RV Parks In Gonzales, Texas
29.5016° N, 97.4525° W
Quick Overview
Gonzales rewards RVers who want history and river country without the crowds of the big central Texas hubs. This is the "Lexington of Texas," where the first fight of the Texas Revolution began in 1835, and it sits at the meeting of the Guadalupe and San Marcos river drainages between San Antonio and the Gulf. Camping here leans toward affordable public parks with a couple of solid private options, and the settings run from a dwarf-palmetto oasis to a riverside spot within walking distance of the courthouse square.
The most distinctive choice is Gonzales Independence Park, a City of Gonzales park set in a loop of the Guadalupe River off US-183, offering 21 full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer just a short stroll from downtown. The scenic public option is Palmetto State Park, roughly 15 miles northwest near Ottine, run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with 17 water-and-electric sites, one full-hookup site, and 19 water-only sites, a dump station, and room for rigs up to 65 feet along the San Marcos River. On the private side, River Acres RV Park sits on wooded riverfront acreage with full hookups, 30- and 50-amp service, kayaks, fiber Wi-Fi, and a dog park, and 4L RV and Cabins offers dozens of full-hookup sites plus cabins for longer stays. Reserve the state-park sites through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
What makes camping here special is the mix of genuine Texas history with easy river access. From Gonzales Independence Park you can walk to the Gonzales Memorial Museum, the Texas History Museum District, and the well-preserved square, then paddle or fish the Guadalupe in the afternoon. Palmetto State Park feels like a different world just up the road, with its lush palmetto stands and shaded trails along the San Marcos. Big rigs do well at the city park and the private parks, which have roomy, level sites; the state park handles long rigs too, though sites are back-in only, so plan your approach. Whether you want a budget night on the river or a longer full-hookup base while you explore between San Antonio and the coast, Gonzales gives you honest, comfortable choices. Need to empty your tanks between stays? See our guide to RV dump stations in Gonzales.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Gonzales
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Gear for Your Trip to Gonzales
All Dump Stations Near Gonzales
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4l RV Ranch | 2.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hill Top RV Park | 4.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Patriot RV Park - Gonzales | 4.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Patriot RV Park | 4.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hill Shade RV Park | 6.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| River Acres RV Park | 11.3 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Gone Fishin RV Park | 11.4 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shiner Boggy Creek RV Park | 16.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Patriot RV Park - Luling | 16.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Westhoff RV Park | 21.4 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
4l RV Ranch
2.1 miHill Top RV Park
4.2 miPatriot RV Park - Gonzales
4.4 miPatriot RV Park
4.4 miHill Shade RV Park
6.4 miRiver Acres RV Park
11.3 miGone Fishin RV Park
11.4 miShiner Boggy Creek RV Park
16.1 miPatriot RV Park - Luling
16.3 miWesthoff RV Park
21.4 miTraveling to Gonzales by RV
Getting a big rig to Gonzales is easy. US-183 and US-90A run through town as open, big-rig-friendly routes with no low bridges or weight limits, so you can approach comfortably from I-10 to the north or the ranch country to the south. The nearest interstate is I-10, about 16 miles north near Luling, reached on US-183; San Antonio is roughly 75 miles west and Austin around 65 miles northwest, so most RVers arrive on smooth highways rather than tight back roads.
Once you are in town, Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks sit close to US-183, keeping the final approach simple even with a 40-footer, while Palmetto State Park is a pleasant 15-mile run northwest that big rigs handle fine. If you are flying in to rent, San Antonio International is the practical hub, about 90 minutes west. Fuel, propane, and groceries line US-183, so you can provision on the way to camp, and the big travel centers sit up at the I-10 interchange near Luling. Once unhitched, the drives along the Guadalupe River and out to the palmetto flats make relaxed scenic day trips.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Gonzales, Texas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Gonzales
RV camping in Gonzales is a good value, especially on the public side. Gonzales Independence Park charges budget-friendly city-park rates for its full-hookup riverside sites, and Palmetto State Park runs at typical Texas state-park prices, with its lone full-hookup site a bit above the water-and-electric ones; both are among the cheapest quality options in the region. Private parks like River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins sit in the moderate range for a full-hookup night and often offer weekly and monthly rates that lower the per-night cost, which is handy for work crews and long-haul travelers. Because Gonzales is not a resort or snowbird market, you avoid steep seasonal premiums, and midweek and shoulder-season rates are gentle on the budget. For stays of a week or more, ask about weekly pricing, and reserve the state-park sites ahead to lock in the low public rate.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Gonzales
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Best Time to Visit Gonzales by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
40F - 62F
Crowds: Low
Off-season calm with the best availability; mild days but pack for chilly nights.
