The best camping near Palmetto State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Palmetto State Park adventure.

93% (10 reviews)

Escape to the tropics in Texas and enjoy lush greenery, a lake, and the San Marcos River.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Palmetto State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Palmetto State Park

93%

(10)

Palmetto Campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents In Palmetto State Park

from

$12

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Palmetto State Park

99%

(580)

The Best Dam Spot

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX

4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. Campfires are allowed in designated areas. Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Fishing is allowed above and below the dam (valid fishing license required). *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. 50ft-100ft extension cord is recommended for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn. (extension cords not provided). **No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed** (small fans/ electric blankets are recommended). *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras"). *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband. *To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.

96%

(444)

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX

River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.

96%

(246)

CampEZ in SxSouth AustinTX

60 sites · Tents2 acres · Austin, TX

Once owned by locally famous (at the time) D.G. Burrow who was a performing Country and Western musician here in Austin TX. Our 'campground/farmette' is about 2 acres (inside the city limits!), on a creek, kind of woodsy, and next to a pretty vast parkland greenbelt. Recent flooding made quite a mess but it's still pleasant here. Several friendly and permanent residents and farm animals. Creek-side private campground hideaway available. This is a CAMPGROUND: NO RV, ROOM, BED, INVOLVED - BRING A TENT AND GEAR FOR COMFORT (check my other listings for an RV stay). This a "want to camp" campground and not a living solution. If you "need to camp" due to financial or other reasons, Camp EZ will likely not be a good fit for you. 6 nights maximum stay. Not suitable for very young children. Please include your child in your count. Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. Community vibe 'round here; everyone is expected to be quiet and respectful of one another and clean up after themselves "leave no trace" style. Six night maximum stay. Bring a tent and gear needed to be comfortable. 2 private hot outdoor showers, rustic kitchen and 2 charming flush restrooms included. Wood fired sauna available. Visitors are expected to clean up after themselves especially in the kitchen, showers, restroom and, of course, your campsite. Trash and recycle containers are around or, better yet, pack it out! Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. We are a 2 acre community on a secret and secluded little street 5 miles due South of the capitol of TX and even closer (2.5) to the very hip SoCo area (Continental Club, Jo's Coffee, Guero's Taco Bar, El Mercado and lots more). I have 3 cats, 11 chickens, 2 little donkeys and sweet 4 mini goats here at my little and funky 'farmette' right on Williamson Creek (sometimes flowing and not really swimmable) and next to a huge wooded greenbelt with a quiet and unused nature trail. This is not a KOA or a state park. This is a home hostel/campground. It's kind of rustic and we like it that way. You may see a roach, ant or cricket and you may also see a deer, fox or coyote. We are busy and not always able to visit for long. Lots of remodeling and flood related cleanup chaos here but also lots of pretty and secluded nature. Short walk to bus stop and historic Sagebrush HonkyTonk and Austin Bergstrom Airport is 9 easy highway miles away. Rustic outdoor shower/kitchen/privy. BYOTent. No wild or excessive partying here please and please remember: no smoking. WE NOW HAVE A COVERED PING-PONG PLAYING AREA AND BADMINTON TOO! Other details to note: Street parking. Camping is a very short walk from parking lot. We have carts to tote your gear if needed. Sorry, this campground is not set up to be able to park next to your site. We do not supply towels, toiletries, tents or bedding. Camp fire in designated fire pits only with approval. BYO Firewood. NO GENERATORS OR RECORDED MUSIC. Quiet time: 9PM-9AM. Please be mindful and respectful of your neighbors. -Jim O' (Did I mention rustic?)

92%

(558)

Texas Music River Ranch Events CTR

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Webberville, TX

The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River. Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory. Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River. We're kid and dog friendly (leashes mandatory) and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite A few rules... 1. Check in is before sunset. We ask that all Hipcampers wait at gate for staff to guide you to your location for safety reasons. Contact us if you arrive ahead of schedule. 2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces. 3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle. 4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it. 5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access. 6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge. 7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you. 8. All dogs must be on leash. Please clean up your dogs Poop. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (512) 884-4345 Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.

