Garner State Park

Garner State Park near Concan, Texas, is a Hill Country destination centered around the clear Frio River, scenic limestone hills and miles of hiking trails. Visitors can swim, float the river, hike, camp, fish, paddle and enjoy the park's long-running summer dance tradition.

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Garner State Park Overview

Garner State Park is located on the Frio River in Uvalde County, approximately nine miles south of Leakey and eight miles north of Concan. The park covers 1,774 acres of scenic Texas Hill Country terrain and has about 2.9 miles of the Frio River running through the park.

Why visit: Garner State Park combines Frio River recreation, hiking, camping and Hill Country scenery in one destination.

River: The Frio River winds through the park and provides opportunities for swimming and floating.

Trails: The park offers approximately 16 miles of scenic trails.

Best for: River recreation, hiking, camping, families, fishing and Hill Country outdoor trips.

Frio River at Garner State Park

The Frio River is one of the defining features of Garner State Park. The river provides opportunities for swimming and floating, making the park particularly popular during the warmer months.

Swimming: Visitors can swim in the Frio River, subject to current conditions and park guidance.

Floating: Inner tubes are available for rent through the park concession operation during applicable seasons.

Paddling: The park offers paddle boats and kayak rentals.

Fishing: Visitors can fish in the Frio River. A fishing license is not required when fishing from shore within the park.

Important: River conditions can change. Follow current park safety guidance and posted restrictions before entering the water.

Hiking at Garner State Park

Garner State Park has approximately 16 miles of trails, ranging from relatively easy routes to steep and rocky hikes that lead to overlooks and geological features.

Old Baldy Trail: A short but challenging 0.5-mile trail with a steep, rocky climb and views over the Frio River canyon.

Crystal Cave Trail: A challenging 0.6-mile trail providing access to one of the park's natural features.

Frio Canyon Trail: A relatively flat 2.9-mile trail offering views across the Frio Canyon and access for hikers and bikers.

Ashe Juniper Trail: A 2.5-mile moderate trail with views toward the backside of Old Baldy.

Foshee Trail: A 1.7-mile moderate trail that crosses the mountains and connects with other backcountry routes.

Trail conditions: Some trails include steep terrain and loose rocks. The Blinn River Trail can also be closed because of erosion, so check with park staff before hiking it.

Old Baldy and Scenic Overlooks

Old Baldy is one of Garner State Park's most recognizable landmarks and provides a bird's-eye perspective of the Frio River canyon.

Old Baldy Trail: The trail is only about 0.5 mile but is rated challenging because of its steep and rocky terrain.

Old Entrance Road Overlook: This overlook provides views across the Frio Canyon. The paved road was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Painted Rock Overlook: The Bridges Trail provides access to views of Old Baldy from Painted Rock Overlook.

Best for: Scenic views, photography and visitors who want a higher perspective of the Hill Country landscape.

Camping at Garner State Park

Garner State Park offers several types of overnight camping, including campsites with water, campsites with electricity and full-hookup campsites.

Full hookups: New Garner includes full-hookup sites with water, sewer and 20/30/50-amp electrical connections.

Electric campsites: Multiple camping areas offer water and electrical hookups, with different electrical capacities depending on the site.

Water-only campsites: Garner also has water-only camping areas for visitors seeking a simpler camping setup.

Quiet hours: Some camping areas specify generator quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Reservations: Garner frequently reaches capacity, so reservations are strongly recommended for camping and day use.

Cabins and Screened Shelters

Visitors who prefer something other than a traditional campsite can reserve cabins or screened shelters at Garner State Park.

Cabins with fireplaces: Garner has cabins with kitchens, bathrooms, showers, fireplaces and central heating and air conditioning.

Cabins without fireplaces: Additional cabins provide kitchens and bathrooms without fireplaces. A cabin is also equipped for certain accessibility needs.

Cabin reservations: A two-night minimum applies to the cabins listed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Screened shelters: Screened shelters include electricity, lighting, outlets, picnic tables and outside fire rings.

Important: Pets are not allowed in the screened shelters or cabins listed by the park.

