Water activities are in full swing year-round at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. Guests can enjoy a day of fishing, boating, swimming, paddling, geocaching, birding, and so much more.

Lake Corpus Christi is quite large, with a surface area of 18,256 acres. Large amounts of aquatic vegetation throughout the reservoir lead to great fishing opportunities. Better yet, no fishing license is required to fish from the pier or shore in this 356-acre Texas State Park.

Pack your rod-and-reel, pick up a can of worms from a local bait-and-tackle shop, and cast off from one of two lighted fishing piers. Angling enthusiasts will find a wide range of fish species in Lake Corpus Christi. Catfish is especially excellent in the reservoir with three varieties: blue, channel and flathead. Other predominant species are largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish.

Bring your own watercraft or rent a kayak or paddleboat at the park. You can reserve a boat online.

On land, the park has plenty of lakeside picnic areas and barbecue pits, hike-and-bike trails, restroom facilities with showers, fire pits, and wildlife. Pavilions are available for group picnics. Kids can pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at park headquarters. Complete all tasks to earn a badge.

Those wishing to make a weekend of it can reserve a campsite, RV site, cabin, or shelter. Campers can choose from primitive spots to sites fully equipped with water, electricity, and air conditioning. Call 800-792-1112.

The park is open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Entrance is $5 a day. Children 12 and younger get in free. Lake Corpus Christi State Park is located 35 miles northwest of Corpus Christi on Park Road 25 and 4 miles southwest of Mathis off Texas 359. Visit the TPWD website for links to maps, directions, and fishing tips.

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