Welcome to Garner State Park’s enchanted world! Garner State Park is a natural sanctuary that attracts people from near and far to immerse themselves in its breathtaking beauty and abundance of recreational options. It is located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. This prized gem is certain to captivate your senses and leave you with priceless memories, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or just searching for a peaceful respite from all the activity of everyday life.
When you enter Garner State Park, you enter a world where undulating hills, spotless rivers, and dense vegetation combine to create an amazing background that will amaze you. The extensive system of paths in the park will take you through a spectacular fabric of landscapes, from rocky canyons to serene meadows, exhibiting the natural diversity of the area in all its beauty. The Frio River, the park’s crown jewel, runs through its center and provides chances for kayaking, tubing, and swimming. With towering cypress trees, joyous fellow nature lovers, and crystal-clear waters, it invites you to submerge yourself in refreshing happiness.
Garner State Park offers a wide range of thrilling activities for people looking for adventure. Put on your hiking boots and set out on an exciting hike along one of the park’s routes, which all lead to distinctive view spots and undiscovered gems. There is a trail for every level of explorer, from the strenuous Old Baldy Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views from the peak, to the peaceful Crystal Cave Trail, where you can explore an underground gem. Don’t forget to bring your fishing supplies since the Frio River is renowned for its abundance of fishing spots, which promise calm while you cast your line and wait for the ideal catch.
At Garner State Park, campers will discover a paradise with a variety of options to fit their preferences. The park offers a range of amenities to suit your preferences, whether you enjoy tent camping beneath a starry sky, cuddling up in a rustic cabin, or embracing the luxuries of an RV. Imagine spending time with loved ones over a roaring campfire, laughing and telling tales as the sounds of nature soothe you to sleep. Prepare yourself for another day of exploration and adventure as you awaken to the sound of songbirds and the scent of a morning breeze.
At Garner State Park, photographers and wildlife lovers won’t run out of ideas. The park offers an ever-changing canvas for capturing magnificent scenes, from golden sunrises throwing their warm comfort on the riverbanks to spectacular sunsets painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors. As you come across a variety of wildlife, from playful deer to elusive birds, peacefully coexisting in their natural habitat, keep your camera ready.
But Garner State Park is more than just a lovely location; it’s also a place of history and neighborhood. The park, which was founded in 1941, has a lengthy history that is reflected in its natural settings. You can find historical relics on the property as you explore it, including classic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) buildings that blend in with the surroundings and prehistoric Native American rock art.
Take advantage of the chance to interact with like-minded nature lovers and eager explorers as you set out on your adventure to learn more about visiting Garner State Park. Utilize the hashtags we supplied to share your adventures, tales, and advice while immersing yourself in a digital community that brings Garner State Park’s treasures to life.
History
It was named after Vice-President of the United States from 1933 to 1941 Jack Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner. President Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression to employ young men.
The rock structures and huts in Garner were constructed by the CCC while they were there. The CCC created other Texas State Parks at the time, in addition to National Parks, in addition to Garner State Park.
For camping, there are 335 spots, 37 screened shelters, and 17 old stone cabins. Each one has a fire ring and picnic table, making it ideal for a barbeque. However, you may find the most recent burn bans on the park’s website.
Camping guests can rent SUPs, tubes, and kayaks at the concession building. Rentable items include portable heaters, fans, and even tables.
2.9 miles of Frio River access are available at Garner State Park, which is 10 miles north of Concan, Texas, at 234 RR 1050. Children under 12 are admitted free, while admission is $8 for adults (13 and older).
When To Visit Texas
Garner State Park is accessible all year round, but depending on when you visit, you can have a very different experience.
Spring
Except for Spring Break, visiting in the spring can be a fantastic way to avoid crowds. Swimming is undoubtedly an option given the rising temperatures, but other outdoor activities like hiking or riding aren’t discouraged by the heat.
