Matagorda State Park

tsandberg · #1 02-19-2006, 07:08 PM

Anyone know if the airfield at Matagorda State Park in Texas is open? That looks like an excellent destination for some aircraft camping if it is.

Cheers,
Tyler

Ironflight · #2 02-19-2006, 07:21 PM

Tyler,

The park and/or fish and wildlife service has always kept that pretty well closed up, but you might give them a call and see if things have changed. There is also a private strip on the Matagorda Penninsula that we used to fly to from Houston (many years back) - it was merely marked as a closed set of runways (WW II training reliever). It was great - you could land, park, and walk over the dunes to a beach with no one on it. Unfortunately, rumors started spreading about folks being met by black helicopters and guys with DEA jackets

, and having their airplanes disassembled - that pretty much killed the tourist trade!

However, I recently saw it listed as a private strip, and I recall that there was a house or two near the old ramp. Maybe someone can find out who owns it - wouldn't it be great if they were RV-friendly?

Remember, You just don't want to be a trespasser in Texas....

Paul

gmpaul · #3 02-19-2006, 09:19 PM

I cannot tell you if it's legal or not, but the UL folks use it quite often. Don't ask how I know. It might be like flying about the old abandoned blimp base in Matagorda. It's amazing what you find out when you start studying for your license.
G.P.

N395V · #4 02-20-2006, 08:19 AM

Look here specifically

Matagorda Flying tour pdf file

Look here for general info

Matagorda regional geologist

Feel free to e mail Richard he will be happy to answer any specific questions you have about the area.

I usually spend 3-4 long weekends a year at Mustang Beach. Really great area.

tsandberg · #5 02-20-2006, 08:33 AM

Thanks for the intel! I just moved to San Antonio from Wyoming and I'm looking for some good outdoor activity areas. It would be a bonus if they were places that I could fly into. This place looks perfect in terms of seclusion and a change of terrain for me. I have to say, this weekend cold weather down here is rather welcoming...It's like Texas cooled down just so I wouldn't be so shocked coming from up north. :-)

Thanks again for the info!

Tyler

N395V · #6 02-20-2006, 11:10 AM

Tyler,

Take a trip to Fredericksburg TX and stay at the Hangar Hotel right on the field.

Your wife/girlfriend will love the shopping and some teriffic places to eat both Tex/Mex and German.