How much does camping cost at Palmetto State Park?

Camping fees at Palmetto State Park range from $3/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Palmetto State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Palmetto State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Palmetto State Park before I book?

Yes! Palmetto State Park has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Palmetto State Park?

Yes, Palmetto State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Palmetto State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Palmetto State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Palmetto State Park?

Palmetto State Park offers: Showers, Dump Station, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Palmetto State Park?

Popular activities at Palmetto State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Palmetto State Park

3.33

6 reviews

78 PARK ROAD 11 SOUTH, GONZALES, Texas, 78629, United States

Featured in:Fishing Camping Texas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

325 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

325 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Palmetto State Park

$3.00 - $3.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee of $3 per day, per person aged 13 and older.

No paid fee categories listed.

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8306723266

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

78 PARK ROAD 11 SOUTH, GONZALES, Texas, 78629, United States

Palmetto State Park

78 PARK ROAD 11 SOUTH, GONZALES, Texas, 78629, United States

Nearby places

Gonzales (approximately 2 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are located in Gonzales, including grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Driving directionsFrom Houston: Take I 10 West to exit #632. Take Hwy 183 South 2 miles to Park Road 11. Park headquarters is on the right, 2 miles ahead, just beyond the four-way stop. From San Antonio: Take I 10 East to exit #632. Take Hwy 183 South for 2 miles to Park Road 11. Park headquarters is on the right, 2 miles ahead, just beyond the four-way stop. From Austin: Take Hwy 183 south under I 10 for 2 miles to Park Rd 11. Park headquarters is 2 miles on the right, just past the four-way stop.

The campground is easily accessible via major paved roads, including I-10 and Hwy 183. Seasonal flooding may occasionally impact access to the park.

Weather at Palmetto State Park

Best Time to Camp at Palmetto State Park

Fall brings the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs typically range from the 60s to 80s°F with cool evenings. Hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing work best during these months when migratory and resident birds are active and easier to spot. Water temperatures stay warm enough from summer for fishing and swimming. Fall weekends see lighter crowds than spring, giving you quieter trails and better chances for solitary time on the water.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview states fall is most comfortable; highs in 60s–80s and good for activities.

Planning Tips

About Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park sits in Texas Hill Country's Region 2 near Gonzales, at 325 feet elevation. The park holds a perfect 5.0 rating from six reviews. Camping fees run $3 per night, and the park offers showers, a dump station, and a camp store.

The campground supports various recreational activities and amenities. Specific details about the types of camping accommodations are not provided in the authoritative content.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs typically range from the 60s to 80s°F with cool evenings. Hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing work best during these months when migratory and resident birds are active and easier to spot. Water temperatures stay warm enough from summer for fishing and swimming. Fall weekends see lighter crowds than spring, giving you quieter trails and better chances for solitary time on the water.

Natural Features and SceneryCrystal-clear rivers cut through limestone valleys formed by ancient seas millions of years ago. The terrain blends hardy native grasses with oak groves, creating shifting shades of green across gently rolling hills. The park's name comes from its ancient palmettos, an unusual feature for this part of Texas. Smooth, surfaced trails wind through diverse ecosystems where bird watching areas provide views of both resident and seasonal species.

Geological RegionSet within the captivating Texas Hill Country's Region 2, the park showcases the area's signature landscape of gently rolling hills that stretch toward the horizon. Crystal-clear rivers carve through limestone valleys, while an impressive tapestry of vegetation—from hardy native grasses to majestic oak groves—paints the terrain in ever-changing shades of green. This geological wonderland represents millions of years of natural artistry, where ancient seas once covered the land and left behind the limestone foundations that shape today's breathtaking vistas.

Scenic ViewsScenic overlooks and river views are available within the park.

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Amenities available

Palmetto State Park offers a broad range of amenities for visitors, including biking trails, bird watching opportunities, a dump station, fishing facilities (with fishing equipment loans and a fishing pier), group day-use facilities, guided tours, a park store, and watercraft rentals. Additional features include hot showers, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and nature or interpretive trails. The park also supports paddling activities and wildlife viewing.

Showers

Dump station

Camp Store

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Palmetto State Park provides various recreational opportunities such as biking, bird watching, fishing, guided tours, hiking, paddling, swimming in the river, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal flooding can impact park access and safety.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Palmetto State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

No review summaries available for this campground yet.

Check back later as we continuously analyze new reviews.

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Go if

Bird watchers and paddlers will get the most from fall visits, when migratory species are active, trails are quieter, and the river stays fishable. Showers, a camp store, and loaner fishing gear mean you can pack light.

Skip if

Seasonal flooding can close the gate with little warning, so check conditions before driving out. If you need guaranteed access or a firm itinerary, the flood risk here is a real variable worth planning around.

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Campgrounds

Palmetto State Park

From official sources

Reference information about Palmetto State Park compiled from official sources. Every claim links to its source. View official page →

Palmetto State Park is located at 78 Park Road 11 South, Gonzales, TX 78629-5180. The park headquarters is at latitude 29.596906, longitude -97.585140. To reach the park, travel 10 miles northwest of Gonzales on U.S. Highway 183 to FM 1586, then west on FM 1586 for two miles to Ottine, and south on Park Road 11. Alternatively, go six miles southeast of Luling on U.S. Highway 183, and then southwest on Park Road 11 for two miles.

History: Palmetto State Park sits between Gonzales and Luling, at the center of much Texas history. The state acquired the land from private owners and the city of Gonzales in 1934 to 1936. The park opened in 1936. source
Seasons & access: Open daily. source
Natural features: The park abuts the San Marcos River and also has a four-acre oxbow lake. Dwarf palmettos, the park's namesake, grow under the trees. source

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