running through sprinklers. But camping is definitely up there.
You don’t know pain until your shin meets one of these…
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
Why we recommend the Berkey?
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Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books ?
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Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest ?. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping through out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping”
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Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.
Our thoughts ? Galveston Island ? State Park
In conclusion, Galveston Island State Park is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast. The park offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach, a challenging hike, or a chance to explore the island’s natural beauty. With its stunning beaches, hiking trails, camping options, and abundant wildlife, Galveston Island State Park is a must-visit destination.
“Life is better by the camp fire”
Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide
Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.
Products we love ❤️
After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking ? throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.
Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery ? pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.
Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil
Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights
Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.
We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.
Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy ? so this easy locking ? system was our solution.
Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.
Grand daughter had her first birthday so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you Bridget.
Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.
12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses ?. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.