Established in 1885, town is commercial center for agricultural area featuring livestock and cotton, also producing large quantities of grain sorghum, flax and varied truck crops. San Patricio County has extensive oil production, many petrochemical plants. Mathis is a major gateway to Lake Corpus Christi and to a popular state park on its shores. Facilities on 350 acres of parkland include utility equipped campsites, rest rooms and showers, and screened shelters.
Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming and boating.
Park Road 25 off Texas 359 about six miles south of Mathis.