Garner State Park is one of the most popular parks in Texas. It is known for the Frio River that runs through it, and is a quintessential Texas summer experience.
It was one of the original CCC parks and opened in 1941. Garner State Park is named after former Vice President of the United States John Nance Garner, who was from the nearby town of Uvalde, Texas.
The park is split into two sections. One section is Old Garner, and the other section is New Garner.
Location
234 RR 1050, Concan, Texas 78838
Cost
The entry fee for Garner State Park is $8 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Garner State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
This is one of the most popular state parks in Texas. The park reaches capacity for both day use and camping.
Make reservations as soon as you know your plans, especially for camping. If you are planning to visit the park, reserve your day pass in advance as well. When the park reaches capacity for day use, arriving guests will be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Garner State Park
Both New Garner and Old Garner have camping.
Camping at New Garner
Campsites with water are $15 per night. The sites have a picnic table, outdoor grill, fire ring, lantern post, and water. Restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $22 – $26 per night. They have either 30 amp or 50 amp electric. The sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill and hookups for water and electric. There are restrooms available in the vicinity.
Full-hookup campsites are $35 per night. They have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and lantern post. They have full hookups for water, sewer, and electric.
Camping at Old Garner
Campsites with water are $20 per night. They have a picnic table, grill, fire ring, lantern post, and water. They are not on the river. Bathrooms are available in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $26 per night. They a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and lantern post. They have hookups for water and electric. They are not on there ever. Bathrooms are available in the vicinity.
Cabins
Cabins with a fireplace are $150 per night and require a two night minimum. Cabins have a fireplace, electricity, and air-conditioning. There is a bathroom with a shower. The kitchen has a sink, microwave, refrigerator and stove. There is no oven and you must bring your own kitchen utensils. There are two double beds, and you must bring your own linens. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin, and tents are not allowed at the cabin site.
Cabins without a fireplace are $130 per night and require a two night minimum. Cabins have electricity and air-conditioning. There is a bathroom with a shower. The kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator, and stove. There is no oven and you must bring your own kitchen utensils. There are two double beds, and you must bring your own linens. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin and tents are not allowed at the cabin site.
Group Facilities
Cypress Springs is a group camping site that has a dining hall and five bunkhouses with air-conditioning.
There is a group hall that has air-conditioning and a kitchen with a stove, two ovens, and two refrigerators.
Restrooms in Garner State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loops have showers.
Hiking Trails
There are quite a few hiking trails in the park, but most of them are less than a mile long. The total amount of hiking trails is 16 miles. Some of the shorter trails are actually some of there hardest in the park because of the rocky nature of the trail and steep climb.
What is there to do at Garner State Park?
You can fish. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shore of a state park.
Swim in the Frio River.
Rent a canoe, kayak, paddle board or inner tube to float in the river.
Have a picnic. Children will enjoy playing at the playground.
Go to a dance. The park has been doing dances in the summer evenings since 1940.
Go mini-golfing.
Ride a bike.
Get a snack at the concession stand.
Dogs at Garner State Park
Garner State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
It can get very hot in the park, and dogs can overheat or burn their paws. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog, and never leave them in a hot car.
What to do near Garner State Park
Uvalde, Texas
Uvalde is a town of 15,000 people located 30 miles from the park. It has restaurants and places to stay. Be sure to visit the Briscoe-Garner Museum.
Twisted Sisters
These roads form a 100 mile loop that is popular for motorcycles.