Spring
Mar - May
58F - 82F
Crowds: High
Prime camping with wildflowers and green riverbanks; weekend sites book up, especially at the state park.
Summer
Jun - Aug
74F - 95F
Crowds: High
Busy river season; you will want 50-amp power for air conditioning and shaded sites when possible.
Fall
Sep - Oct
60F - 84F
Crowds: Medium
Warm days and cool evenings make a great camping window before the winter lull.
Explore the Gonzales Area
A few things we would tell a friend heading to Gonzales. Book Gonzales Independence Park when you want the best of both worlds, since its full-hookup sites put you right on the Guadalupe River yet within walking distance of the historic square and museums, which is a rare combination for a city park. If you are after the scenic natural experience, Palmetto State Park is worth the short drive northwest, but reserve early because it has only one full-hookup site and its water-and-electric sites fill on nice-weather weekends. For longer stays or a work trip, 4L RV and Cabins has the capacity and amenities to settle in. Plan your visit for spring or fall if you can, when wildflowers or cooler evenings make river time genuinely pleasant; summer is hot enough that you will want 50-amp power and a shaded site. And watch the local event calendar, since Come and Take It weekend and other festivals can fill area sites.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Gonzales
What are the best RV parks in Gonzales, Texas?
The most distinctive is Gonzales Independence Park, a city-run park on the Guadalupe River with 21 full-hookup sites a short walk from the historic square. For a scenic natural setting, Palmetto State Park about 15 miles northwest offers water-and-electric and one full-hookup site among lush dwarf palmettos along the San Marcos River. On the private side, River Acres RV Park sits on wooded riverfront with full hookups, kayaks, and a dog park, and 4L RV and Cabins offers dozens of full-hookup sites plus cabins for longer stays. Between them you can pick a budget public riverside night or a full-service private base.
Do Gonzales RV parks have full hookups?
Yes, several do. Gonzales Independence Park offers 21 full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer right on the Guadalupe River. River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins are private parks with full hookups and 30- and 50-amp service. Palmetto State Park is the main partial exception: it has just one full-hookup site, with 17 water-and-electric sites and 19 water-only sites making up the rest, plus a shared dump station. If full hookups are essential, the city park and the private parks are your surest bets, while the state park works if you reserve its single full-hookup site early or are fine with water and electric.
How much does RV camping cost in Gonzales?
Costs here are reasonable and lean toward the affordable end. Gonzales Independence Park charges budget-friendly city-park rates for full-hookup riverside sites, and Palmetto State Park runs at standard Texas state-park prices, both among the cheapest quality options around. Private parks such as River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins fall in the moderate range for a full-hookup night and often offer weekly and monthly rates that cut the per-night cost. Because Gonzales is not a resort market, there are no steep seasonal premiums, and midweek and shoulder-season prices are gentle. For a week or more, ask about weekly rates, which usually beat booking night by night.
How far ahead should I reserve an RV site in Gonzales?
