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Palmetto State Park, Gonzales

4.6
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State Park · Nature / Park
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Palmetto State Park is a state park located in Gonzales County, Texas, United States northwest of Gonzales and southeast of Luling. The land was acquired by deeds from private owners and the City of Gonzales in 1934 - 1936 and was opened in 1936.
The park is named for the dwarf palmetto, which grows abundantly in the park. The San Marcos River runs through the park. The 4acre Oxbow Lake, initially created by flood waters, is now independent of the river and is spring fed. There are many bogs throughout the park that are surrounded by dense vegetation, giving the park a jungle-like atmosphere.
The park was constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps Companies 873 and 886 between 1934 and 1937. The CCC built Park Road 11, a low water crossing on the San Marcos River, a water tower/storage building, refectory, and residence, barbeque pits, picnic seating, rock pool and retention dams, rock table, culverts, concrete picnic tables, and two sets of entrance portals.
FloraIn addition to the dwarf palmetto, red buckeye and rattan vine are prevalent in the park.
FaunaWhite-tailed deer are common throughout the park, as are raccoons, nine-banded armadillos, and fox squirrels. Over 240 species of birds such as the pileated woodpecker, and Kentucky warbler have been recorded within the park's boundaries. Some of the birds often spotted include the prothonotary warbler, and red-shouldered hawk.
A visit to Palmetto State Park represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Gonzales route maker site to plot your vacation.
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Palmetto State Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
186 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Great park. Pull thru sites, full hookups. the trails to the river are very good. There is a great museum nearby, San Felipe Dr Austin. Wonderful Texas history. 
    Great park. Pull thru sites, full hookups. the trails to the river are very good. There is a great museum nearby, San Felipe Dr Austin. Wonderful Texas history.  more »
  • Late review, went in January 2021. We went for a short recharge trip. This park is tucked away and can be hard to find. The RV camping loop is also hard to locate. Make sure to arrive during... 
    Late review, went in January 2021. We went for a short recharge trip. This park is tucked away and can be hard to find. The RV camping loop is also hard to locate. Make sure to arrive during...  more »
Google
  • This was an excellent park. It was different from our most recent camping excursions in that the hiking was minimal and not very challenging at all. The lake was clean and fun with good cold water feeding it. There was excellent fishing and great campsites with good shade. I wish there were easier access to the river, but most everything was what I would consider "wild access".
  • Palmetto is one of our favorite places to visit! We got engaged here and then had the wild idea of getting married here as well! Definitely worth it. The scenery and pavilion are absolutely amazing. We used a little of what they provided and incorporated our own touches. The park rangers were super helpful (they even came to blow the leafs away before we set up) here are just a handful of photos showing how we used the space inside and out. The backside of the pavilion made for the perfect dance floor!

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