Lantana Loop - Goose Island State Park

There are two distinct areas to this park, the wooded area where we are camping and the bay front. The wooded area is peaceful, full of birds, a birding camp host and birding enthusiasts. I’m told that the loud sound we hear comes from whooping cranes. The bay front was damaged by hurricane Harvey. The campsites and facilities there are closed and in the process of being rebuilt. You have expansive bay views, lovely sunsets and lots of pelicans but there is no beach and a lot of private residences close by. We also saw a number of air boats coming in and out of the nearby boat ramp which created a lot of noise. The bay side campsites are also very close together so I’m glad we were in the wooded area. Bathrooms are clean and water is hot.

Four stars for camping spots. You have a choice of secluded spots with heavy foliage or manicured open spaces. There is water and electricity in addition to a dump station. Standard asphalt and stone spaces with concrete pads with picnic tables. Five stars if you are a bird watcher. The volunteer bird hosts have numerous events during the week. There is a birding trail and bird watching areas. Five stars if you’re a boater needing a dock and a place to clean your catch. Three stars for showers. Some tile mold that needs attention so bring along some Tilex or other cleaner. Three stars for signage. Careful or you will miss the right turn into the park.

Quiet, clean and wooded but your rig WILL get scratched or dented. The mesquite trees twist all over and make parking a challenge. Even the entrance to the HQ had low hanging branches.