Lake Corpus Christi State Park is located near Mathis, Texas, along the shores of the large lake on the Nueces River. The lake and dam are owned by the City of Corpus Christi and the water resource is committed and managed for the utility of Corpus Christi and other towns in the region.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park’s origins go back to the 1920s and 30s and the historically failed La Fruta Dam and Lake Lovenskiold reservoir.
Historian Murphy Givens on La Fruta Dam
A public facility on the lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps on renamed Lake Mathis as part of the New Deal recovery from the Great Depression. The CCC building, sometimes called the Conservatory, often called the “Castle” remains a central part of the park. The Wesley Seale dam structure has undergone improvements over the many decades.
As a State Park, Lake Corpus Christi has a complex mission to balance recreation, conservation, and utility. The park provides full RV hookups, water and electricity, and water-only sites. There are screen shelters and climate-controlled cabins, with outside water (but no inside toilets or water). It is a perfect park for a traditional State Park experience – camping, fishing, walking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, hiking trails, and gathering family and friends. An overnight is serenaded by coyotes and mornings are greeted with bird calls. Reservations can be made at https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/.
Texas Master Naturalists have a wonderful friend in the park, Josie Gunter (Josie.Gunter@tpwd.texas.gov) is the interpretive ranger. She is enthusiastic to have our “corps of volunteers” work with her in the Park.
Park website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-corpus-christi
Park Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeCorpusChristiStatePark
Essay – Landscape of Lake Corpus Christi State Park: https://txmn.org/st/the-landscape-of-lake-corpus-christi-state-park/
Maps of the Park
