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Illustrative landscape
Palmetto State Park is a tropical-feeling oasis along the San Marcos River, featuring dwarf palmetto plants that give the park its name. Artesian wells, lush vegetation, and the Ottine Swamp create an unexpectedly exotic landscape in Central Texas. The warm-water swimming hole on the river is a highlight.
Campsites
37 campsites
Region
Central Texas
Guide rate from
$12/night*
Entrance
$3/person
Short answer
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation guidance · Checked 2026-09-07.
Compare your options
Campsite types
*Guide prices only. Confirm current rates when booking.
Full Hookup
$30/night*1 sites
Water, sewer, 30/50-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Water + Electric
$18/night*17 sites
Water, 30/50-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Water Only
$12/night*19 sites
Water at site, no electricRV OKTent OK
Cabin
$55/night*1 sites
Sleeps 6 (one full bed plus one full bunk bed); A/C, heater, ceiling fan, microwave, refrigerator, electricity; water spigot and restroom nearby. No cooking allowed except the microwave; no private bathroom.
Book directly with the park
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Confirm current inventory, rates, fees, and seasonal details on the official booking site.
Texas state parks don’t have live cancellation alerts yet — but most sold-out sites free up 1–2 weeks before the date. We’ll email you the booking playbook (exact release times, the cancellation window, how to pounce) and tell you first if live Texas alerts launch.
Get the Texas state-park booking playbook
Location & trip guide
Gonzales, Texas
Palmetto State Park is in Central Texas, about 1 hr 15 min from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book the water-and-electric sites first - they have full RV hookups, more space for multiple tents, and sit closest to the restrooms with showers
For Privacy:The water-only sites give a more spread-out, tent-friendly feel away from the RV pads
For RVs:Reserve a water-and-electric site (30/50-amp) or the single full-hookup site early - they go fastest and fit rigs up to 65 feet
When to Go
April through October. Summer weekends at the swimming hole are the main draw. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking.
Tips
- →The San Marcos River swimming hole is the best feature — bring towels and swimsuits
- →Walk the Ottine Swamp trail for a unique ecosytem experience
- →The warm artesian wells are worth finding along the trail
- →Only 75 minutes from Austin — great for a quick weekend trip
Highlights
Tropical dwarf palmetto landscapeSan Marcos River swimming holeArtesian wells with warm mineral waterOttine Swamp nature trailLush, jungle-like vegetationRiver tubing and fishing
Palmetto State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Palmetto State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Palmetto State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. April through October. Summer weekends at the swimming hole are the main draw. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking. If your dates are already full, book direct on ReserveAmerica the moment the 5-month window opens, or reserve a cabin or vacation rental nearby that you can book today.
How many campsites does Palmetto State Park have?+
Palmetto State Park has 37 campsites, including Full Hookup, Water + Electric, Water Only, Cabin. Published guide rates start at $12/night plus a $3/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Palmetto State Park?+
The entrance fee at Palmetto State Park is $3 per person per day. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) waives entrance fees for you and all passengers in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book Palmetto State Park?+
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Palmetto State Park?+
Cancellations at Palmetto State Park happen regularly, most often 1 to 3 weeks before the date, so it is worth checking ReserveAmerica directly for openings. If campsites are full, check cabins and vacation rentals near Gonzales for your dates.