We made an unforgettable trip this weekend to Goliad to watch the annual Battle of Goliad Reenactment, and while I had planned to stay at Goliad State Park, recent flooding had closed half the park. We lucked into a camping spot at Coleto Creek Park, and I’m so happy that we had this chance to visit this great campground!
Check out My Mommy Tips for making the most of your visit.
1. Know Before You Go
The closest grocery store is about 14 miles away, so check your list twice.
The small “Dam Store” sells sodas and some necessities.
The Park Rangers were incredibly helpful and nice! I always tend to be a pest, asking a tremendous amount of questions, and you quickly find out which rangers really love their jobs!
2. Camping
The park offers cabins, RV and tent camping, some primitive. Many of the campsites were right on the water, and you could pull your boat or canoe/kayak right up to the shore.
3. Coleto Creek Reservoir
We loved this small lake, just perfect for a day on the water fishing, canoeing or jet skiing!
4. Fishing
Coleto Creek Park is not a state park, so anyone over 16 years old must have a valid Texas Fishing License.
There is a boat ramp in the park.
Each June the park host a kid’s fishing tournament.
Every Wednesday evening (during summer) there is an Open Team Bass Tournament.
Swimming
Coming from DFW, we were surprised how many families were out in the swimming area! At home, we were still wearing coats!
Alligators
Like most lakes in Texas, Coleto Creek has alligators. Be aware of your surroundings when near the water, and don’t swim or let pets near the water at dawn or dusk. Don’t feed or tease the alligators.
5. Hiking Trail
We woke up early the next morning, and set out on the 1.5 mile hiking trail. It’s amazing the things you can see if you just get up and go! Although I didn’t have my camera ready, one of the park’s nesting bald eagles flew right over our heads! We didn’t see any other wildlife but we saw many deer tracks and some feral hog tracks! .
FREE Guided Tours are offered each Saturday morning from April to August by volunteer naturalist. Check with the park for dates and times.
6. Mountain Bike Trails
My seven year old still refuses to learn to ride a bike, so all I could do was stare longingly at the 6 mile bike trail!
7. Day Use
The Day Use area boast plenty of picnic tables, grills and smokers (something we just don’t see in DFW at a park), all under these amazing Live Oaks!
8. The Trees
There is something about the beautiful Oaks that grow in this part of the state! They are beautiful, with branches that stretch out and down to the earth like arms! Really, it’s worth the drive just for the trees!
The kids were so excited to find this tree, which stretches out over a small creek off the lake! They ran back and forth across it, completely ignoring the bridge just feet away! Can you blame them?
9. Annual Events
Kid’s Fishing Tournament each June
Annual Spring Photography Contest
Fireworks over the Lake each July 4th
10. Area Events
We were visiting for the annual Battle of Goliad Reenactment at Presidio La Bahia each March, part of the Texas Revolution reenactments that take place each year from the Alamo to San Jacinto.
Goliad Floatilla, held each May, is a chance to join other paddlers on the San Antonio River. Click HERE to visit their website.
11. Make a Day of It
In Victoria,
The Texas Zoo
In Goliad,
Branch Nature Park
Historic Goliad County Courthouse Square
Presidio LaBahia
Fannin Battleground
Goliad State Park
Zaragova Birthplace
Coleto Creek Park
365 Coleto Park Road, Victoria
361-575-6366
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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