Located about an hour north of Padre Island, we’ve always overlooked Lake Corpus Christi State Park in a rush to get down to the beach, but this weekend I was determined to check it out! I’m so glad we did because this is a great park, mainly used by locals for day use, which meant that after the sun went down we had our camping loop of the park completely to ourselves, something not easy to find during the summer!
Know Before You Go
The park is about 5 miles from the stores in Mathis, in case you forget something.
Fishing
A lighted fishing pier offers great fishing, and a fishing license is not needed in the park when fishing from the shoreline or the pier!
Camping
We camped in the Mesquite Camping Area, and loved it! We were able to camp right on the water, so the kids had easy access for swimming all day!
If you wanted a little more privacy, check out the Catfish Cove Camping Area.
Although the park does not sell firewood, we were able to buy some at the bait store at the entrance to the park. She has a great selection, and they sell just about everything there!
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lanterns
I was asked to do a review of Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern, and I was looking forward to trying it out at LCCSP. When the gentle breeze picked up at sundown, we still hadn’t seen or felt a mosquito, even though we pretty much ditch the tent during the summer and sleep outside, to take advantage of the breeze! However, right before sunup, the breeze abruptly died, and the mosquitoes came out in force! It took a minute to turn on the lantern and for it to heat up, then we were able to get another hour of mosquito-free sleep! We used it for the rest of our Padre Island trip, and only got a few bug bites when the kids would run outside of the area, which kids are going to do! However, it worked great for just sitting around, even on the windy beach! Click HERE to visit their website.
Trails
Bring your shoes to hike the Catfish Point Trail.
Swimming
The lake was full of swimmers when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and we had a great time playing in the water!
Remember to bring sunscreen, and life jackets for young and weaker swimmers.
Safety First – We enjoyed playing in and around the water, and brought with us tubes and water toys. The nice breeze on the lake means floats/tubes can and will get away. Bring one with an armstrap, so it doesn’t float away, but if it does, just let it go. Tell your kids the same thing. Chasing a float is exhausting and can quickly get a swimmer out further than they can swim back. Tell your kids this, too. A memorial in the park tells the story of Vishal Bhagat, 25, who drown while swimming after a float.
Refectory
Take a few minutes to explore around the Refectory, built by the CCC in the 30’s.
Things To Do in and around Mathis
Play
The lower Nueces River offer great paddling opportunities, and is especially popular for birders! The La Fruta Paddling Trail is 17 miles long and you can rent kayaks at La Fruta Park. Click HERE for more information.
Eat
There are two nice restaurants in Mathis, Smolik’s Smokehouse and Van’s Burgers.
Stay
Knolle Farm Bed and Breakfast. Click HERE for more information.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
23194 Park Rd 25, Mathis
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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