Resaca De La Palma State Park

4.35

20 reviews

1000 NEW CARMEN AVE,, BROWNSVILLE, Texas, 78521, United States

Featured in:Winter Camping Texas

Quick Facts

43 ft

Price

$3 - $150/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The visitor center o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

43 ft

Price

$3 - $150/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The visitor center o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Resaca De La Palma State Park

$3.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $4 for adults. Bicycle rentals range from $5-$12/day, binoculars are available for $3/day, and meeting room rental is priced at...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

9563502920

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 20 reviews

423 Google reviews

Most mentioned

stafffriendlywell-maintained

"Resaca de la Palma State Park garners a mix of reviews, with frequent praise for its clean trails, abundant wildlife, and knowledgeable staff. However, some complaints focus on inconsistent park hours and issues like the closure of tram services."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1000 NEW CARMEN AVE,, BROWNSVILLE, Texas, 78521, United States

Resaca De La Palma State Park

1000 NEW CARMEN AVE,, BROWNSVILLE, Texas, 78521, United States

Driving directionsFrom Expressway 77/83, exit at Olmito. Follow FM 1732 west for 2.5 miles, then turn left at New Carmen Avenue and follow for 1.5 miles. After the railroad tracks, turn left to enter the park. From Military Highway/Hwy. 281, turn north on New Carmen Avenue and continue for 2.5 miles. Turn right to enter the park.

The park is accessible via paved roads with clear and detailed driving instructions provided. Vehicles are not allowed inside the park; parking is provided at Park Headquarters.

Nearby places

Brownsville is nearby. Exact distances and travel times are not explicitly provided in the source materials.

Nearby supplies

Supplies and groceries proximity not explicitly mentioned, though parking and visitor facilities exist on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Resaca De La Palma State Park

The park transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for extended hikes and wildlife watching, while summer wraps the landscape in warm, humid embraces that pulse with life. Savvy visitors often plan their trips during weeks 1, 2, and 7, when conditions strike the perfect balance for camping under star-filled skies. Though occasional rain showers and gusty winds add drama to the landscape, they're part of the park's dynamic character, refreshing the vegetation and creating spectacular cloud formations overhead.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers wildlife but increased mosquito activity noted by visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal variety and comfortable conditions; fall generally good for hikes and birding.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring supports active wildlife/birding and pleasant trail conditions.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Winter brings crisp, dry days ideal for extended hikes and wildlife watching.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The visitor center operates Tuesday through Sunday each week.

About Resaca De La Palma State Park

Step into a world where motorized sounds fade away and nature takes center stage at Resaca de la Palma State Park. This vehicle-free sanctuary invites you to explore its trails on foot, by bike, or aboard the park's convenient tram service. Whether you're pedaling along winding paths with a rental bike, pausing at elevated observation decks to spot rare birds, or simply wandering the meticulously maintained trails, every moment here feels like a gentle escape from the modern world. The park's thoughtful design creates an atmosphere of tranquility that draws nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families seeking authentic outdoor experiences.

The park does not have traditional camping options such as tent or RV sites. It is primarily a day-use facility focused on nature and recreational activities.

Historical SignificanceResaca de la Palma preserves a fascinating chapter of the Rio Grande delta's story through its namesake resacas—ancient oxbow lakes that stand as monuments to a time when mighty floods sculpted this landscape. These water features aren't just geological curiosities; they're living museums that have shaped generations of local culture and wildlife patterns. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the intertwining narratives of human heritage and natural history, where every trail tells a story of adaptation, survival, and the enduring relationship between people and this remarkable ecosystem.

Weather and SeasonsThe park transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for extended hikes and wildlife watching, while summer wraps the landscape in warm, humid embraces that pulse with life. Savvy visitors often plan their trips during weeks 1, 2, and 7, when conditions strike the perfect balance for camping under star-filled skies. Though occasional rain showers and gusty winds add drama to the landscape, they're part of the park's dynamic character, refreshing the vegetation and creating spectacular cloud formations overhead.

ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible wilderness experience, with subtle changes in elevation that reveal different perspectives of the surrounding landscape. These natural contours guide water flow and create diverse microhabitats throughout the park.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a lush tapestry of South Texas wilderness where towering trees form living cathedrals and dense vegetation creates intimate wildlife corridors. The park bursts with biodiversity—from brilliantly colored birds that fill the canopy with song to secretive mammals that rustle through the understory. Strategically placed observation decks serve as windows into this vibrant ecosystem, offering breathtaking vantage points where patient observers are rewarded with unforgettable wildlife encounters and panoramic views of this green oasis.

Geological RegionSituated in the distinctive Region 2 landscape, Resaca de la Palma showcases the unique geological character of the lower Rio Grande Valley. This remarkable setting represents a convergence of subtropical influences and delta dynamics, creating an environment found nowhere else in the United States.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo campsites are available, thus site layout information is not applicable.

Reservation PlatformsReservations and scheduling for rental facilities can be arranged directly through the park phone number.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy advises visitors to modify or cancel reservations as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.

AccessibilityParking is available at Park Headquarters, and vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. Visitors must check in at the visitor center during operational hours. There is also a tram service available for mobility within the park.

Recommended SitesNo specific campsites available.

Amenities available

Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, bird watching, biking, wildlife viewing, and occasional night hikes. Educational and cultural programs are also scheduled, enhancing visitor engagement. Visitors have noted that the park's trails are well-maintained and feature observation points to spot diverse wildlife. Night events such as hikes have been positively reviewed, with some including unique activities like observing scorpions glowing in the dark.

HikingThe park features miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. Observation decks and benches along the trails provide rest points and wildlife viewing opportunities. Trails are praised for their cleanliness and clear signage.

BikingBiking is a notable activity within the park, facilitated by surfaced roads and trails. Regular and tandem bike rentals are available for $5–$12 per day.

Wildlife viewingThe park is renowned for its birding opportunities, with many species visible from observation decks and along trails. Wildlife such as armadillos and other fauna is also frequently observed.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park hosts both general and monthly night hikes, which often include educational elements such as astronomy presentations. Volunteer staff and guides are noted for their enthusiasm and knowledge.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are prevalent; visitors should bring repellent. Some reviews mention wasps around the pond behind the visitor center. Wildlife like armadillos and bobcats are sometimes seen, posing no explicit danger.

Weather at Resaca De La Palma State Park

Reviews

4.4

20 reviews

Recommended

Resaca De La Palma State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Resaca de la Palma State Park garners a mix of reviews, with frequent praise for its clean trails, abundant wildlife, and knowledgeable staff. However, some complaints focus on inconsistent park hours and issues like the closure of tram services.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the park's well-maintained trails, excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, and engaging night hikes. The knowledgeable and friendly staff also receive...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors have noted issues such as the park being unexpectedly closed, the tram service being unavailable, and some park areas requiring maintenance, such as bird feeders.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing plenty of water and bug spray due to the humid conditions and mosquitoes. Renting bikes is recommended for better exploration, and night hikes are highly praised as a unique...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is noted for birding and wildlife viewing year-round, though summer may see increased mosquito activity. Winter offers cooler, more comfortable conditions and may be ideal for hiking and...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to go for a morning hike, bike ride, or an afternoon picnic with the family. Trails are well defined and clean." - Carlos G. "The night hike event was nice. My 4-year-old grandson...

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in any park buildings or on the tram; however, they are permitted on a leash on park grounds.

Based on 20 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Resaca De La Palma State Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated February 17, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Popular campgrounds in Texas

Campgrounds

Resaca De La Palma State Park