Palmetto State Park
RV Park Near Palmetto State Park
Palmetto State Park is about 15 miles west of River Acres, sitting along the San Marcos River just outside of Gonzales. It’s a surprising little park — 270 acres of tropical-looking vegetation, dwarf palmettos, and wetlands that feel nothing like the rest of Central Texas. Between the park itself and the newly revived Ottine Mineral Springs next door, this is an easy full day out.
Things to do while in Palmetto State Park
Ottine Mineral Springs
Ottine Mineral Springs reopened in 2024 after a historic restoration and has quickly become one of the most talked-about wellness destinations in Central Texas. The 40-acre property features five mineral pools of varying temperatures sourced from 1,554 feet underground in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, with hot and cold plunge options, a sauna, and pebble-bottom pools designed to provide gentle foot reflexology while you soak. The water is rich in bicarbonate, magnesium, and sulfate and comes up at a pH of 8.37, leaving your skin noticeably soft. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and a full bar. Day passes are available every day except Monday and reservations are recommended.
Ottine Swamp Trail & Hiking
Palmetto State Park has five miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate, but the Ottine Swamp Trail is the one not to miss. The 1-mile path winds through dense stands of dwarf palmettos and crosses wooden boardwalks over the swamp, creating an atmosphere that feels more Louisiana bayou than Central Texas. The park is also a designated hotspot on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, making it a reliable stop for birders chasing painted buntings, herons, and warblers.
Kayaking & Paddling on the San Marcos River
The San Marcos River runs right through Palmetto State Park, offering calm, accessible water for kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing. The park also has an oxbow lake available for paddling, and guided three-hour kayak river tours are available nearby for those who want a longer float with some local context. The river stays relatively shallow in most spots, making it approachable for beginners, though water levels can rise quickly after upstream rain so it’s worth checking conditions before you head out.
Palmetto State Park and Ottine Mineral Springs make for a full and restorative day out — and coming back to River Acres feels like the natural end to it. Our amenities are set up for exactly this kind of trip: rinse off in a hot shower, fire up the BBQ pit, and settle into your site as the sun goes down over the Guadalupe. Book one of our full hook-up RV sites or our cabins and make Palmetto a regular stop on your rotation.