For Palmetto State Park, book as early as you can, especially the single full-hookup site and the water-and-electric sites on spring, summer, and fall weekends, since the park is popular and reservations go through Texas Parks and Wildlife well in advance. Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks usually have more availability, but nice-weather weekends and local festival dates like Come and Take It weekend tighten up. If your trip lands on a big event, reserve much further out. Midweek and shoulder-season dates are the easiest times to find a site on short notice, particularly at the private parks with larger capacities.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Gonzales?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Spring brings wildflowers, green riverbanks, and warm days in the 80s, ideal for paddling the Guadalupe and hiking Palmetto State Park, while fall offers comfortable days and cool evenings. Summer is hot and humid with highs in the mid-90s, so you will want 50-amp power for air conditioning and a shaded site, though river recreation peaks then. Winter is mild and quiet with the best availability, but pack for chilly nights and the occasional cold snap. Just watch for heavy thunderstorms in spring and summer, since the river bottoms can flash flood during downpours.
Can big rigs camp in Gonzales?
Yes, big rigs do well here. Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks, River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins, have roomy, level full-hookup sites built for full-size motorhomes and fifth-wheels, with room for slide-outs. Palmetto State Park accommodates rigs up to 65 feet, though its sites are back-in only, so plan your approach and take your time maneuvering. The roads in are big-rig friendly, with US-183 and US-90A carrying most of the traffic and I-10 a short run north. For the easiest big-rig experience close to town, the city park and the private parks are your best options.
Is there state park RV camping near Gonzales?
Yes. Palmetto State Park, about 15 miles northwest near Ottine, is the area's premier public campground, run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It offers 17 water-and-electric sites, one full-hookup site, and 19 water-only sites, plus a dump station, hot showers, and a camp store, all open year-round. The setting is the draw: a 270-acre tropical-feeling oasis of dwarf palmettos along the San Marcos River, with a fishing lake, paddling, and shaded trails. Reserve through the Texas Parks and Wildlife system, and grab the single full-hookup site early. It is the most scenic camping in the immediate Gonzales area.
Are Gonzales RV parks pet-friendly?
Most are. River Acres RV Park has a dedicated dog park and welcomes pets across its sites, and the other private parks generally accommodate dogs since many camping families travel with them. Palmetto State Park allows leashed pets in the campground under standard Texas Parks and Wildlife rules, though not in buildings. Gonzales Independence Park, as a city park, is dog-friendly outdoors as well. Policies on number of pets and designated areas vary, so confirm the specifics when you book and bring proof of vaccinations. For a pet-friendly stay in Gonzales, you will have plenty of choices, with River Acres a particularly easy fit.
Can I camp near the river in Gonzales?
Yes, river camping is the signature here. Gonzales Independence Park sits right in a bend of the Guadalupe River, and River Acres RV Park occupies wooded riverfront acreage with kayaks available for guests. Palmetto State Park follows the San Marcos River with a fishing lake and paddling access. The Guadalupe offers fishing and paddling right at the edge of town, so a riverside site turns a Gonzales stay into a proper Texas river retreat. For anglers and paddlers who like waking up near the water, book one of the riverfront parks and plan your days around the river rather than the road.
What is there to do around Gonzales while camping?
Plenty for a history-and-river stay. The Gonzales Memorial Museum houses the original "Come and Take It" cannon and tells the story of the first shots of the Texas Revolution. The Texas History Museum District spans five museums around the well-preserved courthouse square, with shops and restaurants downtown. Palmetto State Park offers hiking through dwarf palmettos, fishing, and paddling on the San Marcos River. The Guadalupe River in town is great for fishing and kayaking. San Antonio and Austin are both easy day trips. It is an ideal base for RVers who like a mix of Texas history and low-key outdoor time.
Should I plan around Gonzales festivals and events?
Yes, if your dates are flexible. Gonzales hosts events tied to its Texas Revolution heritage, most notably Come and Take It weekend celebrating the 1835 battle, which draws visitors and can fill area campgrounds and the city park. If you want to attend, book your RV site well in advance, since local capacity is limited. If you prefer a quiet camping trip, check the town event calendar and plan around the big weekends, when demand and traffic rise. Either way, knowing the dates before you book helps you either join the festivities or find the calm river stay you are after.
Is Gonzales a good base for exploring central Texas?
