521 River Park
00 review14690 FM 521 , Palacios, Texas, 77465, United States
521 River Park
$0.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Previously free camping transitioned to $25 per night fee. User reviews indicate no veteran discounts on the nightly fee and dissatisfaction with the value.
About this campground
Tucked along a peaceful bend of the Colorado River, FM 521 River Park beckons as a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds. This 13-acre riverside sanctuary invites anglers to cast their lines into productive waters while paddlers glide across the gentle current. Though the park embraces a back-to-basics approach with primitive camping and no designated sites, adventurous souls will find everything they need: spacious paved parking, scattered picnic tables for riverside meals, and endless opportunities to reconnect with nature. Here, the absence of formal campsites becomes part of the charm—choose your own spot and let the river's rhythm guide your stay.
The park provides camping options primarily for dry or primitive camping. No designated sites are available, and accommodations are basic.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and Seasonsnull
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryWhere the Colorado River meets the Texas coast, FM 521 River Park unfolds as a captivating tapestry of water and land. The river's broad expanse creates an ever-changing canvas of reflections, from golden sunrise shimmer to the soft pastels of dusk. Ancient coastal oaks provide welcome shade along the banks, while native grasses sway in the salt-tinged breeze. The interplay of freshwater and coastal influences creates a unique ecosystem where herons stalk the shallows, osprey circle overhead, and the occasional dolphin ventures upriver from the nearby Gulf. This convergence of river and coast offers visitors front-row seats to nature's daily performances.
Geological RegionCoastal
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is explicitly noted in official descriptions of the facilities.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy at campsites. However, there are no designated sites, as noted by one reviewer.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 3 nights based on user review.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group sites are described or mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo designated campsites, picnic tables and paved parking areas provided.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
FM 521 River Park offers recreational opportunities centered around its waterfront location. The site includes a fishing pier and a boat ramp, making it popular for fishing or paddle sports. "Right on the Colorado River with a fishing dock and boat ramp," one user notes.
Fishing
Fishing is a primary activity here, with a fishing pier available. "Right on the Colorado River with a fishing dock," according to a user review.Boating
Boating is supported with an on-site boat ramp. Paddle sports are also mentioned as an option.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are noted.Water Sports
Paddle sports, such as kayaking or canoeing, are viable given the Colorado River access, though no facilities or rentals are explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- May fall under burn bans, restricting campfires and grilling with wood or charcoal.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards from burn bans and zebra mussels as mentioned in official information.
Active alerts"Visit Park Alerts for the latest burn-ban status at LCRA Parks."
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station contact number: 9798692603
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Colorado River. Features a fishing dock and boat ramp.
Common complaintsTransitioning from free camping to $25/night has been negatively received by some users. Multiple reviews suggest dissatisfaction with the value of the fee.
Hostnull
Campground Map
14690 FM 521 , Palacios, Texas, 77465, United States
Driving directions.
The park features paved parking areas with accessibility for vehicles. However, some user reviews mention it may not be very artery-friendly.Nearby places
: null
Nearby supplies
: null
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
521 River Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's simplicity, scenic riverfront location, and the mix of free and low-cost camping policies. However, the lack of formalized amenities such as hookups and flush toilets is noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the park's scenic riverfront setting, cleanliness, and accessibility for primitive camping. One reviewer called it a "wonderful free RV camping spot," appreciating the paved areas...
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Common Concerns
Several users complained about the transition from free to paid camping and the lack of amenities like flush toilets, designated sites, or veteran discounts.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
If planning to stay, arrive early to secure a good spot because the park lacks designated sites. Bring all necessary supplies as there are no camp stores or major facilities.
Seasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are noted in the reviews.
Camper Quotes
"A wonderful free RV camping spot with nice paved parking area and picnic tables" - Rebecca Lents. "Free Camping for maximum of 3 nights. Right on the Colorado River with a fishing dock and boat...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specify particular site numbers or areas, as the campground lacks designated campsites.
Accessibility Features
Handicap access is mentioned in the official features, but no specific reviews from disabled users elaborate on experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025