Galveston Island State Park is a paradise located on the west end of Galveston Island. The park is within the Galveston city limits and in Galveston County. The park is composed of 2,013.1 beautiful acres overlooking both beach and bayside terrain. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the site was acquired in 1969 from private owners under the State Parks Bond Program and was opened to the public in 1975.
Galveston Island is believed to be approximately 5,000 years old. Within the last 500 years, the islands known history has been very interesting. For instance, it is widely believed that Cabeza de Vaca and his crew were shipwrecked on the island in 1520. The La Fitte brothers established a government on the island in 1817, after fleeing the prosecution and consequences of pirates in the United States. The island has also weathered its fair share of monstrous storms in 1867, 1871, 1875, and 1886 which extremely slowed progress. The great storm of 1900 devestated the island, killing between 5,000 and 10,000 people. This natural disaster prompted the construction of the seawall, which protects the northern half of the island. The island has weathered many storms, but most recently battled Hurricane Ike in 2008 and sustained significant damages
Galveston Island State Park offers camping, birding, nature study, hiking, biking, fishing, and beach swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Educational tours of the flora and fauna of the beach and bay area within the park are available by appointment only. Contact the park for more information. Although the park received significant damage from Hurricane Ike, beach and bayside camping sites are open, as well as the Beachside Day Use Area, which has tables, grills, and rinse off showers. Restrooms and showers are available on the beach side and restrooms without showers are available on the bay side.
Wildlife viewing opportunities won’t disappoint on the island. Wading and shore birds, mottled and mallard ducks, raccoons, armadillos, and marsh rabbits are plentiful in the park. Beach and surf fishing will produce spotted seatrout, sandtrout, black drum, croaker, and flounder, among other sea life.
Elevation: 1 Ft. above sea level.
Weather: January average is 46.2, July average is 85.9. First/last freeze: November 20/March 11.
Schedule: Open 7 days a week year-round, except for hurricane watch/warnings. Busy Season: March through October, especially weekends.
Directions: The park can be reached from Interstate 45 by exiting right onto 61st Street and traveling south on 61st Street to its intersection with Seawall Boulevard and then right (west) on Seawall (FM 3005) 10 miles to the park entrance.
Entrance Fees
$5 per day, per person 13 and older
To inquire about a group school-sponsored trip contact the park to make arrangements.
Special entrance rates for holders of:
Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.
Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)
Facility Fees
Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. For other general pet restrictions check the Texas State Park Regulations. For park specific pet restrictions and more information call the park at 1-800-792-1112.
Camping
Maximum 8 people per campsite unless otherwise noted. Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee. March – October occupancy is limited to 14 days within a 28 day period.
36 – Premium (Beach Side) Campsites with 50 amp electric and water hookups – Sites have a shade shelter, picnic table and ground fire ring:
$25 per night for premium sites
20 – Bay Side campsites with electric and water hookups – These sites are reservable
$20 per night
10 – Bay Side campsites with water – These sites are reservable.
$15 per night