Exploring Palmetto State Park: Paddle Boat Rental Rates

Palmetto State Park in Texas is a tropical paradise, with a unique ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. The park offers paddle boat rentals, allowing visitors to explore its waters and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With a mixture of wild animals and tropical plant life, Palmetto State Park stands out as a little jungle full of surprises and adventure. The park's rental services provide an opportunity for visitors to create memorable experiences on the water, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique outdoor experience.

PaddleEZ rentals at Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park is a tropical paradise in Texas, with a unique ecosystem and a mixture of wild animals and plant life. The park offers a wide range of activities, and PaddleEZ rentals are a great way to explore the park's natural wonders.

The park offers PaddleEZ rentals, providing an opportunity to explore the park's aquatic features. PaddleEZ offers both kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals. The kayaks are available in one- and two-person options, perfect for couples or small groups. Life jackets and oars are included with the rentals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

The stand-up paddle boards provide a fun challenge and a unique perspective of the park. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the two- and three-person kayaks are a comfortable option. The rentals are available by the hour, making it convenient for visitors to explore at their own pace.

Exploring the Park

The San Marcos River runs through the heart of the park, offering a tranquil and steady current with no rapids. This makes it ideal for canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. The river is a great way to experience the park's semi-tropical paradise and unique wildlife. For those who want to venture further, the Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail offers a gentle, family-friendly route along the San Marcos River.

In addition to the river, the park also features Oxbow Lake, an artesian well, and swamps. Oxbow Lake is a four-acre lake that is regularly stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for fishing and swimming. The lake is also where the pedal boats, canoes, and other boats rented by the park can be used.

Camping and Amenities

Palmetto State Park offers a range of camping options, including 19 tent sites, 17 RV sites, and a secluded group site that can accommodate up to 24 people. The park also has an air-conditioned cabin that sleeps up to six people, with amenities like a refrigerator, electricity, and a porch.

The park has well-maintained trails that showcase the diverse plant and animal life of Central Texas. The Palmetto Trail, in particular, winds through a stand of dwarf palmettos, giving hikers a unique botanical experience. Other amenities include a CCC-built picnic pavilion, fishing equipment loans, and a playground for children.

Practical Information

Palmetto State Park is located in Gonzales County, just an hour's drive from major cities like San Antonio and Austin. The park entry fee is separate from camping fees, and children under 12 enter for free. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.

The best time to visit is in early June when the weather is mild, and aquatic activities are enjoyable. It is recommended to make reservations two to three weeks in advance, especially for overnight stays from March to November.

With its tropical atmosphere, diverse wildlife, and range of activities, Palmetto State Park is a must-visit destination. The PaddleEZ rentals provide a fun and accessible way to explore the park's natural wonders, making it a great choice for individuals, couples, and families alike.

Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards

Palmetto State Park in Texas is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. The park offers a wide range of watercraft rentals, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the park's aquatic attractions.

The San Marcos River, which runs through the park, is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. The river's steady current and absence of rapids make it ideal for a relaxing paddle. Visitors can bring their own canoes and kayaks or rent them from the park. The park offers single and tandem kayaks, ensuring that both solo adventurers and groups can enjoy the water together.

For those who prefer a quieter and more intimate experience, Oxbow Lake provides an excellent alternative. This four-acre lake is kept stocked with fish throughout the year, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The park rents out canoes and pedal boats specifically for use on Oxbow Lake, providing a fun and unique way to experience the lake's tranquil beauty.

Stand-up paddleboards are also available for rent at Palmetto State Park through Paddle EZ. This option offers a fun and challenging way to explore the park's waterways, providing a full-body workout while enjoying the surrounding nature. Life jackets and oars are included with all rentals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

In addition to the San Marcos River and Oxbow Lake, Palmetto State Park also features smaller canals and swamps, offering a diverse range of paddling experiences. The park's well-maintained trails, interpretive signs, and natural wonders, such as the dwarf palmettos, can also be enjoyed from the unique perspective of the water. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a novice, Palmetto State Park has something for everyone, making it a great destination for those looking to explore Texas's natural beauty from its waterways.

Boat rental prices

Palmetto State Park in Texas offers a range of boat rental options for visitors. The park is known for its aquatic activities, with a four-acre lake called Oxbow Lake and the San Marcos River running through it. Here are the boat rental prices and options:

2-3 Person Kayaks: The park offers rentals of two and three-person kayaks, which come with life jackets and oars. These kayaks can be rented by the hour through PaddleEZ. The price for this rental option is not specified, but it is likely affordable and in line with other rental prices in the park.

