Palmetto State Park was built by the CCC and opened in 1936. The park is named after the dwarf palmetto plants that grow in the park.
Location
78 Park Road 11 South, Gonzales, Texas 78629
Cost
The entry fee for Palmetto State Park is $3 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Palmetto State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Palmetto State Park
Campsites
Campsites with water are $12 per night. They have a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and a lantern post. There is water and bathrooms are in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $18 per night. The campsites have a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and lantern post. There are hookups for water and electricity. There is only one tent allowed per campsite. Bathrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Cabins
The cabin sleeps six. It has electricity, an air conditioner and a ceiling fan. There is a picnic table and a lantern post. There is a microwave and a refrigerator, and the water is from a spigot outside. There is no bathroom in the cabin, but there is one in the vicinity. Pets are not allowed inside the cabin.
Group Facilities
There is a group campsite that has picnic tables, grills, a fire ring, and a lantern post. There is water and restrooms are in the vicinity.
There is a pavilion that was built by the CCC. It has a dining area and kitchen with air conditioning.
Restrooms in Palmetto State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loop for the campsites with electricity have showers.
Hiking Trails
There are eight hike and bike trails in the park.
What is there to do at Palmetto State Park?
You can fish in Oxbow Lake or in the San Marcos River. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park. Oxbow Lake has a fishing pier.
Swimming is allowed in the San Marcos River.
Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available to rent in the park. Life jackets and paddles are included with rental fees.
Have a picnic.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding.
Dogs at Palmetto State Park
Palmetto State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
What to do near Palmetto State Park
Gonzales, Texas
Gonzales, Texas is 12 miles from the park. Gonzales is the county seat of Gonzales County and has a population of 7,200 people. Gonzales has a courthouse square with historic buildings. The town is famous for its role in the Texas Revolution. Visit the Gonzales Memorial Museum.
Luling, Texas
Luling, Texas is 9 miles from the park. Luling has a population of 5,600 people and is known for fresh watermelons and barbecue. Visit the Luling Oil Museum while exploring the downtown. Get barbecue at City Market. See the William Johnson Cabin which was built in the 1870’s and is now located in Blanche Park.
Lockhart, Texas
Lockhart, Texas is 23 miles from the park. Lockhart is the county seat of Caldwell County, and has a population of 15,00 people. Lockhart is known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Visit the stunning Caldwell County Courthouse and the Dr. Eugene Clark Library which is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas. See the Caldwell County Museum or the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches. Eat barbecue at Smitty’s Market, Kruez Market, Black’s Barbecue, or Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ.