Palmetto State Park, Luling

Location: 6 miles southeast of Luling on US 183, then southwest on Park Road 11 for 2 miles; (830) 672-3266

Size: 270 acres

Recommended for: camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, birding, nature study, pedal boating, swimming and tubing.

Along the banks of the San Marcos River, Palmetto State Park is a topographical anomaly amidst gently rolling farm and ranchland.

According to scientists, the river shifted course thousands of years ago, leaving a huge deposit of silt. This sediment absorbed rain and ground water, nurturing a marshy swamp estimated to be over 18,000 years old.

Now the swamp is filled with tropical dwarf palmettos as well as moss-draped trees, four-foot-tall irises, and many bird species. Nature trails wind throughout the area. The park has full hookups and tent sites.

There's also picnicking, but during the warmer months bring along mosquito repellent.

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