Choke Canyon State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Choke Canyon State Park sits on the southern shores of the Choke Canyon Reservoir and is divided into two sections: the Calliham side and the South Shore side. You'll find the overnight camping in the Calliham section, while South Shore is for day use only. The 26,000-acre reservoir, Choke Canyon Reservoir, provides drinking water for the city of Corpus Christi, which is about 100 miles to the southeast. While the park first opened in 1986, the area was long home to indigenous Paleo Indians who once roamed the area along with large game such as mammoths and bison. Today, you're most likely to see deer, migratory songbirds, and the occasional alligator within the park. During your visit to the area, stop by the 5,341-acre nearby James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area or visit the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce to learn more about the site.
Nearby Cities:
Corpus Christi, TX
San Antonio, TX
Three Rivers, TX
Calliham, TX
Spring 54-77 F
Summer 73-95 F
Fall 62-85 F
Winter 41-67 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Choke Canyon State Park
Campground Accommodations
Choke Canyon State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 55 feet
Other Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, BBQ grills, showers, group sites, cabins, ADA sites
Puerto Del Sol RV Park
If you love sitting outside and watching the ocean, then this small RV park is perfect for you. Puerto Del Sol RV Park is located on Rincon Point, a cape between Nueces Bay and Corpus Christi Bay. The water views are beautiful, and the campground is peaceful and quiet. The park features basic amenities and is an older RV park, but it is clean and maintained. The rates are very reasonable for an RV park on the waterfront, and the USS Lexington and Texas State Aquarium are within walking distance.
• Number of sites: 54 pull-through or back-in sites
• Rates: $35-$40 daily, $175-$210 weekly, $350-$420 monthly
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical amps: 30 and 50 for $3 per day
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pool/hot tub: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, propane, camp store, bus stop nearby, fishing
Bahia Vista Waterfront RV Park
Bahia Vista Waterfront RV Park is a small RV park that is located between Copano Bay and Aransas Bay near the town of Rockport, and it's only 30 minutes from Corpus Christi. There are boat tie-ups available on the large lighted fishing pier for your convenience. The park is family-friendly and features structured activities for plenty of fun. The park is well-kept and clean with beautiful live oaks throughout, and Rockport Beach Park is close by.
• Number of sites: 60 pull-through or back-in sites
• Rates: $35 daily, $190 weekly, $350 monthly
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical amps: 30 and 50
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pool/hot tub: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Other amenities: Fishing pier, recreation hall, laundry
Greenlake RV Resort
If you enjoy a quiet time where you can enjoy nature peacefully, then you will truly appreciate your stay at Greenlake RV Resort. This is a favorite park among retirees because it's close to San Antonio for trips into town but far enough away to enjoy the solitude. The views are nice, and the small lake is fun to walk around and sit by.
• Number of sites: 237 pull-through or back-in sites
• Rates: $40-$60 daily
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical amps: 30 and 50
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pool/hot tub: Heated pool and a Jacuzzi
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Other amenities: Exercise room, business center, fishing pond, air station, dog wash station, resident manager, outdoor kitchens
What to Do at
Choke Canyon State Park
With a playground, a basketball court, a tennis court, a baseball diamond, and a soccer field, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Choke Canyon State Park. Group sites and picnic pavilions make the park popular if you're looking to host a larger outdoor gathering as well. Kids will love engaging in the park's Junior Ranger program. Stop by the office to learn more about this free option.
In addition to offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy some outdoor recreation, the park also offers educational activities such as ranger-led talks, nature walks, and guided hikes. You can learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area through special events and workshops.
Inside Choke Canyon State Park
Choke Canyon State Park is located on the Choke Canyon Reservoir and is a popular destination for families who enjoy relaxing by the lake, viewing lots of wildlife or fishing. The park has two sites on the lake: Calliham, a full-service park with campsites, and South Shore, a day-use park. Favorite activities include bird-watching, which is popular due to the park being on the northern range for Mexican birds and for being located on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
There are many varieties of wild animals to see roaming in the thickets of mesquite and blackbush acacia, such as small groups of javelins, white-tailed deer, turkeys, fox squirrels, raccoons, and skunks. Fishing opportunities abound with plenty of largemouth bass, white bass, varied species of catfish, crappie, sunfish, alligator gar, and more.
Fishing
The lake provides an excellent opportunity for fishing at the park. Common catches include largemouth bass, white bass, sunfish, bluegill, and catfish. There are also two fish cleaning stations within the park to prepare your fish for cooking. You do not need a license to fish from shore in Texas state parks.
Geocaching
There is at least one geocache hidden within the park. To find it, you'll need an app on your smartphone or a GPS device. Once you do, you can take a prize and sign the logbook. However, don't forget to bring a family-friendly item to leave in the container for the next treasure hunter.
Nature Watching
With several diverse ecosystems, including oak-juniper woodlands, cactus-filled grasslands, and wetland areas, nature enthusiasts will appreciate a range of scenic forest and lakeside views.
Flora and Fauna
Many migrating birds pass through the area, making the park a popular spot for bird-watching enthusiasts. There's even a birding trail you can follow along to learn more. Keep an eye out for both songbirds and waterfowl. Alligators are also occasionally spotted in the area. In the lake, plants you can find include American pondweed, cattail, rushes, and hydrilla. In the spring, you will also see wildflowers blooming in the forested areas and dotting the meadows.
Hiking
The trails in the park are mostly flat and easy, making them perfect for beginners and families. Hiking is a great way to enjoy the park's beautiful landscapes. Follow the South Shoreline Trail along the lake for three miles, or try out the Three Palms Trail, where you pass by cactuses.
Boating
There's a boat ramp in both the camping area and the South Shore day-use area. Motorized boats are allowed in the lake, or you can enjoy the water in a canoe or kayak.
Swimming
Most people swim in the Calliham area of the park. There is access to the water and restrooms nearby.
Biking
The hiking trails in the park are also open to bikers. Many people also bring their bicycles to peddle on the park roads to exercise and get around.
How to Get to
Choke Canyon State Park
From San Antonio, head south on the I-37 for about an hour until exit 72. Then, take the exit and continue to US-281 S. Next, turn onto Thornton Road and take another right at Recreational Rd 8 to enter the park.
By Car
Entering Choke Canyon State Park
Parking is available in the day-use area near the boat launch. Adults must pay a $5 fee for access to the park, though children ages 12 and under are admitted free. You may also purchase an annual $70 Texas State Parks Pass, which will get you into the park and a discount for overnight camping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choke Canyon State Park
The park is a popular destination in the summer for watersports. However, if you are more focused on hiking and biking, the spring and fall offer milder temperatures.
Though the park provides a home for several animals and birds, the most commonly spotted wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and javelinas, which is a small mammal that is often mistaken for wild boar. Be sure to watch out for alligators along the shore.
The park has 40 campsites suitable for RVs with electrical and water hookups. Each has a fire ring, a picnic table, and nearby bathrooms.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as the park is often at capacity. You can book a site in advance online or by telephone. RV sites cost $22 a night.
Your pets are welcome at Choke Canyon State Park. They are allowed in the campground, and you can bring them with you on the hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your furry family members.