Campmeister

We live in San Antonio and are planning to meet some Houston friends for camping toward the middle of May. We're new to TX camping so if anyone has any input on Palmetto or any other parks within 3 hours of both Houston and San Antonio, we'd appreciate the input. We'll also have a couple of babies along. Specific questions include:

1. In looking at reserving spots, most of the state parks were pretty full already for that weekend, Palmetto is still wide open. THis made me wonder if there was a reason for that?

2. Does Palmetto have extreme problems with Mosquitos due to their "swamp?"

3. Any other thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks!

Shannon

First, it's never been really crowded when Justin and I have camped at Palmetto State Park.
That said, late spring and early summer have a few challenges at Palmetto that you should keep in mind. Due to the lush vegetation and the swampy nature of the environs in and around the park, it tends to be more humid than other Texas parks and there's a likelihood that you'll encounter at least some biting insects (mosquitoes). The park is relatively small, so folks looking for more things to see and do tend to gravitate to the larger state parks, it seems. However, there are great nature walks at Palmetto and it's definitely unique. There's plenty of shade, so in that regard you'll be better off than at some other parks where most of the activities are without the benefit of shade-trees.

I wouldn't say the mosquito problem is extreme there -- I've had worse encounters with skeeters and horse flies at the coast, so Palmetto isn't anywhere near the top of my "DANGER: Blood loss imminent!" parks. But if you have infants with you, that's a concern since you can't lather DEET all over them.

What are the primary activities you'll be engaging in? Do you hike a lot or just a little? Fishing? Etc.? That'll help. Maybe we can offer some alternatives if you're rethinking Palmetto, though as you note things are getting booked up quick.

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

Campmeister

Thanks for the tips. Location is our primary concern on this trip since we're meeting Houston friends. We're mainly just looking to kick back, relax, and have some good time to catch up. We liked the fact that Palmetto had paddle boats and we may do a bit of fishing, but fishing certainly isn't a priority. Hiking will definitely be on the agenda, but nothing too severe with the kiddos.

Another priority is privacy. We went camping at Lost Maples last fall and were disappointed in the wide open rows of grassy campsites. I grew up in Eastern Washington camping in the Cascades where there were lots of evergreens seperating you from the next camp over. It sounds like Palmetto has that feel, although its obviously not evergreens making the seperation. Am I right here?

Good thought on the skeeters, does anybody have tips for good mosquito repellant for kids? (This is our first child so we're new to this).

Thanks again!

Shannon

Palmetto's campsites and, to a slightly lesser extent, the day use picnic sites, are definitely less open/exposed than those at Lost Maples. I think you'll find it conducive to enjoying time with friends, and not having to be elbow-to-elbow with fellow campers. One other park that might be worthwile to look into, though it's in the Houston area (but you'll forget that when you enter the park), is Brazos Bend State Park. It's a larger park that Palmetto, but has the added benefit of an on-site Observatory with nightly (weekends only) star-watching events. Kids are welcome. I can't recall about fishing, but the Brazos River gives the park its name, so that's a good sign. There are also screened shelters, in addition to RV and tent-ready campsites, by the way. This park also has some skeeters, but they're not awful. It'll be humid at both parks most any time of year, so dress and pack accordingly. It's true for anywhere further east in Texas, the lushest part of our state thanks to rainfall levels. One thing about Brazos -- there are American alligators there. So don't let little ones wander unaccompanied. It's not like a Zoo -- the gators have free reign and occasionally are spotted sunning themselves on the trail's edge or right across hiking trails. They fear us as much as we fear them, but kids need to be supervised so they don't get too close.
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I don't have children, but children should generally be exposed to the minimum amount of DEET possible since it's such a harsh and readily absorbed chemical. Even adults aren't supposed to wear high concentrations of it for long periods, and it's pretty corrosive when it comes to plastics and paints (not good if you're carrying a camera, for instance).

Avon markets a sunscreen with repellant that uses citronella in its place of DEET. I think it's called Skin-so-Soft. It's not as effective for hours as DEET-based products, but it's the brand I tend to use. That and long-sleeves in the worst areas so I have an added barrier between me and the skeeters.

An article on Which Insect Repellent is Right for Your Kids? .

Sorry it took me awhile to respond. I haven't been around the computer for several days.

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

Campmeister

Thanks a bunch! Great site! Very helpful!