Matagorda Harbor has a humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a warm 33°C (92°F) in July to a low of 7°C (44°F) in January. Matagorda Harbor gets about 111 centimeters (43 inches) of rain each year and negligible snowfall.

Located at the mouth of the entry channel to Matagorda Harbor, the 647-hectare Matagorda Bay Nature Park is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority to provide education, recreation, wetlands preservation, and economic benefit for the region.

With about 3.2 kilometers (two miles) of riverfront and 3.2 kilometers of frontage on the Gulf of Mexico, this Matagorda Harbor attraction has 22 general camping sights adjacent to the RV Park, five pull-through sites with an obstructed view of the Colorado River, 24 interior preferred sites with power and sewer connections and obstructed views of the river, and 19 waterfront camping sites with power and sewer. A designated group picnic area provides partial shade for up to 50 people and has a large grill, a large serving table, and picnic tables. It also has restrooms and showers. Due to the popularity of the park in the spring and fall, making reservations beforehand is advisable. There are a few facilities located in the park including a small store, a coin-operated laundry, and a canoe-rental facility.

Matagorda Island is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of Matagorda Harbor. The 229-square-kilometer (88-square-mile) barrier island is a wildlife management area owned jointly by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas General Land Office. Managed as the Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge and State Natural Area, the State manages the area for public use, and the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for habitat and wildlife. There are 13 shade shelters with fire rings on the island.

There is no ferry service to the island, and all access is by private boat. The island is 61 kilometers (38 miles) long. It supports a wide range of migratory birds, white-tailed deer, alligators, and other wildlife. Salt-water fishing, in-season hunting, bird-watching, and picnicking are approved activities. An 1852 lighthouse stands at the north end of the island. There are no public restrooms, no drinking water, electricity, or concessions on the island, and all access to the interior is by hiking, biking, or by Texas Park and Wildlife Department vehicles.

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