99%

(307)

Secluded Guadalupe River Spot

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX

These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers. The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so. Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds. Campfires are permitted. There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion. I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.

93%

(36)

Morrison Farm and Stables

8 sites · RVs, Tents337 acres · Del Valle, TX

A paradise for nature enthusiasts! With its vast acreage, picturesque ponds, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding, it offers a perfect escape into the great outdoors. The option to enjoy campfires and provision of food and beverages adds to the allure of the experience. It seems like an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure in a natural setting.

98%

(88)

Longhorn Getaway Campgrounds

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dripping Springs, TX

Come enjoy camping on the farm! Enjoy beautiful hill country views, 20 acres of walking trails, redneck golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, birdwatching, and more! We have 2 longhorns and a mini-donkey who roam the property and are friendly, but please don’t feed them. 7 available campsites with picnic tables and a fire rings, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock! Well water available from the hose next to the shower (solar), Bathroom facilities available, (composting toilet)

100%

(9)

Lost Pines Camping

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Smithville, TX

Private, peaceful and secluded. We purchased the 5.3 acres as a forest back in 2007. We cut down a little bit of the forest to build our house. Native Americans once lived here. Sometimes you can find arrowheads. Some of the forest burned down in the great Bastrop wildfire in 2011, but it has grown back. Learn more about this land: Lost Pines Camping is located on a gravel dead-end road. We are in a pine forest with some oaks and have a two-acre lake on the property that is good for swimming. Bastrop and Buescher State Parks are nearby and easy to access through back roads. Blackberries can be picked for a month or so in springtime. The land is a bit hilly. Downtown Bastrop and Downtown Smithville are both a ten-minute drive away. There is one tent site a one minute hike downhill into the forest. The bathroom is on the other side of the property near our house, a 2 minute walk from the tent site.

99%

(209)

Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Smithville, TX

This 12.4 acres of wildlife on the Colorado River is full of so much natural beauty! We're Located In Smithville Tx Home Of Hope Floats! 5 mins from downtown! Plenty of stores if needed! Roundtop And Lagrange Tx home of the antique shows (15-25 mins) Sherwood Forest Fair (25mins) Beautiful Historic Bastrop (12mins) 🚨PSA Please Be Advised🚨 This Is The Country Where Folks Do Hunt And Shoot!! Although Your Completely Safe, You MAY Or May NOT Hear Gun Shots!! If You Have A FurBaby That Is Panicked And Stressed From Fireworks Popping And/Or Gunfire ( AS I DO ) It May Be Best 2 Leave Them Home,, To Prevent Any Uncomfortable Anxieties That May Occur IF there happens to be gun shots. PLEASE NOTE (TP) CAN BE PURCHASED BUT IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AS WELL AS TOWEL BUNDLES. 🚨🚨 We Can Not Control Mother Nature Guys! 🚨🚨 If There Has Been Excessive And Continuous Rainfall Travis Co. WILL Open The Gates On Us Little Guys Down River! (which makes for the BEST fishing BTW #MonsterCats) But This Will Inevitably Flush The River Stirring Up The Sandy Bottom Which Usually Takes 2-3 Days To Clear Out. When that happens the Beautiful SandBar Is NonExistant As The Rising waters Cover it. This doesn't happen with A Down Pour Here And There As Stated It Would Have To Be Heavy And Consistant Fall For Days For This To Happen And Does Rarely Occur But We Have Recently Had A Rare Season With Hurricane Baryl barreling through Our Parts Of Texas That campers weren't so happy about so I just want to note it here as something to keep in mind!!! Hipcamp now offers a weather insurance that you may want to add to your booking just Incase Mother Nature decides to smack us around a bit. PLEASE BE MINDFUL THE PRIVATE DOCK IS THE RIVERRAT SHACK BNB GUESTS' RIVER ACCESS!! Please be respectful and courteous to All Guests and their campsite's and individual spaces!! 🙏 📢 PSA 📢 Reading The Shower Instructions Is Best Done B4 Entering The Shower!! Always turn the hot on 1st and do not add any cold until it's All The Way HOT 🥵 We No Longer Have Cows Grazing!! 📣Attention Campervan's 📣 A Campervan is a type of RV And RVs Are Only Allowed @ Campsite 3 As To Not Block The River Views From Other Camper's. If You Have A Campervan And Want To Be @ A Bank Site.... You'll Need To Get Permissions From The Host 1st, B4 Booking!! 🙏 This Can Be Accommodated But Will Have To Be Ironed Out Ahead Of Time!

