Blanco State Park, Blanco TX

Stay Date:  Jan 2009
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
A nice park, with large live oak and spacious sites, fairly quiet, and friendly park hosts. Each site has a concrete pad and picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. The river is stocked with 6" trout and fishing in the park is free, with loaner rods and reels at the office. The free WiFi was not usable, but Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  No cable TV, and no clear view of the satellite without using a portable dish.  Water pressure is very high, and the water is very hard. The town of Blanco has a few restaurants (try the bowling alley pie), and a supermarket is located a mile south of town.  The full hookup “premium” sites are segregated from the rest of the sites and are quiet and spacious.  Another good value at $23/night for full hookups.  Blanco State Park

Palmetto State Park, Gonzales TX

Stay Date:  December 2008
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
This is what a state park should be; tree covered, quiet, nice pads, and plenty of hiking trails. Sites are large and have a pad with picnic table, a fire pit, and separate barbecue. Electric and water only at the sites with a dump station, no cable or WiFi; just the noise from crows and other birds. You'll need a portable dish for satellite TV and 50' of coax to find a hole in the trees. Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  About six miles off I-10 and 12 miles from the nearest town (Gonzales) with a small Wal-Mart and a few restaurants.  Beware of trees on the narrow access roads. There is fishing in a small lake and the San Marcos river. Site with water/electric are $16/night.  Palmetto State Park