Palmetto State Park

Amenities

About

Palmetto State Park near Gonzales protects a botanical anomaly where dwarf palmetto palms grow alongside mesquite trees — a collision of subtropical and semi-arid flora made possible by artesian springs, a high water table, and the periodically flooding San Marcos River. The park harbors over 500 plant species in a small area, and the 1.0-mile Ottine Swamp Trail winds through rare Texas swampland on boardwalks beneath cypress, elm, and cottonwood trees. Additional trails include the 1.1-mile Mesquite Flats Trail and the 1.3-mile San Marcos River Trail. Swimming and canoeing (bring your own watercraft) are available in the San Marcos River's steady current, and a fishing pier on the oxbow lake provides shore access without a license. CCC-built facilities from the 1930s include a picnic pavilion with an air-conditioned kitchen available for group reservations. The park is about 70 miles from San Antonio; it often reaches day-use capacity during spring and fall, so reservations 2–3 weeks ahead are advisable. Flash flooding is possible — heed any posted warnings.

Shade Details

Dense riparian and palmetto canopy throughout. One of the most shaded state parks in the region.

Conditions & Tips

Spring migration (April–May) is exceptional — warblers, vireos, and flycatchers in numbers unusual for inland Texas. Bring bug spray in summer.

Artesian spring continues flowing even in drought; river levels drop.

Best Time to Visit

Notable Species

Trails

Who It's For

Camping