Summer
The hottest time of year to travel is unquestionably summer. The best season to float the Frio River is now, when temperatures can easily reach triple digits, but this is also the worst time to go bicycling or trekking. Although the majority of the paths are short, around three miles, there is little to no shade, making it easy for tourists to become dehydrated and sunburned. Always use enough of sunscreen, drink lots of water, and stay out of the sun’s direct rays to avoid this.
The most popular season to travel is summer. Most parents decide to take their family holidays during the summer when the kids are off from school. As a result, summertime is when there are the most events. This includes the summertime dances and trips guided by guides. If you do choose to travel during the summer, be careful to prepare and book your accommodations well in advance.
Fall
Similar to spring, fall is a fantastic season to go because the weather is more moderate and there are fewer people in the park.
Winter
The least frequent season for travel is winter. The Frio River’s water temperature is stable throughout the year, however, the cold weather makes it less appealing to swim in. A benefit of fewer tourists is, however, that the park becomes much calmer, quieter, and more peaceful.
How to Get There
In the South Texas hill country sits Garner State Park. The nearest airports are in San Antonio and Del Rio. Both offer the ability to rent vehicles.
- San Antonio: 91 miles, 1-hour 38-minute drive
- Fredericksburg: 99 miles, 1-hour 36-minute drive
- Del Ri: 104 miles, 1-hour 45-minute drive
- Austin: 169 miles, 3-hour drive
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Entrance Fees
Entry costs are assessed per person, not per vehicle. For individuals who are thirteen years old or older, there is a $8 daily cost. Anyone under the age of twelve is free. We strongly advise buying your tickets in advance because the park has a daily visitation restriction. When they approach capacity, they frequently have to turn people away at the gates. This is particularly true over the summer, on holidays, and on the weekends.
It is strongly advised obtaining the Texas State Park Pass if you intend to visit further Texas state parks. You and anyone riding in the car with you can enter all 89 state parks for just $70 per year.
How Long to Stay
The ideal hideaway for the weekend is Garner State Park. Depending on how fast or leisurely you wish to visit everything, people advise staying two to four days. If you have extra time, we highly recommend turning your trip into a road trip and seeing other fantastic parks and neighboring small towns.
Nearby Attractions
- Enchanted Rock
- Lost Maples State Park
- Jacob’s Well
- Hamilton Pool
- Big Bend National Park
Things You Can Do in Garner State Park
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Hiking
There are many different hiking routes in Garner. You should just need an hour or two to finish most of them because they are only a couple of miles round trip. Old Baldy Trail is the most well-liked trail. You can get views of the Frio River canyon after a brief but strenuous climb. This is the hike you should take if you only go on one while you’re here. If you haven’t scaled Mount Baldy on your vacation to Garner, you’re just not done! The Foshee Trail and Crystal Cave are two additional fantastic hiking routes.
Swimming
The Frio River is spring-fed and maintains a constant temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Its name, Frio, which is Spanish for cold, derives from the chilly weather. There are numerous excellent swimming locations within Garner State Park’s little more than two miles of this crystal-clear water. The park rents out a variety of equipment, including kayaks, tubes, and paddleboards. For those who don’t want to totally immerse themselves in the chilly water, there are excellent options. Check out the various rope swings that can be located on the riverbanks if you enjoy jumping in. Please make sure that it is safe and that the water you are leaping into is deep enough if you are the first person to jump from a rope.
Summer Dance
Every summer night at the park’s concession building, Garner State Park has been holding a jukebox dance since 1940. All ages will enjoy this event, which is family-friendly. We advise arriving early and bringing your own lawn chairs because there is a limited amount of sitting.
Mini Golf
A mini-golf course is located in the middle of the park right next to the concession building. For those who prefer not to participate in the dancing, putting around might be a terrific exercise.
Ranger Led Programs
Garner State Park offers ranger-led programs to teach visitors more about the park’s history, culture, geography, and natural features. Here is a list of upcoming events that they have scheduled.