Stand-Up Paddle Boards: Palmetto State Park also rents out stand-up paddle boards, which are available through Paddle EZ. Life jackets and oars are included in the rental. The price for this rental option is not provided, but it is probably reasonably priced, similar to other rentals in the park.

Four-Person Pedal Boats: Visitors can rent four-person pedal boats to explore the lake. Life jackets and oars are provided with the rental. The price for renting these pedal boats is not mentioned, but it is likely competitive and suitable for groups.

3-Person Canoes: The park offers rentals of three-person canoes, which are ideal for smaller groups or families. As with other rentals, life jackets and oars are included. The cost of renting the canoes is not specified, but it is likely comparable to similar options in the area.

Fishing Boats and Inner Tubes: In addition to the above, Palmetto State Park also rents out fishing boats and inner tubes. These rentals are perfect for those who want to try their hand at fishing or simply enjoy a leisurely float on the lake. The price for these rentals is not provided, but they are likely reasonably priced, in line with the park's other offerings.

Overall, Palmetto State Park provides a range of boat rental options to suit different group sizes and preferences. While specific prices are not always listed, the rentals are likely affordable and accessible to visitors. The park emphasizes the importance of water safety and provides life jackets and relevant instructions for all rentals.

Park entry fees

Palmetto State Park, located in Texas, is a botanical wonderland with dwarf palmettos and other tropical vegetation. The park offers a range of activities, including swimming, tubing, fishing, and canoeing. It is also a great place to take your canoe or kayak, with the San Marcos River running directly through it.

The park charges a daily entrance fee for visitors, with different rates for adults and children:

• Adults (13 years and older): $3 per day.
• Children (12 years and under): Free.

These fees are subject to change and may be discounted or waived for certain groups, as outlined on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website. For example, Texas offers a State Parks Pass that provides unlimited visits to over 80 state parks without paying entrance fees. This pass also includes discounts on camping, park store purchases, and equipment rentals.

Additionally, Texas offers discounted or free entry for specific groups:

• Texas Parklands Passport: 50% off entry for residents aged 65 and older.
• Disabled individuals: 50% off entry for permanently disabled individuals.
• Seniors: 100% off entry for anyone born before September 1, 1930.
• Veterans: 100% off entry for disabled veterans.

It's important to note that these fees are for day-use and do not include overnight camping fees, which are separate and may vary depending on the type of campsite or cabin selected. Reservations for both camping and day-use are recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry.

The park also offers monthly and annual passes for frequent visitors, which can be a more cost-effective option if you plan to visit the park regularly or for extended periods.

Camping at Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park in Texas is a tropical paradise, with a mixture of wild animals and plant life. The park covers 300 acres across two counties, with trails, rivers, and a four-acre lake called Oxbow Lake. The San Marcos River runs through the park, making it ideal for swimming, tubing, fishing, and canoeing. The park offers 37 RV and tent sites, with 17 sites providing electricity and 19 offering only water access. Each campsite has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, and amenities include showers, restrooms, and a playground. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash, and there is a dump station available as most sites lack a sewer hookup.

The park also offers a primitive group camping site encircled by the San Marco River, accommodating up to 100 campers with parking for 25 vehicles. This site is well-shaded and secluded, offering amenities like picnic tables, water, grills, and a fireplace. Restrooms are nearby, and showers are located across the river.

For those seeking a more comfortable stay, Palmetto State Park has one cabin that is ADA-accessible. It can sleep up to six people and has an ADA-compliant picnic table, stove, and fire ring. Visitors can also pitch a tent outside, but the total number of guests must not exceed eight. The cabin has a fridge, ceiling fans, and air conditioning, but no indoor bathroom, so guests must use the communal bathrooms a short walk away.

The park offers a range of activities beyond camping. There are several trails to explore, varying in length from 0.3 to 1.25 miles, and the Palmetto Trail takes hikers through a stand of dwarf palmettos. Birdwatching is also popular, with over 200 species of birds calling the park home. Geocaching, a modern-day scavenger hunt using GPS or smartphones, is another fun activity for families.

For water activities, visitors can rent stand-up paddleboards and two or three-person kayaks by the hour through PaddleEZ. Life jackets and oars are included, and the San Marcos River provides a steady current for a relaxing paddle with no rapids. Tubing is also a popular pastime, and tubes can be rented from the main office.

Fishing is another drawcard, with Oxbow Lake stocked with Florida largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. A fishing license is not required for pier fishing, but it is needed for fishing in the lake or river. Several campsites are conveniently located by the water, offering the opportunity to fish from the shore.

With its mix of natural beauty, water activities, and camping options, Palmetto State Park offers a unique and exciting outdoor experience for all ages.

Frequently asked questions