South Texas Plains
Choke Canyon State Park
FishingCampingBirdingKayakingPicnicking
South Texas Plains
Choke Canyon State Park flanks a 26,000-acre reservoir in the South Texas brush country and is recognized by the American Birding Association as one of Texas's premier birding destinations. The Calliham Unit's dedicated Birding Trail passes through thorny scrub where sought-after South Texas specialties congregate year-round — Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Harris's Hawk, Audubon's Oriole, Least Grebe, and Olive Sparrow are regularly recorded. The park spans two units: the full-service Calliham Unit (camping, boat ramps, hiking trails including the 75-Acre Lake Trail and Emperor Run Trail) and the day-use South Shore Unit. The reservoir supports excellent largemouth bass and catfish fishing from shore, piers, and boats, and alligators are a genuine presence — posted safety guidelines should be followed. Entrance is $5 per adult, and the park is open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It lies about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio near Calliham. Spring and fall migration can bring an impressive diversity of waterbirds and songbirds to supplement the resident South Texas species.
Shade Details
Minimal shade on open lakeside areas. Mesquite and thorny brush provide some cover along trails. Deep South Texas — shade is always scarce.
Conditions & Tips
Lake levels fluctuate significantly with drought — check TWDB water levels before visiting. Winter is peak season for both fishing and birding.
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