Where to Stay in Garner
We strongly advise remaining on Garner State Park’s property. This enables you to enjoy everything it has to offer in its entirety. Additionally, Garner is a very hospitable campground with lots of water, bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and even a small grocery store. For various needs and price ranges, they offer a variety of housing and camping options.
Camping
Garner has a variety of campgrounds, from fully equipped to basic. From $35 to $15 per night, depending on the size of the room. Make careful you carpool to save money because there is a $5 fee for each additional vehicle. Visit their website to make a camping reservation.
Lodging
You can look at their housing alternatives if your idea of camping involves sleeping in a bed and having access to running water. Even though these are undoubtedly more expensive than camping, you receive more accommodations. Make reservations in advance if you know that a lodge is the best option for you because there are substantially fewer of them than there are campsites. You can visit their website here to make a lodging reservation.
Tips For Visiting Garner State Park
Pack Plenty of Water and Sunscreen
Although Garner is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, there isn’t much shade, especially on the trails. Apply plenty of sunscreen to your skin on a daily basis to protect it. In order to avoid dehydration, make sure you continuously consume lots of liquids. Nothing is worse than falling ill or feeling unwell when traveling.
Purchase Tickets in Advance
There is a daily limit on how many people can enter the park. Plan prepared and get your tickets far in advance to be sure you’ll be allowed entry. Because they stop letting people in once they reach their maximum capacity.
Carpool
Garner has extremely restricted parking even though it based its tickets and occupancy on each individual. It’s best if your company can arrive in as few cars as possible.
Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
Cleaning up our parks is important. You may contribute to the protection of our lands and animals by following to the Leave No Trace Principles. Always leave it better than you found it is a wise maxim. You may assist in maintaining Garner State Park’s beauty for future visitors by remaining on all hiking paths, picking up after yourself, and carrying out any found trash.
Where to Eat Near Garner State Park
Concan General Store
Supplying gasoline, picnic essentials, and coolers with drinks. However, the sandwiches with homemade chicken salad are a pleasure. Take a bite of some hearty handmade bread and a chicken salad that is so delicious it might take center stage at a bridal shower.
To be found at 23269 U.S. The Concan 83 highway.
Lost Maples Cafe
Not only are tacos offered on Tuesdays. So enter the Lost Maples Café to find cozy favorites inside a structure constructed in 1904. The kitchen sink breakfast taco is what I advise. Consider a basket of sandwiches or hamburgers.
Regardless of the time of day, you may still order a slice of homemade pie. Find apples, cherries, the meringues—lemon, coconut, chocolate—along with buttermilk and pecans, which are popular in your area.
Located in Utopia at 384 Main Street. open every day at 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Laurel Tree
Enjoy great dinner in a beautiful dining area to make it an evening to remember. Enjoy Chef Laurel Waters’ seasonal and regionally sourced food. Waters, a chef with French training and Provence culinary expertise, combines French technique with Texas tastes.
On Saturdays exclusively, The Laurel Tree is open for lunch and dinner. found at 18956 North. In Utopia, 187. There must be reservations.
Neal’s Dining Room
Since 1926, Neal’s has been an institution in the community, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from spring through fall. Fried chicken and chicken fried steak are two specialties. There is a kid’s menu and hamburgers available for children.
Located on North Highway 127. With a change in hours.
Stripes Convenience Store
Try one of its morning tacos, a Tex-Mex classic, and discover yet another hidden gas station gem. Head to the Laredo Taco Company, which is behind Stripes.
Throughout Texas, including at Uvalde at 2815 East Main St.
Conclusion
An amazing location, Garner State Park allows you to immerse yourself in the splendor of the Texas Hill Country. The park provides an infinite number of options for discovery, adventure, and leisure, from its beautiful paths and sparkling river to its rich history and diverse animals. Therefore, Garner State Park is prepared to welcome you with open arms, whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills, peaceful moments in nature, or a location to create enduring memories with loved ones. Begin your adventure right away to experience the charm that this natural wonderland has to offer.
