Directions to Matagorda Harbor

http://www.portofbaycity.com/harbor/h_directions.htm

At the website there are directions to Matagorda Harbor from numerous Texas cities.

From Houston:

1. Take US-59 South
2. Take exit towards TX-183 Loop/WHARTON/BAY CITY
3. Turn Left onto TX-60

from Clear Lake the best way to go is 35 south to 60.

From Austin:

Take Bastrop Hwy East which becomes State Hwy. 71 East/South.  Stay on Hwy 71 past El Campo.  Look for FM 1468 15 miles South of El Campo.  Turn left on FM 1468 to Markham.  Turn left on State Hwy. 35 East.  In Bay City turn right and take Hwy 60 South to Matagorda.

From College Station:

Hwy 6 South into Hempstead, then turned right onto 159 to Bellville. Take Highway 36 to Wallis 
and turned onto 60. At Wharton turned right on Business 59, then left back on 60 
(only a few miles or so) and then 60 all the way to Bay City.

In City of Matagorda:

As you enter the city of Matagorda you will see the Matagorda Harbor on the left. Turn left into the harbor and go over the levee.

Shopping/Restaurants in Matagorda:

http://www.matagordatexas.com/page2.htm

this site includes local restaurants, bait shops, and gift shops.
There is an HEB in Bay City.

Fishing and bait shop information for Matagorda from past article Gulf Coast Fisherman

This site includes phone numbers for the various bait shops in the area.
Even though this was written back in 1997, this article should still be of interest.
"If you have never been to Matagorda you're going to find that this place is all about fishing. In fact it's just a small fishing village with a couple of grocery stores, a hotel, cafe and scattered bait camps."

The following info includes motels, house rentals (which are quite inexpensive) and camping. We have concentrated on Matagorda because the boat is leaving from the Matagorda Harbor.

For comments about places to stay/where to eat click here.

Matagorda Motels

Carla Courts Fishing Lodge & Motel

http://www.matagordatexas.com/carlacourts/rooms.htm

They advertise: "We specialize in Family Atmosphere and Relaxation!"

"We have rooms available with or without kitchenettes and all of our rooms
have COLD A/C and Cable TV to ensure our guests receive comfortable
rest and relaxation when not fishing or enjoying Matagorda Beach."

Rooms without kitchens..................................$45.00 per night
(We have 1 room with double bed and 2 rooms with 3 twin beds each).

Room with one double bed and kitchen...........$55.00 per night
Room with two double beds and kitchen.........$68.00 per night

Rent for five nights and get two nights free.

Barbeque pits and picnic tables on site.

They have pictures are their site. Not fancy, but convenient.

Fisherman's Motel
http://www.matagorda-bay.com/fish_motel.html

P. O. Box 111
Matagorda, Texas 77457
(979) 863-0000
Cable TV - Kitchens - Visa - Mastercard
Weekly and Monthly Rates Available

Daily Rates $45.00 to $65.00
Market Street

Rental Properties

When looking at these and prices, minimum stay requirements, etc., remember September is out of season so these restirctions may not apply.

Selkirk Island (on the Colorado Rivertat Matagorda)
matagordatexas.com/selkirk-rental/
3 multi-bedroom houses listed at this site:

3 Bedrooms ...4 regular full size beds, 2 twin beds, Sleeps 12+...2 baths.
Full kitchen ...dishes/utensils/cookware dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, air conditioning, washer/dryer, linens provided
cable TV, VCR, stereo, telephone, B-B-Q pits, covered BBQ area.

Rates.....$150 per night....Minimum of two nights.
Holiday rates....$200 per night....2 night minimum.

For details / booking, contact:John Smolik (281) 802-2279 or I. D. Smolik
(979) 532-1668
Sorry, no pets inside.

Many Matagorda Beach houses (Prices seem to be $150/night on the beach. $100/night just off the beach.

http://www.matagordatexas.com/lodging.htm#beach

More Colorado River Houses (even a couple of houseboats!)

http://www.matagordatexas.com/lodging-page2.htm#river

http://www.matagordabay.com/joysmatagordavilla/

Matagorda Dunes Condo

http://www.matagordalodging.com/condo21/

Bed & Breakfast

Mayhew Manor Bed and Breakfastght here in ond library has email and fax capabilities.
For information and to make your reservations, Call (979) 863-2033 or send E-mail to mayhew98@wcnet.net.
Visit our website at:
www.Mayhew-Manor.com

RV Parks

SeaBird RV Park
http://www.matagordatexas.com/seabirdrv/

Features Include: 30 amp and 50 amp electrical service
Well lighted safe and secure area
Our Rental Rates include:
Electricity, water, sewer and garbage
To find us, just turn at the corner of Cypress St. and State Hwy. 60
and travel a short three blocks to SeaBird RV Park.Located just 3 Blocks off Hwy 60 in downtown Matagorda, Texas.
We are Matagorda's largest RV Park. Our RV Park has twenty one
48 ft. spaces, many of which are drive through for your convenience.

