SORAC Matagorda Beach Trip Friday July 19-Sunday July 21

soracforumadmin

Administrator
Staff member
Folks have been asking for beach trip and here it is! We will be going to Matagorda Beach on Friday July 19, 2024. This beach is known for its white sand and blue-green waters that typically are nicer than what most of us are familiar with. SORAC’s goal is to find interesting places with a variety of things to do and places to stay, and this is no exception. As usual, we expect folks with similar interests to group up and enjoy their activities together but for some of us, popping a canopy and hanging on a remote section of the beach is the primary goal. 5 miles of the beach are groomed and easily accessible. We will explore past that point, but since conditions are highly variable, we can't predict how deep into the beach that will be. Driving on the beach does require a $10.00 permit available locally. https://matagordabeach.org/matagorda-beach-vehicle-permits/
This is a members-only event.

Vehicle Requirements

It’s the beach so we recommend four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles . We expect stock vehicles will have no problem but this area is known for getting stuck in the sand and we will be prepared to perform basic recoveries. If you want to go with folks to explore some of the more extreme remote areas or marsh trails , be prepared to air down and make sure you have appropriate tires and recovery gear. If you have any questions reach out to us!

Getting there:
It’s pretty simple to get there and for those who want, we will be caravaning from Nacogdoches and leaving around 9:00 am that morning. This time may be adjusted slightly depending on group needs. It’s a solid 4.5 hour trip from Nacogdoches if we allow for at least one stop. After setting up camp, We will try to find a central place for everyone to meet up and have supper together (if they want.

Things to do:

Fishing: the area is known for fine fishing including redfish and shark-. https://matagordabeach.org/matagorda-bay-fishing-spots/

Kayaking: The Bay side is especially great for kayaking. You can bring your own, or there are many places to rent kayaks in the area.

https://matagordabeach.org/matagorda-bay-kayak-paddling-trails/

Beachcombing: Kids love seashells! The area is known for high quality and unique seashells.

Swimming: Of course- it’s the beach!

Offroading: This will not be the typical “ride the trail” type trip. We will get into the more remote areas of the beach and the sand can get serious so as usual we will discuss any expected risks. Conditions vary widely based on recent weather and rainfall.

Beach time: Bring your canopy and just stare at the waves! It tends to be windy, so prepare accordingly.

Birdwatching: Matagorda Bay is a hotspot for birdwatchers.

Lower Colorado River Authority Nature Park: This park offers enough activities to consume a weekend just by itself.

Additional info:

https://matagordabeach.org/

https://texashighways.com/things-to...stal-weekend-in-the-fishing-hub-of-matagorda/

Tread Lightly

Stay off the dunes!!! Pack out your trash and even pick up a little extra. We like to leave places that are better than we found.

Lodging:

Primitive beach camping is free!

https://thedyrt.com/camping/texas/matagorda-beach

If you want to camp with amenities, rent an RV, or stay in a bungalow, Lower Colorado River Authority Nature Park is the place to go. We highly recommend you check it out.

https://www.lcra.org/parks/matagorda-bay-nature-park/

There are a lot of VRBO and Airbnb options too.

Miscellaneous:

Marsh areas are known for mosquitoes. Be sure to pack plenty of bug spray.
We will be using GMRS radio channel 17. If you do not have a radio, we will loan you one.
It is hurricane season, we will keep an eye on the weather and adjust as needed.
We will keep this page updated. If you are coming, let us know, and we will add you to the list below. We look forward to seeing you on the beach!
Who's coming:
1) Ronnie and Risa (BLU) Blue Bronco
2) Nick (mavnick) Blue Maverick
3) Carli (ETX TONKA) White 4-runner
4) Blake and Jessica
5) Jeff and Joey - Bronco Raptor
6) Mark - Bronco 2D
 
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MavNick92

Member
I am so excited for this trip!

There are tons of great little expeditions to take on this trip. This is one of those places you can come back to over and over and over again and never do all that is offered in the area!
- In addition to all of the off-roading and amazing views, this is a hub for Wildlife Lovers with all of the Wildlife Refuges in the area, so if the kids are into animals, or maybe you like animals, but not the zoo scene!
- The Kayaking/paddling trails are INCREDIBLE! And the surrounding marshes have some of the best secluded fishing on the coast.
- Great views to be had on the Island and surrounding areas.
- Multiple little parks to explore.
- Great local vendors who know the area like the back of their hands!

