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.
Things to Do
This small park offers a large amount of fun, both on water and land.
On the water
You can swim, tube, fish and canoe here. Besides the flowing river, the park also has an oxbow lake, an artesian well and swamps.
We rent one- and two-person kayaks and stand-up paddle boards through Paddle EZ. Life jackets and oars are included.
Read through our water safety tips before you visit. Be cautious when swimming in the river. Rain upstream can cause flash flooding.
On land
Hike or bike our trails, camp, geocache, go birding or study nature. Hike the Palmetto Trail which winds through a stand of dwarf palmettos. Host a gathering at our CCC-built picnic pavilion, which has an air-conditioned kitchen.
Stay
Choose one of our 19 tent sites or 17 RV sites. Camp with up to 24 of your friends at our secluded group site. Or rent our air-conditioned cabin (for up to six people).
Go fishing
Fish in the river or in Oxbow Lake, which has a fishing pier. We have some fishing equipment to loan. Remember, you do not need a license to fish from shore in a state park.
Paddle
Canoe the San Marcos River. The river has a steady current, but no rapids; check river conditions at the park. Bring your own canoe and arrange your own shuttles.
- Experienced paddlers can put in at Luling City Park and take six- to seven-hour trip to the park. Private land borders the river, so put-in and take-out points are limited.
- Explore the Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail.
- Find information on the San Marcos River.
Civilian Conservation Corps
The men of the CCC built many facilities at this park, including the picnic pavilion and water tower. Learn more about their work on The Look of Nature: Palmetto.
Ranger Programs
Check our Events page for upcoming programs.
Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger!
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
- Borrow a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.
Summer Day Camp
Sign up 8 to 12-year-olds for our Wild Outdoor Adventure and Ecology Program. This two-week program runs Monday through Thursday, the first two weeks of June. Certified teachers lead hands-on activities that promote awareness of and appreciation for the environment. Kids will also spend time playing in the river and lake. Call the park for more information.
Park fees:
- Adult: $3 Daily
- Child 12 Years and Under: Free