99%

(41)

Wild and Boujee Ranch

14 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Smithville, TX

100 acres on the Colorado river! Great fishing, beautiful blue bonnets (during season) swimming, boating, walking trails, cows and donkeys to watch grazing, bird watching, and plenty more at this one of a kind ranch. Relax and enjoy unobstructed views of the stars. Kids are welcome to enjoy the great outdoors!

79%

(19)

Happy Hideaway - Near COTA

4 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Del Valle, TX

This property is 5 acres, just 5 min from the Circut Of The Americas and 7 min from Austin International airport. It is a rural landscape that features a small pond that is generally full in the cooler parts of the year. This property was designed with many permaculture principles in mind to save water and preserve the natural landscape.

91%

(17)

Twin Tree Ranch

22 sites · Lodging, Tents38 acres · Lockhart, TX

Welcome to Twin Tree Ranch, a stunning 38-acre property located 5 min from "The BBQ Capital of Texas" Lockhart. Offering a perfect blend of serene landscapes and modern amenities. Nestled amidst nature, this ranch features a picturesque natural creek filled with fish that gracefully meanders through the center of the property, dividing it into two distinct yet complementary areas. On one side of the creek, you'll find expansive open fields, perfect for various outdoor activities and events. You will notice a large 3 story barn house, which offers BBQ grills, firewood, towels, first aid kits, farm fresh eggs, and a water refill spigots. Additionally, this side of the ranch is equipped with a hot tub, 3 showers and two bathrooms, ensuring a refreshing and comfortable stay. Cross the creek to discover a tranquil wooded area, providing a more immersive camping experience. Here, you can set up camp amidst the trees, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and create lasting memories around the campfire. Things to note: - We can not guarantee that you will be the only group on a campsite - Camp locations are first come first serve - You may be adjacent to or within earshot of other campers - There are neighboring ranches, you may hear gun fire (we're in Texas) - Fishing is catch and release only - Other guests may have dogs - There are 2 ranch dogs on the property, they are large but friendly - Water refill spigots are located by the outdoor showers on the near side on the property.

The best camping near Palmetto State Park guide

Overview

About

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to a tropical jungle at this small gem of a park in Central Texas, named for the dwarf palmetto trees found throughout. Several easy trails allow even families with kids to explore the swampy landscape with lush tropical plants, wildlife, and historic buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The winding San Marcos River and the 4-acre Oxbow Lake offer options for water play, including swimming, tubing, paddling, boating, and fishing. The Palmetto Campground offers 37 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and some sites with water and/or electric hookups, plus a cabin and group site.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Plan to make peak-season reservations as soon as possible, especially with so few sites available. The cabin and campsites can be reserved up to five months in advance while the group camp can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the park first thing in the morning to grab unreserved sites that might be available for walk-ups.
If your plans are flexible, visit during the week or non-holiday periods.

When to go

Peak season is from March to November, when the park will be at its most crowded. Expect hot and humid weather in summer, when a dip in the river or lake will be the most refreshing. Visit in spring or fall to see migratory birds. Be sure to check the weather before confirming plans, as rain storms can cause the San Marcos River to flood.

Know before you go

The park rents kayaks, standup paddleboards, and bikes.
Several facilities are wheelchair-accessible, including the pavilion, cabin, and the group camping site.
Fishing licenses are not required if fishing from shore, but are required if fishing from a boat.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching. The park is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, with more than 240 species.
Closed toe shoes are a good idea, as snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes, can be found in the park.
Fires are permitted in fire rings only. Bring your own firewood or purchase from the camp store, as gathering firewood in the park is prohibited.
Pets are allowed in the park but not inside any buildings, including the camping cabin.