Some things to consider about THIS beach:
Skinny Pedal Gets You Buried In Soft White Sands - If your vehicle stops moving forward on the beach when you press the accelerator, then that's the time to get out and assess the situation. When you lose momentum, your gas pedal turns into a directional drilling switch for your tires! (Bring a shovel and we'll help get you unstuck)
Wind Carries Sand - When planning for a campout on the beach, consider what will happen to your gear, supplies, and vehicle when sand gets ALL UP IN IT! (this includes our food and uncomfortable areas of our anatomy). Bring towels, and spare water to rinse things off; I'll be bringing my on board water tank and an additional water jug.
Mosquitos - In this environment, the wind will render most stationary bug fields useless(unless you have a way to reliably block the wind off). If you want the bugs to leave you alone, then take extra precautions like using bug spray on your bodies, and any gear you'll have out of your car. (little tip: if your gear is cloth, like a back back for example, you can spray it down just like you would a person and keep it near you[or wear it] and it'll help)
The Marshes Have NO ROCK BOTTOM - The Marshes have some of the most coveted views in the area, but just know: These marshes will swallow your vehicle. This year has been INSANE for rainfall in the area, and I'll get more updates as we draw nearer to the trip, but that would make the trails through the Marshes and Sand Dunes virtually useless. (this is from the website for Matagorda: You are permitted to follow an established trail through the dunes and into the marsh area, but stay on the trail and do not damage the native grasses. Beware of the Matagorda mud back there. It can be deeper and thicker than it looks and could take a tank to get you out. ) I will help all I can to make these trails happen, but only if it can be done and not be crazy!
The Fine For Driving Off The Trail In The Dunes Is Large - There is a specified route to get through the Dunes so that you can see the interworking's of one of the coolest natural structures on the coast. However, if one were to deviate from said route, the fine could be up to $500 (that's more than the whole trip should cost, so don't get caught lacking)
Driving On The Beach - There is a permit required, as Ronnie mentioned, and there will be a place to grab that at the entrance to the beach or at tons of vendors in the area.
- The Beach is counted as a State Highway.
- Speed Limit is 20MPH
- If you're entering the beach, always yield to those leaving the beach, as they could have an emergency.
- Be aware of debris on the beach.
- Get prepared to get stuck! :LOL:

When we get a little closer we can start fledging out where we'll do a group eat!
My wife has found lodging in Matagorda for her and our one year old, but I'll be camping on the beach with our oldest!
 

MavNick92

Member
Hey Squatchers! I'm sure you're aware of Hurricane Beryl slamming into Texas' beautiful coastline.

From what I can tell, landfall happened a good distance north of Matagorda (San Bernard/Freeport area got a direct hit), but that doesn't mean Matagorda Bay was unaffected. We're still waiting to hear more about how/if the storm has affected Matagorda Bay adversely.

We're monitoring the development of weather events in Matagorda and the surrounding areas, and we'll keep you updated as we know more - We're staying informed and we will visit any changes to the trip that need to be made to keep the trip safe and fun for all members(if any changes need to be made at all), as soon as we know more!

Thanks y'all, and feel free to message me directly, post on any of our social media platforms, or simply reply to this thread with any questions about how to prepare for weather, what to expect, or just general questions!
@Carlic03
@Ronnie Coats
 

savin yours

Member
That hurricane hit us pretty hard. I did hear that there is a new cut in ‘Gorda, but I haven’t verified. I’m looking at going with y’all, but I’ll have to see.
 

soracforumadmin

Administrator
Staff member
Looks like we are good to go! Today we checked with the Matagorda Chamber, a couple of Vrbo's, and the Lower Colorado River Authority -they all said they are in good shape and the beach is actualy spotless- the storm washed it clean! Forecast is cooler weather (high 80's) with (normal) chance of rain daily. We have started a groupme chat so let us know if your coming and we will add you to the chat!
 

MavNick92

Member
Well, the trip was amazing! And big thanks to @Ronnie Coats & @RUNNOFT for helping with the dos and don't's of the Beach!

We were a little late shoving off, and the route took a little longer than usual, but like @Ray Mitchum always says, "I really like pie." oh wait... wrong quote, "The journey there is half the fun!". We got to drive through some very weird named towns full of charm and MUCH better to drive through than H-Town.

With unforseens like - a beach storm that gave up before it got to us, mosquitoes on steroids, getting my wife's stock Bronco Sport stuck at the inlet to the beach, and spotty cloud coverage - you wouldn't think it was relaxing, but it absolutely was!

|If you want to see the pictures of the trip or if you have more to add, here is the link:|
Matagorda Bay - SORAC
  • Waking up on the beach was a whole vibe (to quote our younger generation and all of their wisdom :ROFLMAO:)
  • The Views were epic just driving around the area and seeing them from the beach, so I can only imagine what kind of views could have been reached with a Kayak and a GENEROUS amount of bug spray.
  • The eateries here were great and the local color was full of welcome! My fav. was Cassidy's I think - close run with Snappers Bar & Grill tho!
  • I got some rad stickers & they had some of the coolest merch I've seen!
  • We had a chance to watch what the average joe knows about recovering their vehicle at the beach inlet - turns out, not much!
  • Our bodies now consist of 35% bug spray and 40% sand and 20% Sea Water and 5% Mosquito guts.
  • I can only imagine how amazing this trip would be in the Spring time!
 

MavNick92

Member
There is always time for pie. @MavNick92 Great review. Hopefully I can make the next one.
Dude! We missed you something fierce! You'd look up at @Ronnie Coats and he'd just be looking at the sand kicking shells, clearly missing his S.B.R.!

And, of course, I didn't have anyone to turn up the spicy meter on the radios, so I had to do it myself. Not great, but I learned from the best lol
 
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