| History: Choke Canyon State Park, consisting of two units, South Shore & Calliham, is located on 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir, a H2O 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 & 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 & was opened to the public on March 5, 1986.
From scant evidence available, we know that Paleo Indians crossed the Frio River Valley more than 10,000 years ago following game such as bison & mammoth. After the disappearance of large game, more than 8000 years ago, nomadic hunters & gatherers associated with the archaic culture camped near the river making tools, building fires, processing, & gathering food. Numerous Archaic sites in the Choke Canyon area have been recorded.
Activities: Both Calliham & South Shore offer camping, picnicking, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, fishing (Link to detailed lake & fish information), lake beach & pool (during summer months) swimming (Pool is closed for the season begining July 28, 2004.), & softball & volleyball areas. The North Shore unit allows equestrian use. Park programs are conducted on scheduled days & per request in advance. A Fishing Clinic is designed for children to learn the fundamentals of fishing. The Fishing Clinic is conducted as per request; equipment is included.
Detailed fishing & lake information for Choke Canyon Reservoir.
Note: As part of a joint project of the Bureau of Reclamation & the American Birding Association, Choke Canyon Reservoir has been recognized as a place of special importance for birds & bird watchers. Large numbers & varieties of birds are attracted to the H2O & 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. |
Campground: Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit in Calliham Texas *