Hurricane Ike update, July 2009: Galveston Island State Park was damaged by Hurricane Ike. Beachside and Bayside camping are now open. The Beachside Day Use Area is also open and has tables, grills, and rinse off showers. There are no restrooms in the park except for portable toilets.
Galveston Island State Park, in Galveston County, is in the City of Galveston on the west end of Galveston Island. It is a 2,013.1-acre site that was acquired in 1969 from private owners under the State Parks Bond Program and was opened in 1975.
Galveston Island is believed to be approximately 5000 years old and has had an interesting history during the past 500 years. It is generally believed Cabeza de Vaca and his crew were shipwrecked here in 1520 and eventually made their way from the island to colonies in Mexico. The LaFitte brothers, fleeing the prosecution of pirates in the United States, established a government here in 1817, with visions of creating a "Manhattan on the Gulf." Commerce did thrive here, but major storms in 1867, 1871, 1875, and 1886 greatly slowed progress. The great storm of 1900 devastated the island, killing 5000 to 10,000 people, and prompted the construction of the seawall which protects the northern half of the island.
Wading and shore birds, mottled and mallard ducks, raccoons, armadillos, and marsh rabbits can be found in the park for observation and photography.
Admission & Camping
Entrance Fee: $5 per day, per person 13 and older
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.
There are 12 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.
There are 20 Bay Side campsites with electric and water hookups. These sites are reservable
$20 per night.
There are 34 campsites with water. These sites are reservable. 10 sites are Bay Side & 24 are Beach Side. Cost is $15 per night.
Hours of Operation
Open 7 days a week year-round, except for hurricane watch/warnings. Busy Season: March through October, especially weekends.
Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.
Payments Accepted
Cash
Discover
Mastercard
Visa
|
57° Overcast
