Choke Canyon State Parks

Copyright: Texas State Parks & Historical Sites Fishing on Choke Canyon Reservoir

There is currently no potable water available at Choke Canyon Calliham Unit. The park is open for day-use activities only; however there is no drinking water or public restrooms available until further notice.

Choke Canyon State Park, consisting of two units, South Shore and Calliham, is located on 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir, a water supply for Corpus Christi. The park was acquired in 1981 in a 50 year cooperative agreement among the Bureau of Reclamation, the City of Corpus Christi and the Nueces River Authority.

The Calliham Unit, containing 1100 acres, in McMullen County was opened to the public on August 21, 1987. The South Shore Unit contains 385 acres in Live Oak County and was opened to the public on March 5, 1986.

Numerous Archaic sites in the Choke Canyon area have been recorded.

Attractions - Attractions to this diverse State Park relate directly to its ability to provide quality access to a variety species of plants and animals with a particular emphasis placed on birds.

As part of a joint project of the Bureau of Reclamation and the American Birding Association, Choke Canyon Reservoir has been recognized as a place of special importance for birds and bird watchers. Large numbers and varieties of birds are attracted to the water and to the adjacent upland habitats. Also, many typically Mexican species of birds approach the northern limits of their range here, making this one of Texas' finest places to watch birds.

The reservoir and surrounding terrain are characterized by eroded, gently rolling brush land crossed by silted stream valleys. The land was formed during the Cenozoic Era (the period following extinction of the dinosaur) by accumulating sediments from seas that once covered south Texas.

Recreation - Both Calliham and South Shore offer camping, picnicking, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, fishing, lake beach and pool (during summer months) swimming, and softball and volleyball areas. Park programs are conducted on scheduled days and per request in advance. Moreover, Tours/Clinics: Guided Birding Tours are given in a14 passenger golf cart which takes you on tours of the park. Additionally, a Fishing Clinic is designed for children to learn the fundamentals of fishing. The Fishing Clinic is conducted as per request; equipment is included.

Climate - Choke Canyon State Parks are located at an elevation of 15 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average January minimum of 41 degrees and a July maximum of 95 degrees The average annual rainfall is 27.6 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Choke Canyon State Parks are situated within the Gulf Coast region of Texas.

* South Shore Unit is located 3.5 miles west of Three Rivers on State Highway 72.
* Calliham Unit is located 12 miles west of Three Rivers on State Highway 72 to Tilden.