Things to Do at Garner State Park

Garner offers more than river recreation and hiking. Visitors can choose from several activities depending on the season and current park operations.

River activities: Swim, float, paddle and enjoy the Frio River.

Fishing: Fish in the Frio River and use fishing equipment loaned by the park when available.

Biking: Certain park routes are open to bicycles, including the Old Entrance Road and Frio Canyon Trail.

Nature: The park provides opportunities for wildlife observation, birding and nature study.

Geocaching: Geocaching is one of the activities listed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Miniature golf: The park concessionaire operates a putt-putt golf course during busy seasons.

Garner State Park Summer Dance

Garner State Park is known for its long-running summer dance tradition. Since the 1940s, visitors have gathered at the park's concession building for evening dances accompanied by jukebox music.

Tradition: The summer dance has been part of Garner's identity for generations.

Location: Dancing takes place at the park's historic concession building and dance pavilion.

When to go: The dance tradition is associated with summer evenings and busy-season activity.

Planning tip: Parking can fill quickly and park gates may close when capacity is reached, so arrive early.

Wildlife and Nature at Garner State Park

Garner State Park supports a variety of Hill Country wildlife and provides opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.

Birds: The park can provide opportunities to see species including green kingfishers, black phoebes, yellow-throated warblers and other birds associated with the river and Hill Country habitats.

Golden-cheeked warblers: The park provides habitat for golden-cheeked warblers, including opportunities to look for them along suitable trails during spring.

Other wildlife: Wildlife in the area includes white-tailed deer, Axis deer, Rio Grande turkey, squirrels and raccoons.

Feral hog warning: Texas Parks and Wildlife warns visitors not to leave food unattended because feral hogs may get into coolers and ice chests.

Planning a Visit to Garner State Park

Garner State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Texas Parks and Wildlife currently lists an entrance fee of $8 per person for visitors age 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter free.

The park often reaches capacity, so visitors planning a day trip should consider reserving a day pass in advance. Capacity closures can occur during holidays and the busy season.

Important Planning Tip

Do not assume that arriving at the park guarantees entry. Day-use visitors should check availability and consider reserving ahead, especially for weekends, holidays and summer visits.

Best Time to Visit Garner State Park

Garner can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes significantly by season.

Summer: Summer is especially popular for Frio River swimming, floating, paddling and the evening dance tradition. Expect high demand and plan ahead for capacity and reservations.

Spring: Spring can be a pleasant time for hiking, wildlife observation and exploring the Hill Country before the hottest part of the summer arrives.

Fall: Fall provides cooler hiking conditions and scenic Hill Country landscapes. The park's elevated trails can provide broad views across the Frio Canyon.

Winter: Winter can be quieter and suitable for hiking and scenic exploration. Some individual camping areas have seasonal closures, so check current availability before booking.

Garner State Park Hiking Guide

Garner's trail system includes routes through Hill Country terrain, along the Frio River and toward scenic overlooks. Difficulty varies considerably between trails.

Old Baldy Trail

The Old Baldy Trail is approximately 0.5 mile and is rated challenging. The trail is steep and rocky but rewards hikers with a bird's-eye view of the Frio River canyon.

Frio Canyon Trail

The Frio Canyon Trail is approximately 2.9 miles and is described as relatively flat. It is open to hikers and bikers and provides views of the surrounding mountains.

Ashe Juniper Trail

This approximately 2.5-mile moderate trail provides views toward the backside of Old Baldy.

Crystal Cave Trail

Crystal Cave Trail is a challenging approximately 0.6-mile trail leading toward one of the park's natural features.

Foshee Trail

Foshee Trail is approximately 1.7 miles and crosses the mountains of Garner State Park while connecting with other trails.

Trail conditions can change. Some routes have steep terrain, loose rocks or erosion-related closures. Check with park staff before starting a hike, particularly after weather events.

Swimming and Floating on the Frio River

The Frio River is the central recreational feature at Garner State Park. Visitors can swim and float the river, and the park's concession operation provides equipment rentals during applicable seasons.

Camping and Overnight Stays at Garner State Park

Garner provides several overnight options, making it possible to build a multi-day Hill Country trip around the park.