It is a comfortable, central base. Gonzales sits on US-183 and US-90A with I-10 a short run north, putting San Antonio about 75 miles west and Austin roughly 65 miles northwest, both easy day trips from a campsite. Closer in, you have deep Texas history at the museums and square, the Guadalupe River for fishing and paddling, and Palmetto State Park for a scenic natural break. Camping is affordable and services line US-183. For RVers who want to explore the central Texas corridor without paying big-city campground prices or fighting urban traffic, Gonzales makes an easy and pleasant home base.
Do I need reservations, or can I show up and find a site?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the warm months and around local festivals. Palmetto State Park books through Texas Parks and Wildlife, and its limited sites, particularly the single full-hookup one, go fast on nice-weather weekends. Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks like 4L RV and Cabins usually have more give thanks to their capacity, but summer weekends and Come and Take It weekend tighten quickly. Because Texas city lots are not set up for camping, you should not count on an informal fallback, so confirm a reservation before you arrive in peak season rather than gambling on a walk-up site.
What are the best RV parks in Gonzales, Texas?
The most distinctive is Gonzales Independence Park, a city-run park on the Guadalupe River with 21 full-hookup sites a short walk from the historic square. For a scenic natural setting, Palmetto State Park about 15 miles northwest offers water-and-electric and one full-hookup site among lush dwarf palmettos along the San Marcos River. On the private side, River Acres RV Park sits on wooded riverfront with full hookups, kayaks, and a dog park, and 4L RV and Cabins offers dozens of full-hookup sites plus cabins for longer stays. Between them you can pick a budget public riverside night or a full-service private base.
Do Gonzales RV parks have full hookups?
Yes, several do. Gonzales Independence Park offers 21 full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer right on the Guadalupe River. River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins are private parks with full hookups and 30- and 50-amp service. Palmetto State Park is the main partial exception: it has just one full-hookup site, with 17 water-and-electric sites and 19 water-only sites making up the rest, plus a shared dump station. If full hookups are essential, the city park and the private parks are your surest bets, while the state park works if you reserve its single full-hookup site early or are fine with water and electric.
How much does RV camping cost in Gonzales?
Costs here are reasonable and lean toward the affordable end. Gonzales Independence Park charges budget-friendly city-park rates for full-hookup riverside sites, and Palmetto State Park runs at standard Texas state-park prices, both among the cheapest quality options around. Private parks such as River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins fall in the moderate range for a full-hookup night and often offer weekly and monthly rates that cut the per-night cost. Because Gonzales is not a resort market, there are no steep seasonal premiums, and midweek and shoulder-season prices are gentle. For a week or more, ask about weekly rates, which usually beat booking night by night.
How far ahead should I reserve an RV site in Gonzales?
For Palmetto State Park, book as early as you can, especially the single full-hookup site and the water-and-electric sites on spring, summer, and fall weekends, since the park is popular and reservations go through Texas Parks and Wildlife well in advance. Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks usually have more availability, but nice-weather weekends and local festival dates like Come and Take It weekend tighten up. If your trip lands on a big event, reserve much further out. Midweek and shoulder-season dates are the easiest times to find a site on short notice, particularly at the private parks with larger capacities.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Gonzales?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Spring brings wildflowers, green riverbanks, and warm days in the 80s, ideal for paddling the Guadalupe and hiking Palmetto State Park, while fall offers comfortable days and cool evenings. Summer is hot and humid with highs in the mid-90s, so you will want 50-amp power for air conditioning and a shaded site, though river recreation peaks then. Winter is mild and quiet with the best availability, but pack for chilly nights and the occasional cold snap. Just watch for heavy thunderstorms in spring and summer, since the river bottoms can flash flood during downpours.
Can big rigs camp in Gonzales?
Yes, big rigs do well here. Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks, River Acres RV Park and 4L RV and Cabins, have roomy, level full-hookup sites built for full-size motorhomes and fifth-wheels, with room for slide-outs. Palmetto State Park accommodates rigs up to 65 feet, though its sites are back-in only, so plan your approach and take your time maneuvering. The roads in are big-rig friendly, with US-183 and US-90A carrying most of the traffic and I-10 a short run north. For the easiest big-rig experience close to town, the city park and the private parks are your best options.
