Palmetto State Park campground
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Palmetto State Park

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.

37 campsites|Central Texas|1 hr 15 min from Austin|$3/person entrance fee

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Campsite Types

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.

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Guide to Palmetto State Park

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. Using a campsite alert service like Camp.land to catch cancellations is the most reliable way to get a site when it appears sold out.

How many campsites does Palmetto State Park have?+

Palmetto State Park has 37 campsites, including Full Hookup, Water + Electric, Water Only, Cabin. Sites start at $12/night plus a $3/person entrance fee.

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?+

Texas state parks open reservations exactly 5 months in advance. For Palmetto State Park, popular weekends sell out within minutes of the booking window opening. If your dates are already showing as full, set a Camp.land alert at camp.land/pricing?park=palmetto — cancellations happen regularly.

How can I get a last-minute campsite at Palmetto State Park?+

The best strategy for last-minute campsites at Palmetto State Park is to monitor for cancellations. Camp.land (camp.land) scans every 10 minutes and emails you the moment a site opens up, with a direct booking link. Cancellations are most common 1–3 weeks before the reservation date.

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Palmetto State Park
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