Karankawa Camping Area

**📜 Introduction / Overview**

For Texans seeking a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and modern camping convenience, the **Karankawa Camping Area** at Goliad State Park & Historic Site is a must-visit destination. Situated in the South Texas region, just south of the historic town of Goliad, this campground serves as the park’s premier offering for RV enthusiasts and comfortable campers. It is one of the closest camping loops to the iconic Mission Espiritu Santo, placing visitors right on the doorstep of 18th-century Texas history.

The name "Karankawa" pays tribute to the native people who once inhabited the Texas coast, reinforcing the deep historical roots of the area. Unlike more rustic sections of the park, the Karankawa loop is designed for comfort and accessibility, featuring **20 spacious, pull-through sites with full hookups**. The tone of the park is peaceful and family-friendly, set along the tranquil San Antonio River, offering a perfect opportunity to relax, fish, bike, and immerse yourself in one of the most important historical landscapes in the state. Whether you’re a history buff, a bird watcher, or just need a comfortable stopover, the Karankawa Camping Area is engineered to make your Texas State Park experience seamless and enjoyable.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility**

The Karankawa Camping Area is found within the beautiful confines of Goliad State Park & Historic Site, conveniently located just a short distance from the charming, historic town of Goliad, Texas.

Address: 108 Park Rd 6, Goliad, TX 77963, USA

The park is easily accessible via **U.S. Highway 183 and Texas Highway 77A**, which run through the town of Goliad. Park Road 6 leads directly from the highway to the park headquarters and the Karankawa camping area, which is situated toward the front of the park near the Mission, minimizing driving time once inside the gates. All sites in the Karankawa loop are **pull-through**, which is a significant advantage for Texans traveling with large RVs, motorhomes, or long trailers, making the process of parking and setting up extremely stress-free. For those needing last-minute supplies, the proximity to the town of Goliad means that grocery stores, gas stations, and local restaurants are just a few miles away. This excellent blend of secluded nature and nearby town amenities makes it a practical and desirable location for Texas travelers.

**✨ Services Offered**

The Karankawa Camping Area is the top-tier camping loop in Goliad State Park, specifically designated to provide maximum utility and comfort for RVers.

• **Full Hookups:** The 20 sites are all equipped with **water, sewer, and electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp)**, catering to the needs of every modern RV and motorhome.
• **Campsite Amenities:** Each site includes a covered **picnic table**, a **fire ring with a removable grill**, and often an **upright grill**, plus a **lantern post** for night lighting.
• **Clean Restrooms and Showers:** Modern, clean restroom facilities with **hot showers** are centrally located within the loop, ensuring convenience for all campers.
• **Dump Station:** A centrally located **sanitary dump station** is available within the park for the use of all campers.
• **Group Facilities:** The wider park offers a large, reservable **Group Hall** and a **Group Dining Shelter**, perfect for family reunions or larger gatherings.
• **Park Store and Headquarters:** The Park Headquarters serves as a **Visitor Center and Museum** and often includes a small store for essential supplies and souvenirs.
• **Accessibility:** The park and campground offer accessible features, including ramps to restroom facilities, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.

**🏞️ Features / Highlights**

Camping in the Karankawa loop is enhanced by the extraordinary historical and natural features available throughout Goliad State Park & Historic Site. The resort serves as an ideal launchpad for exploration.

• **Mission Espíritu Santo:** Located steps away, this **beautifully restored 18th-century Spanish colonial mission** is the centerpiece of the park. Guided tours and self-guided exploration offer a profound look into Texas's Spanish colonial heritage.
• **San Antonio River Access:** The park sits on the banks of the tranquil **San Antonio River**, offering opportunities for **bank fishing, kayaking, and canoeing**. The park even offers **fishing equipment loaners** at the headquarters.
• **Birding Hotspot:** Goliad State Park is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Guests are within walking distance of the **Cardinal’s Haven bird blind**, offering spectacular viewing of migratory and native species.
• **Hiking and Biking:** The park features several well-maintained trails, including the easy, scenic **Angel of Goliad Trail (2.5 miles)** and the **San Antonio River Trail (1 mile)**, perfect for walking, jogging, and biking on surfaced roads and trails.
• **Paddling Trail:** The park is the take-out point for the **Goliad Paddling Trail**, a serene 6.6-mile float down the San Antonio River.
• **Historical Proximity:** Within minutes of the park are other significant historical sites, including the **Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site** (home of the Cinco de Mayo hero) and **Fannin Battleground State Historic Site**.
• **Junior Olympic Swimming Pool:** The park historically features a **Junior Olympic Swimming Pool**, available seasonally, providing a great way to cool off during the hot Texas summers.

**☎️ Contact Information**

All reservations for the Karankawa Camping Area are managed through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reservation system.

Address: 108 Park Rd 6, Goliad, TX 77963, USA

Park Phone: (361) 645-3405

TPWD Reservations: (512) 389-8900 (For centralized booking)

**⭐ What is Worth Choosing**

For Texans, the **Karankawa Camping Area** is the ideal choice for camping because it perfectly marries **five-star RV facilities with profound historical significance**. It stands out from typical RV parks by offering twenty coveted, large **pull-through sites with true full hookups** (water, sewer, 50-amp electricity) within the protected, well-maintained environment of a Texas State Park. This combination means you get maximum comfort and convenience without sacrificing the authentic outdoor and cultural experience.

The ability to wake up and take a short walk to explore the beautifully restored **Mission Espiritu Santo** or spend the afternoon fishing the **San Antonio River** (with gear you can borrow from the park!) provides an enriched vacation that a standard commercial park cannot offer. The Karankawa loop is particularly favored because it’s the most accessible to the main attractions and services, including the showers and the historic sites. If your travel priorities include easy setup for your large rig, reliable utilities, and access to both peaceful nature (birding, paddling) and pivotal Texas history, securing a spot in the Karankawa Camping Area at Goliad State Park is a choice that offers exceptional value and an unforgettable experience.