A little piece of the tropics lies just an hour from Austin and San Antonio. With multiple sources of water (including the San Marcos River), Palmetto State Park is a haven for a wide variety of animals and plants. Look for dwarf palmettos, the park’s namesake, growing under the trees.

Camping: Facilities include 18 campsites with water and electricity; 2 campsite with water, electricity, and sewage (available when not occupied by a park host); 20 campsites with water; 1 premium (large capacity) campsite with water (weekly rates are available on all campsites); a group camping area; a group picnic shelter with kitchen (ideal for family reunions, company picnics, and weddings); restrooms with showers and baby changing stations; playgrounds; a trailer dump station; picnic tables; and 3 miles of interpretive and hiking trails. Be sure to stop by the Texas State Park Store to rent pedal boats, and buy fire wood, ice, nature books, post cards, and other Palmetto State Park gifts and souvenirs.

Hours: Open: 7 days a week year-round; gate not locked. Park Headquarters is open Mon.-Fri. 8:30am - noon & 1pm - 4:30 pm; Sat. - Sun. 8:30am - 4:30 pm. Busy Season: Overnight guests are advised to make reservations 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time for March through November.

Reservations: Check availability/make reservations on-line for Palmetto S.P

Admission Fees: do apply, see Park website for details.