 Named after wild horses that once roamed here, Mustang Island is just south of Port Aransas. The horses are long gone, but a taste of the wild remains in this park located along 5 miles of unspoiled beach.
You'll find 98 campsites, 20 miles of paddling trails and plenty of space for beachcombing. At the end of day, build a campfire on the beach, then watch the sunset and thousands of stars light up the night sky.
Waters around the park are rich in sea life, including sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Avoid stingrays and jellyfish in or out of the water. If you're into fishing, some of the best is right here – and you don't need a license to fish in state parks.
Come for the day, a weekend or longer – but don't forget to make reservations before you head to this must-see seaside park.
So Many Sweet Spots for a Swim
 Summer heat has started creeping in, but our natural waters are still crisp with spring's chill. Ready for a refreshing swim? There are 48 parks with lakes, rivers or creeks for your swimming delight. Here's a sample:
If you want to bring a group for a swim day, great idea! But be sure to get all your day passes ahead of time. It's also a good idea to contact the park directly and tell them you plan to swim if you have a group of 10 or more.
To find out how supporting the future of wildlife can also help preserve water quality, watch our short video Act Now to Save Fish and Wildlife!
 Water activities like swimming and floating can be big fun – especially in Texas, where we have so many places to play. But don't forget basic swimming safety. Take these 4 simple steps to safety:
1. Supervise children closely
2. Children should wear a life jacket when around water
3. Avoid alcohol if you plan to get in the water
4. Learn how to swim and teach your children to swim
If you swim in the Gulf, stay aware of rip currents and thunderstorms by checking the Surf Forecast.
Ranger John is back with a new sidekick, Queso the puppy. They share the do's and don'ts of bringing pets into parks in the video, B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. B.A.R.K. stands for:
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Bag your poop
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Always be on leash
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Respect wildlife
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Know where pets can go
Look over the Leave No Trace principles Ranger John mentions. These are the 7 best actions we can all take to minimize impact when we're in parks and other wild spaces.
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