Campsites include water-only, water-and-electric and full-hookup options. Site features vary by camping area, so visitors should review the specific campsite details before making a reservation.

Screened shelters are another option and include electricity, lighting, outlets, picnic tables and outdoor fire rings.

Cabins provide a more developed overnight experience, with selected cabins offering kitchens, bathrooms, showers and fireplaces.

Reserve Ahead

Garner often reaches capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended for both camping and day use, especially during summer, holidays and busy weekends.

Garner State Park Concessions and Rentals

The park's concession operation provides visitor services during the busy season. Texas Parks and Wildlife reports that the concessionaire sells meals and snacks and provides several recreational equipment rentals.

Rental availability and concession operations can vary by season, so check current park information before relying on a particular service.

Where Is Garner State Park?

Garner State Park is located in Uvalde County on the Frio River. The official park address is 234 RR 1050, Concan, Texas 78838.

The park is approximately nine miles south of Leakey and eight miles north of Concan. From U.S. Highway 83, visitors turn east onto FM 1050 and then continue to Park Road 29 and the park entrance.

Park Contact

Garner State Park: (830) 232-6132

Email: GarnerSP@tpwd.texas.gov

Frequently Asked Questions About Garner State Park

Where is Garner State Park?

Garner State Park is in Uvalde County near Concan, Texas, on the Frio River. It is approximately nine miles south of Leakey and eight miles north of Concan.

What is Garner State Park known for?

Garner State Park is especially known for the Frio River, swimming and floating, scenic Hill Country trails, camping and its long-running summer evening dance tradition.

Can you swim at Garner State Park?

Yes. Swimming in the Frio River is one of the park's major recreational activities. Visitors should check current river conditions and follow posted park safety guidance.

Can you float the Frio River at Garner State Park?

Yes. Garner State Park provides access to the Frio River, and inner tubes are available for rental through the concession operation during applicable seasons.

How many hiking trails are at Garner State Park?

Texas Parks and Wildlife describes Garner State Park as having approximately 16 miles of scenic trails. Individual routes range from easy to challenging.

Is Old Baldy Trail difficult?

Old Baldy Trail is a short but challenging approximately 0.5-mile trail. It is steep and rocky and provides a bird's-eye view of the Frio River canyon.

Does Garner State Park have camping?

Yes. Garner offers multiple types of campsites, including water-only, water-and-electric and full-hookup sites. Specific amenities vary by camping area.

Does Garner State Park have cabins?

Yes. The park has cabins with and without fireplaces. The cabins include kitchens and bathrooms, and some include fireplaces. The listed cabins require a two-night minimum reservation.

Does Garner State Park have screened shelters?

Yes. Garner has screened shelters in the Old Garner and New Garner areas. The shelters include electricity, lighting, outlets, picnic tables and outdoor fire rings.

How much does Garner State Park cost?

Texas Parks and Wildlife currently lists the daily entrance fee as $8 for visitors age 13 and older. Children age 12 and under enter free. Facility and camping fees are separate.

Does Garner State Park require reservations?

Reservations are strongly recommended because Garner frequently reaches capacity. Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends reservations for both camping and day use, particularly during busy periods.

What time does Garner State Park open?

Garner State Park is currently listed as open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Capacity closures can affect day-use entry, particularly during busy periods.

Does Garner State Park have fishing?

Yes. Fishing is available in the Frio River, and Texas Parks and Wildlife states that no fishing license is required when fishing from shore within the park.

Does Garner State Park have kayaking?

Yes. Kayaks are among the equipment available for rental through the park concession operation.

What is the Garner State Park summer dance?

Garner's summer dance is a long-running park tradition dating back to the 1940s. Visitors gather at the concession building and dance pavilion for jukebox music on summer evenings.

What wildlife can you see at Garner State Park?

Garner provides habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife, including white-tailed deer, Axis deer, Rio Grande turkey, squirrels and raccoons. Birdwatchers may also encounter river-associated species and golden-cheeked warblers.

Is Garner State Park good for a weekend trip?

Garner is well suited to a weekend trip because visitors can combine hiking, Frio River recreation and overnight lodging or camping without needing to leave the park for the main activities.