image

Palmetto State Park Texas (TX) RV Rentals

RV Rentals Dates
Home / National & State Park Guides / State Parks /  Palmetto State Park

Looking for RV rentals, camper van rentals or travel trailer rentals near Palmetto State Park?


Introduction

Palmetto State Park is a hidden gem for RV camping enthusiasts. Located in Gonzales, Texas, the park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Founded in the 1930s, the park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal-era work relief program. The park’s historic structures, such as the refectory and the swimming pool, are still in use today and offer a glimpse into the past.

The park’s natural features are equally impressive. The park is situated in the midst of the Oak Forest, which is characterized by its towering oak trees and diverse wildlife. The park is also home to the San Marcos River, which offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The park’s unique geology, including its numerous springs and caves, is a testament to the power of water in shaping the landscape.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Palmetto State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Palmetto State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

View more RV Rentals

Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

When it comes to transportation options for visiting Palmetto State Park private vehicles are the most convenient way to get there. The park has several entrances and visitors can access the park from Highway 183 or Farm to Market Road 158. RV renters should be aware that the park has restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 50 feet. Additionally the park has a speed limit of 20 miles per hour and visitors should be aware of pedestrians and cyclists on the road.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available in designated areas throughout the park with overnight options for campers. RVs are not permitted to park overnight outside of these designated areas. It’s recommended to use alternative transportation methods for exploring the park as some areas may be difficult to navigate with a large vehicle.

  • Public Transportation

Getting around the park is made easy with public transportation options. Shuttle buses and walking paths are available for visitors to use. These transportation methods offer a convenient way to explore the park without the need for a personal vehicle.

Top Campsites in Palmetto State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campgrounds near Palmetto State Park that require reservations are

Oak Forest Campground

This campground is located within the park and is the largest with 89 sites. It offers full hookups picnic tables fire rings and grills. There are plenty of activities such as hiking fishing and swimming. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted.

Palmetto RV Park

This campground is just a few minutes away from the park and has 50 full hookup sites. It offers amenities such as Wi-Fi cable TV laundry facilities and a swimming pool. Pets are allowed and the campground is open all year. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

Creekside RV Park

This campground is located about 10 minutes away from the park and has 35 full hookup sites. It offers amenities such as Wi-Fi cable TV and laundry facilities. There are also activities such as fishing and kayaking. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

South Llano River RV Park

This campground is about 30 minutes away from the park and has 40 full hookup sites. It offers amenities such as Wi-Fi cable TV and laundry facilities. There are also activities such as hiking fishing and tubing. Pets are welcome and the campground is open all year. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

  • First-come first-served

There are also first-come-first-served campgrounds within Palmetto State Park that offer more rustic accommodations. These include

Mesquite Campground

This campground has 17 sites and offers picnic tables fire rings and grills. It is open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 24 feet. Pets are welcome.

Live Oak Campground

This campground has 22 sites and offers picnic tables fire rings and grills. It is open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 24 feet. Pets are welcome.

Persimmon Campground

This campground has 17 sites and offers picnic tables fire rings and grills. It is open year-round and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 24 feet. Pets are welcome.

  • Alternate camping

If the campgrounds within Palmetto State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby. These include

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds nearby that offer full hookups Wi-Fi and other amenities. Some popular options include the Lone Star Jellystone Park and the Gruene River RV Resort.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rugged camping experience there are several backcountry campsites available in nearby state parks such as Guadalupe River State Park and Government Canyon State Natural Area. These campsites require a permit and offer more primitive accommodations.

  • General activities

Hiking and Biking Trails

The trails in Palmetto State Park offer a scenic escape for RV campers who love hiking and cycling. With over 4 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate there’s something for everyone. The trails wind through lush forests alongside babbling creeks and pass by serene ponds. One popular trail is the Ottine Swamp Trail which takes you through a beautiful cypress-lined swamp.

Fishing and Boating

Palmetto State Park is a fishing paradise for RV campers. The park has a 1.5-acre oxbow lake which is stocked with catfish perch and bass. There’s also a fishing pier and a boat ramp for those who want to take their boat out on the water. If you don’t have your own boat you can rent one from the park’s concession stand.

Swimming and Tubing

The San Marcos River runs through Palmetto State Park and offers a refreshing escape from the Texas heat. RV campers can swim tube or kayak in the crystal-clear waters. The park has a designated swimming area complete with a sandy beach.

