After the crowded beaches of Galveston, Matagorda Island was considered wild country for the shore-side camping trips we took in my youth. In my imagination, we went there looking for pirate treasure- after all, Jean Lafitte once sailed these waters- but instead we found a birder's paradise.
Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area now encompass 44,000 acres of barrier island along the Gulf Coast. There is a colorful history to this land. The first Europeans encountered the fierce-looking Karankawa Indians, six feet tall and covered with dirt and alligator grease. Cabeza de Vaca ventured into the area, followed by Rene Robert Sueir de la Salle and Jean Lafitte. Civil war-era fortifications and a lighthouse remain, though storms have destroyed most of the area's early settlements.
The island is a reserve for nineteen threatened or endangered species. The whooping crane has made a comeback after near-extinction. Peregrine falcon and brown pelican fly overhead. Ridley sea turtle and horned lizard are two of over 30 reptiles that occupy the area- the largest being the American alligator. Over 300 species of birds inhabit or migrate past the island. Bottle-nosed dolphins- "porpoise" to Texans- swim in the Gulf.
Beachcombers have 38 miles of shoreline to scavenge. Hikers and bikers can walk or ride 32 miles of paved road. Fishermen cast for tarpon, spotted seat trout, and red drum. The Gulf of Mexico is not known for massive waves, but surfers still try their luck.
The park has primitive camping at the Beach Campground and barrack facilities at the Army Hole Campground. Be prepared for no electricity, drinking water, telephones or concessions.
Directions: Access is by ferry or private boat from Port O'Conner. To reach Port O'Conner, take State Highway 185 south about 45 miles from Victoria.
After the crowded beaches of Galveston, Matagorda Island was considered wild country for the shore-side camping trips we took in my youth. In my imagination, we went there looking for pirate treasure- after all, Jean Lafitte once sailed these waters- but instead we found a birder's paradise.
Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area now encompass 44,000 acres of barrier island along the Gulf Coast. There is a colorful history to this land. The first Europeans encountered the fierce-looking Karankawa Indians, six feet tall and covered with dirt and alligator grease. Cabeza de Vaca ventured into the area, followed by Rene Robert Sueir de la Salle and Jean Lafitte. Civil war-era fortifications and a lighthouse remain, though storms have destroyed most of the area's early settlements.
The island is a reserve for nineteen threatened or endangered species. The whooping crane has made a comeback after near-extinction. Peregrine falcon and brown pelican fly overhead. Ridley sea turtle and horned lizard are two of over 30 reptiles that occupy the area- the largest being the American alligator. Over 300 species of birds inhabit or migrate past the island. Bottle-nosed dolphins- "porpoise" to Texans- swim in the Gulf.
Beachcombers have 38 miles of shoreline to scavenge. Hikers and bikers can walk or ride 32 miles of paved road. Fishermen cast for tarpon, spotted seat trout, and red drum. The Gulf of Mexico is not known for massive waves, but surfers still try their luck.
The park has primitive camping at the Beach Campground and barrack facilities at the Army Hole Campground. Be prepared for no electricity, drinking water, telephones or concessions.
Directions: Access is by ferry or private boat from Port O'Conner. To reach Port O'Conner, take State Highway 185 south about 45 miles from Victoria.
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