Choke Canyon State Park
Choke Canyon State Park surrounds the 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir in South Texas brush country, famous for its massive American alligator population (some over 14 feet!), excellent bass fishing, and prime birding for South Texas specialties. The park operates in two units—Calliham (camping/cabins) and South Shore (day-use)—offering cabin stays, RV camping, and access to one of Texas’s most alligator-dense waters.
🚨 CRITICAL: February 2026 Drought Conditions
- Reservoir only 8.9% full! Historic low levels
- Boat Ramps CLOSED: South Shore, Hwy 99, Mason Point
- OPEN: Calliham Unit boat ramps only (use extreme caution!)
- Burn Ban: No wood/charcoal fires (propane stoves OK)
- Stage 4 Water Restrictions: Bring your own water
Two Park Units
| Unit | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ Calliham Unit | Overnight + Day Use | Campsites, cabins, boat ramps, birding trail |
| ☀️ South Shore Unit | Day Use Only (6AM-10PM) | Boating, fishing, birding |
Alligators – Texas’s Largest!
| Alligator Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐊 Population | One of most alligator-dense spots in Texas |
| 📏 Size | Some over 14 feet long! |
| 🗺️ Habitat | Westernmost in Texas |
| ⚠️ Warning | Use extreme caution near water |
Camping & Cabins (Calliham Unit)
| Lodging Type | Features |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Cabins | 3 single beds, AC, 20-amp power, lights |
| ⛺ Campsites | Water & electric hookups |
| 🏕️ Walk-in Tent Sites | Primitive camping |
| 👥 Group Facilities | Pavilions, gymnasium, halls, youth camp |
| Reservations | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Cabins/Sites | Up to 5 months in advance |
| 👥 Group Facilities | Up to 12 months in advance |
| ⚠️ Note | Reservations highly recommended |
Bass Fishing – Feb 2026 Report
| Fishing Conditions | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎣 Status | Good to fair (pre-spawn pattern) |
| 📍 Depth | 2-7ft in grass lines, or 8-10ft grass edges |
| 🎯 Hot Lures | Chatterbaits, flukes, spinnerbaits, senkos, jigs |
| ⚠️ Hazards | Exposed obstacles (water 18-40ft below normal!) |
| ✅ Recommendation | Kayaks or bank fishing safest |
Birding – South Texas Specialties
| Birding Highlights | Species |
|---|---|
| 🐦 South TX Specialties | Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Harris’s Hawk, Olive Sparrow |
| 🦅 Raptors | Year-round |
| 🦆 Waterfowl | Seasonal migrants |
| 📍 Trail | Birding Trail at Calliham Unit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lake safe for boating in 2026?
CAUTION REQUIRED. As of February 2026, the reservoir is only 8.9% full—a historic low. Boat ramps at South Shore, Hwy 99, and Mason Point are CLOSED. Only the Calliham Unit ramps are open, but water levels are 18-40 feet below normal with many exposed and submerged obstacles. Kayaks or bank fishing are recommended as the safest options.
Are there really 14-foot alligators?
Yes! Choke Canyon is one of the most alligator-dense locations in Texas and marks the westernmost habitat for American alligators in the state. Some gators exceed 14 feet in length. Always exercise extreme caution near the water, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep pets leashed and children supervised.
Can I have a campfire?
No—a burn ban is in effect since November 2025. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at Choke Canyon. However, containerized fuel stoves (propane, butane) are permitted for cooking. The ban may continue throughout 2026 due to ongoing drought conditions.
What’s the difference between the two park units?
The Calliham Unit is the main overnight area with campsites, cabins, group facilities, boat ramps, and the birding trail. It has full services year-round. The South Shore Unit is day-use only (6 AM – 10 PM), focused on boating, fishing, and birding. Note: South Shore boat ramps are currently closed due to low water.
What birds can I see at Choke Canyon?
Choke Canyon is an excellent birding destination for South Texas specialty species including Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Harris’s Hawk, and Olive Sparrow. The Calliham Unit features a dedicated Birding Trail. The park also attracts raptors, waterfowl, and migratory songbirds seasonally.
🐊 South Texas’s Alligator Wilderness
Experience giant alligators, South Texas specialty birds, and bass fishing in authentic brush country—but check conditions before visiting during the 2026 drought. Visit the official Choke Canyon State Park website for current water levels and boat ramp status.