$16.00 daily
Call today.....979-863-2592

L&L RV Park
http://www.matagordabay.com/llrv.htm

Located just 3 Blocks off Hwy 60 in downtown Matagorda, Texas.
We are Matagorda's largest RV Park. Our RV Park has twenty one
48 ft. spaces, many of which are drive through for your convenience.
(979) 863-7800

LightHouse RV Park is conveniently located on Hwy. 60 just three miles north of Matagorda. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available. Be sure to ask about our "Weekend Special". LightHouse RV and Camper Park features include showers, swimming pool, outdoor game area and restrooms. Visit our website at: www.MatagordaBay.com/lighthouserv/ For reservations, CALL 979-863-7773

Camping

There is primitive beach camping on Matagorda Island. Please look at the website and make plans to camp in advance, as I am not sure of island access, etc.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/matagisl/matagisl.htm

Facilities: Facilities include primitive camping on the Beach Campground, which is a two-mile stretch of Gulf beach, 3.5 miles from the boat dock, is serviced by the island shuttle and has covered picnic tables; the Army Hole Campground, on the bay a few yards from the boat dock, has shaded picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and an outdoor, cold-water shower.

Regarding camping on Matagorda Beach, the residents are currently campaigning to end free camping on the beach due to trash and human waste being left behind.

PARTIAL LIST OF CAMPING & LODGING OPTIONS

IN MATAGORDA/BAY CITY AREA

CAMPGROUNDS

Riverside Park (in Bay City) 979/245-0340

Wooded camp sites, boat ramp, fishing, showers, concessions, running water and electricity; near public golf course. Located on Colorado River a few miles south of Bay City. Operated by Bay City Parks and Recreation Department. About 20-25 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

Matagorda Beach

Free, unrestricted beach camping along 23 miles stretch of Matagorda Peninsula. Swimming, beachcombing, fishing (in surf or on pier) and sunbathing. Primitive camping for rugged, well-equipped well-provisioned (food, water, gear, etc.) back-to-nature group. Annual vehicle access permits ($6 each) required; readily available at most local retailers. About 15 minutes to Matagorda Harbor, unless the swing bridge over the Intrecoastal Waterway is opened for boats and barges, then add 10-20 minutes

Hwy 521 River Front Park (near Wadsworth) 361/972-2719

Free camping for limited stays. Boat ramp, picnic shelter, playground, pier and porta potties. Built by LCRA and maintained my the county. No staff or security. About 20 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

GROUP HOUSING

Texas Baptist Encampment (in Palacios) 361/972-2939

Dormitories and/or motel rooms available to the public. Fishing piers, bayfront walk, swimming pool and security on campus; bayfront park and beach, restaurants and on-the-water pavilion within walking distance. About 30 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

HOTEL/MOTELS

City of Bay City

Port of Palacios

Metro Travel Guide - Bay City Motels - check rates here

Hotels in Bay City, Texas

Luther Hotel (in Palacios) 361/972-2312

Turn of the century charm, bayfront view with city parks, beach and pavilion within walking distance. Have often offered discounts upon request to groups visiting the area for educational purposes. Breakfast bar included. About 30 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

Deluxe Inn (in Palacios) 361/972-2547

Located on edge of the city, pool, clean and comfortable. Short drive to stores and restaurants. About 30 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

Holiday Inn Express (in Bay City) 979/323-9500

920 Avenue F, Bay City
Newest lodging in town. Full service restaurant across the street. Pool and continental breakfast. Part of national chain. About 30 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

Cattleman’s Motel (in Bay City) 979/245-1751 or 800/551-6056

Pool, restaurant and offers free hot breakfast to guests. Independently owned and operated. About 30 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

Best Western Matagorda Hotel & Conference Center (in Bay City) 979/244-5400

Pool, restaurant, night club. Dairy Queen within walking distance. Part of national chain. About 30 minutes to Matagorda Harbor.

RENTAL-CONDOS/BEACH &

RIVERFRONT VACATION HOUSES,. ETC.

There may be vacation properties in the Matagorda and Palacios areas which could be rented by groups. With the option to prepare your own meals and per person cost sharing this may represent an economical approach. The following are persons either brokering, managing or owning rentals in these locations.

Matagorda Contacts:

1. Luvy Bracken 979/245-7827

2. Carol Allen 979/863/7888

3. Bubba Wilburn 979/863-2236

Palacios Contacts:

1. Sandi Hyett 361-972-2177

2. Donnie or Winfry Horton 361/972-5983

3. Cathy Nichols 361/972-3408

Please note that this list is incomplete and does not constitute an endorsement, of any kind, of the businesses shown. More complete listing including RV parks and marinas, should be obtained by contacting the Chamber of Commerces in Bay City 979/245-8333 and/or Palacios 361/972-2615.

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Last updated October 5, 2002 Copyright 2002 Susan Frederick