![]() ![]() Those shipwrecks still sit in the water, but not viewable for the regular public. Yes, the Novillo Line Camp is there, but not open for visitation. Very little of the past can be seen in the park. No matter why you come, you'll marvel at the vistas over the Gulf of Mexico, or for some, that marsh water on the Gulf Intercoatal Waterway side, Laguna Madre, that has all those birds. For some, it's those sea turtles and being there at the perfect time the hatchlings hatch and make their way to the water. For the majority, it's the beach that brings them for fishing, sunbathing, and water activities. It's actually a bit inside the actual entrance, but this is the area most people focus around. Today, you'll be entering the park from the north where the Malaquite Visitor Center sits around Milepost 0, not far from one of the legacy ranches. He would ranch it and that legacy would continue after he was gone. The land had been granted to his grandfather in 1759 by the King. Padre Balli' and the name, owned the island, served as missionary priest, and finance director of the missions in the entire Rio Grande Valley. At one time, Father Jose Nicolas Balli', i.e. Too far south and you'll need your feet or a four wheel drive vehicle. This is North Padre Island and a shoreline so long and wonderful, you'll spend countless hours just wandering up and down it. It's not far from Corpus Christi, and no, it's not the South Padre Island known more for Spring Break. Below: Sand dunes reaching toward the Gulf of Mexico at Padre Island National Seashore. Photo above: Existing buildings of the Novillo Line Camp ranch. Modern salvage efforts began in the 1960s. Over thirty-five thousand pounds of treasure were found, but fifty-one thousand still waits at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. There had been $9.8 million worth of treasure on those ships. When news of the shipwrecks reached Spain, a salvage mission was sent. The local Karankawa Indians offered food as assistance, then attacked them. Of the survivors who made it off the ship, more hardships were to come. Three hundred and the four hundred people on the voyage died. On April 29, a storm hit, and three ships, the San Esteban, Espiritu Santo, and Santa Maria de Yciar ran aground on the sand bars. Wreck of the 300 - On April 9, 1554, four Spanish ships left Veracruz, Mexico, for home, but only one made it past Padre Island. Novillo was the northernmost camp, followed by Black Hill and Green Hill. It was a ranch that needed few fences, due to the natural water boundaries, except for the south boundary near Mansfield Channel. He moved down to South Padre from Corpus Christi and built three line camps fifteen miles apart on the island with an initial herd of four hundred. A self-issued camping permit is required and can be obtained at the entrance to North Beach or at the entrance to South Beach.Novillo Line Camp - Over three quarters of the island was a ranching operation operated by Pat Dunn from 1879 until 1937. The fee for dispersed beach camping is included with your valid 7-Day, Annual, or Lifetime park entrance pass. $4.00 per night for valid Access ♿ or Senior Pass Holders Dispersed Beach Campingĭispersed beach camping is allowed on North Beach, South Beach, and at Yarboro Pass. $7.00 per night for valid Access ♿ or Senior Pass Holders Bird Island Basin Campgroundīird Island Basin Campground is located on Bird Island Basin Road, 0.8 miles South of the park entrance station. Malaquite Campground is located on the main park road (Park Road 22), 3.2 miles South of the park entrance station. All visitors camping in the park must have a 7-Day, Annual, or Lifetime park entrance pass that is valid during the dates of their stay. Reservations are not accepted, and sites are available on a first come, first served basis only. There are two developed campgrounds within the park, as well as opportunities for dispersed beach camping. ![]()
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