Is there state park RV camping near Gonzales?
Yes. Palmetto State Park, about 15 miles northwest near Ottine, is the area's premier public campground, run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It offers 17 water-and-electric sites, one full-hookup site, and 19 water-only sites, plus a dump station, hot showers, and a camp store, all open year-round. The setting is the draw: a 270-acre tropical-feeling oasis of dwarf palmettos along the San Marcos River, with a fishing lake, paddling, and shaded trails. Reserve through the Texas Parks and Wildlife system, and grab the single full-hookup site early. It is the most scenic camping in the immediate Gonzales area.
Are Gonzales RV parks pet-friendly?
Most are. River Acres RV Park has a dedicated dog park and welcomes pets across its sites, and the other private parks generally accommodate dogs since many camping families travel with them. Palmetto State Park allows leashed pets in the campground under standard Texas Parks and Wildlife rules, though not in buildings. Gonzales Independence Park, as a city park, is dog-friendly outdoors as well. Policies on number of pets and designated areas vary, so confirm the specifics when you book and bring proof of vaccinations. For a pet-friendly stay in Gonzales, you will have plenty of choices, with River Acres a particularly easy fit.
Can I camp near the river in Gonzales?
Yes, river camping is the signature here. Gonzales Independence Park sits right in a bend of the Guadalupe River, and River Acres RV Park occupies wooded riverfront acreage with kayaks available for guests. Palmetto State Park follows the San Marcos River with a fishing lake and paddling access. The Guadalupe offers fishing and paddling right at the edge of town, so a riverside site turns a Gonzales stay into a proper Texas river retreat. For anglers and paddlers who like waking up near the water, book one of the riverfront parks and plan your days around the river rather than the road.
What is there to do around Gonzales while camping?
Plenty for a history-and-river stay. The Gonzales Memorial Museum houses the original "Come and Take It" cannon and tells the story of the first shots of the Texas Revolution. The Texas History Museum District spans five museums around the well-preserved courthouse square, with shops and restaurants downtown. Palmetto State Park offers hiking through dwarf palmettos, fishing, and paddling on the San Marcos River. The Guadalupe River in town is great for fishing and kayaking. San Antonio and Austin are both easy day trips. It is an ideal base for RVers who like a mix of Texas history and low-key outdoor time.
Should I plan around Gonzales festivals and events?
Yes, if your dates are flexible. Gonzales hosts events tied to its Texas Revolution heritage, most notably Come and Take It weekend celebrating the 1835 battle, which draws visitors and can fill area campgrounds and the city park. If you want to attend, book your RV site well in advance, since local capacity is limited. If you prefer a quiet camping trip, check the town event calendar and plan around the big weekends, when demand and traffic rise. Either way, knowing the dates before you book helps you either join the festivities or find the calm river stay you are after.
Is Gonzales a good base for exploring central Texas?
It is a comfortable, central base. Gonzales sits on US-183 and US-90A with I-10 a short run north, putting San Antonio about 75 miles west and Austin roughly 65 miles northwest, both easy day trips from a campsite. Closer in, you have deep Texas history at the museums and square, the Guadalupe River for fishing and paddling, and Palmetto State Park for a scenic natural break. Camping is affordable and services line US-183. For RVers who want to explore the central Texas corridor without paying big-city campground prices or fighting urban traffic, Gonzales makes an easy and pleasant home base.
Do I need reservations, or can I show up and find a site?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the warm months and around local festivals. Palmetto State Park books through Texas Parks and Wildlife, and its limited sites, particularly the single full-hookup one, go fast on nice-weather weekends. Gonzales Independence Park and the private parks like 4L RV and Cabins usually have more give thanks to their capacity, but summer weekends and Come and Take It weekend tighten quickly. Because Texas city lots are not set up for camping, you should not count on an informal fallback, so confirm a reservation before you arrive in peak season rather than gambling on a walk-up site.
Are there free dump stations in Gonzales?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Gonzales.
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