Palmetto State Park

Friday, May 9 through Sunday May 11, 2003

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See more Palmetto State Park pictures here!

Palmetto State Park is located near Gonzales , Texas.  Gonzales is in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas according to the Texas State Travel Guide.  However, Gonzales should really be categorized as being in the Gulf Coast region.    Why?  It feels like Houston - the air is extremely humid and it is hot hot hot.  While I don't think I'll come back here when there is any chance it could be warm,  I really want to come back to this park in late fall, winter, and early spring.  It is late spring right now and it feels like 100 degrees and 100% humidity.   Linda comes to Gonzales on business at least once each year.  She says it is always like this.  The Texas State Parks web site has information and a map of the park.

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Above left - The ranger station.

Above right is Oxbow Lake.

Right - The San Marcos River cuts through the park.

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Wildflowers are still blooming.  The trees in the park are large.  It feels like a forest here.  There is lots of shade in the campsite areas.  Dwarf palmetto plants are growing in parts of the park.   Of course, you have have guessed that the park is named after the palmetto plants found here.

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Above right, and direct right is the water tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  Below is the refectory which was also built by the CCC.  These buildings are done in the same style as the ones found at Bastrop and Buescher State Parks.  The architectural style makes them look like they are growing out of the ground.

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Next to the refectory is a ford across the San Marcos River.  I was able to carry the dogs across the river by hopping from concrete block to block.  Last night there were some guys fishing here.  I asked them how they were doing.  Not well.  They hadn't caught anything.

Our campsite (right) was pretty good.  Behind us was a guy with a truck camper.  He had a cat that traveled with him below.  The cat is on a leash.

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Click on image for larger format picture. Palmetto State Park//

Copyright © 2003 Larry Pearson - All Rights Reserved.