Picnicking and Bird Watching

Palmetto State Park has several picnic areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. These areas are perfect for a leisurely lunch or an afternoon of bird watching. The park is home to over 240 species of birds including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that combines technology and nature. Palmetto State Park has several geocaches hidden throughout the park. RV campers can use their GPS devices to find the hidden caches and log their discoveries.

  • Alternative activities

Alternative Activities for RV Campers

Nature Watching and Photography

Palmetto State Park offers a diverse range of flora and fauna making it an ideal spot for nature watching and photography. RV campers can explore the park’s many trails keeping an eye out for wildlife such as deer armadillos and raccoons. The park is also home to several species of plants including the rare Texas wild rice.

Sightseeing and History

Palmetto State Park is steeped in history dating back to the early 1900s. RV campers can explore the park’s historic structures including the CCC-built stone pavilion and the park’s original water tower. The park also offers ranger-led tours which provide insight into the park’s rich history.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

Palmetto State Park offers several picturesque spots that are perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. RV campers can capture stunning shots of the park’s lush landscapes serene waterways and historic structures. Some popular photo spots include the Ottine Swamp Trail the San Marcos River and the park’s stone pavilion.

Bird Watching and Relaxation

Palmetto State Park is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 240 species of birds calling the park home. RV campers can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the park’s diverse birdlife. The park also offers several quiet spots perfect for reading meditating or simply taking in the beauty of nature.

Season-specific experiences in Palmetto State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Palmetto State Park and enjoy its recreational activities. One of the most popular activities for RV campers is fishing. The park has several stocked ponds that offer a variety of fish species including bass catfish and sunfish. The ponds are located throughout the park and are easily accessible by RV.

Another popular spring activity is hiking. The park has several trails that offer stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. One of the most popular trails is the Ottine Swamp Trail which winds through a picturesque swamp filled with cypress trees and wildlife. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles long and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

For history buffs the park offers a guided tour of the historic CCC buildings. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a government program that provided jobs for young men during the Great Depression. The CCC built many of the park’s buildings and facilities including the park’s iconic stone bridges.

Another must-see landmark in the park is the dome-shaped rock formation known as “The Devil’s Punchbowl.” This unique geological feature is located near the park’s entrance and is easily accessible by RV.

Finally RV campers can enjoy a leisurely paddle down the San Marcos River which runs through the park. The river offers beautiful scenery and the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife including birds turtles and fish.

  • Summer activities

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors at Palmetto State Park. One of the most popular summer activities is swimming. The park has several swimming areas including the Oxbow Lake which is a large spring-fed lake that is perfect for swimming kayaking and paddleboarding.

Another popular summer activity is birdwatching. The park is home to a variety of bird species including herons egrets and kingfishers. The best time to go birdwatching is early in the morning when the birds are most active.

For those who enjoy water sports the park offers canoe and kayak rentals. The San Marcos River is a popular destination for paddlers of all skill levels. The river offers a variety of challenges from calm slow-moving water to fast-moving rapids.

History buffs will enjoy visiting the Palmetto State Park Museum which is located in the park’s historic CCC-era pavilion. The museum features exhibits on the park’s history natural resources and cultural heritage.

Finally RV campers can enjoy a ranger-led night hike. These hikes offer the opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty after dark and to learn about the park’s nocturnal wildlife.

  • Fall activities

Fall in Palmetto State Park offers a unique blend of recreational activities landmarks and historical sites for RV campers. One popular destination is the Ottine Swamp Trail a scenic hike that winds through a beautiful cypress forest adorned with fall foliage. For history buffs the Palmetto State Park Museum offers an insight into the park’s rich cultural heritage showcasing artifacts from the early 1900s. The annual Texas Pecan Festival held in nearby Seguin is a must-visit for foodies featuring delicious pecan-based dishes live music and craft vendors. The park’s 18-hole golf course is also a hit with campers offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Lastly the Rio Grande River is a popular spot for fishing canoeing and kayaking with fall providing the perfect weather conditions for a day on the water.

  • Winter activities

As the winter season descends upon Palmetto State Park RV campers can still enjoy an array of recreational activities and attractions. The park’s hiking trails take on a new beauty in the winter months with the bare trees revealing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park’s dormant vegetation also makes it easier to spot the park’s resident wildlife including white-tailed deer and armadillos. For those seeking a more adventurous experience the park offers guided horseback rides through the scenic trails. The nearby city of Gonzales also hosts an annual Winterfest celebration complete with a parade live music and holiday-themed activities. And of course no winter trip to Palmetto State Park would be complete without a visit to the nearby Palmetto Hot Springs where campers can relax and rejuvenate in the soothing mineral waters.

View more RV Rentals
(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*
(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*