Garner State Park: A Practical Guide to Planning Your Visit

Your Adventure in the Texas Hill Country Awaits

Garner State Park is Texas' most popular state park for overnight camping, drawing over half a million visitors annually to its 1,420 acres along the Frio River. Located in Concan, this beloved destination offers swimming, tubing, hiking, nightly summer dances, and scenic trails—including the iconic climb up Mount Old Baldy.

Quick Facts About Garner State Park:

• Location: 234 RR 1050, Concan, Texas 78838 (Uvalde County)

• Size: 1,420 acres established in 1941

• Entrance Fee: $8 per person (ages 13+)

• Park Hours: 8am-10pm (extended to 11pm during summer dances)

• Camping Options: RV sites ($15-$35/night), tent sites, screened shelters ($30-$35), cabins ($130-$150)

• Reservations: Required; book up to 5 months in advance

• Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day (park often fills by 10am)

Situated on the Edwards Plateau, the park's landscape of limestone cliffs and deep canyons was shaped by the Frio River. Its original facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and it was named for John Nance Garner, a former U.S. Vice President.

The Frio River is the main draw, with cool waters perfect for summer tubing. A hike up Mount Old Baldy offers panoramic views, and the park is a habitat for endangered birds and ancient bald cypress trees. The park has two main areas: Old Garner, near the main activities, and New Garner, offering more secluded camping. Reservations are crucial during peak season, as the park often closes to day visitors by noon due to capacity.

I'm Jonathan Dies, owner of DFW RV Rentals. We help families from the Dallas-Fort Worth area enjoy Garner State Park in our comfortable, well-maintained RVs, ensuring a stress-free and memorable adventure.

What to See and Do: Activities and Attractions for Everyone

Garner State Park offers a wealth of activities for every visitor, from adventure seekers to those looking for relaxation. While the Frio River is the main attraction, the park's trails and unique traditions provide a complete outdoor experience.

The Frio River is the heart of the park, offering a cool escape from the Texas heat. Tubing is the most popular activity, but you can also swim, kayak, and paddle boat, with rentals available in the park. For those who prefer to stay on land, the park has over 16 miles of scenic hiking trails for all skill levels, plus miniature golf for family fun.

A long-standing tradition is the nightly summer dance at the Pavilion, where visitors of all ages gather under the stars. Other popular activities include fishing in the Frio River (a fishing license is required), picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Planning your RV camping adventure to Garner State Park opens up a world of possibilities for comfort and convenience. To learn more about how to make your RV trip epic, check out our Tips for planning your RV camping adventure.

Main Attractions at Garner State Park

Garner State Park is peppered with landmarks and facilities that are integral to its charm and functionality.

Mount Old Baldy, a prominent limestone peak, offers a challenging hike to its 1,849-foot summit. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the Frio River valley, making it a must-do for hikers and photographers.

Crystal Cave is a natural limestone cave large enough to enter, offering a touch of adventure. The Pavilion is the park's social hub, famous for hosting the nightly summer dances that have created cherished memories for generations.

Convenient amenities include the Garner Grill for meals, the Park Store for essentials and souvenirs, a Boat House for rentals, and an ice cream shop to cool off.

The Park's Rich History and Natural Wonders

The story of Garner State Park is deeply intertwined with Texas history and the natural forces that shaped its landscape.

The park, established in 1941, is named for John Nance Garner (“Cactus Jack”), a Uvalde County native who served as Vice President of the United States under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The park's iconic stone buildings, bridges, and trails were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. This craftsmanship is a key part of the park's rustic charm and enduring legacy.

Geologically, the park's rugged terrain of limestone cliffs and deep canyons is part of the Edwards Plateau and Balcones Canyonlands. This unique setting, shaped by the Balcones Fault Zone, creates the park's scenic beauty and biodiversity.

For those interested in delving deeper into the park's historical context, we recommend you Learn more from the Handbook of Texas.

Natural Environment of Garner State Park

Garner State Park is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Majestic Bald Cypress trees, some up to 600 years old, line the Frio River. They are vital to the river's ecosystem, providing shelter for wildlife and helping to prevent erosion. The park's landscape also features the Texas Madrone, an evergreen tree with distinctive, smooth, reddish-brown bark.

The park is a critical habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. Other common wildlife includes white-tailed deer, raccoons, and armadillos.

Visitors should be aware of feral hogs in the area. These wild pigs can be destructive, so it is crucial not to leave any food unattended and to secure all coolers and provisions.

Your Complete Guide to RV Lodging and Camping at Garner State Park

Choosing where to stay is a key part of planning your trip. As Texas' most popular park for overnight camping, reservations are essential. The park is divided into two main sections: Old Garner and New Garner.

Old Garner (Pecan Grove, Oakmont) is the "premium" section, close to concessions, the dance pavilion, and deeper swimming areas. New Garner (Live Oak, Cypress Springs, Rio Frio, Shady Meadows, River Crossing, and Persimmon Hill) offers more secluded, quiet camping.

To help you decide, here's a comparison of common RV and tent camping options:

Feature	RV Campsites	Tent Campsites
Capacity	Up to 8 people per site	Up to 8 people per site
Amenities	Electrical hookups (30/50 amp), water hookups, sewer hookups (full hookup sites), picnic table, fire ring, grill, lantern post	Water access (at site or nearby), picnic table, fire ring, grill, lantern post, restroom/shower access
Price Range	$15 - $35 per night (plus entrance fee)	$15 - $20 per night (plus entrance fee)
Pet Policy	Pets allowed on leash, not inside buildings	Pets allowed on leash, not inside buildings
Location	Available in both Old and New Garner	Primarily in New Garner, some in Old Garner
Generator Use	Quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) enforced	Quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) enforced

In addition to campsites, the park also offers screened shelters ($30-$35/night) and cabins ($130-$150/night). Cabins provide climate control and kitchen facilities but require a 2-night minimum stay and do not allow pets. All rates are in addition to the daily entrance fee.

Choosing the right campsite is crucial for a memorable trip. For more insights, explore our article on the Best RV Camping Spots in Texas.

RV Camping

An RV trip is the ultimate way to experience Garner State Park. The park is well-equipped to accommodate various RV sizes and needs.

RV camping options include:

• Full Hookup Campsites (New Garner): 12 sites in the Shady Meadows area with water, electricity, and sewer. $35/night. Tents are not allowed in this area.

• Campsites with 50 Amp Electricity (New Garner): 137 sites with 50-amp service and water. $26/night.

• Campsites with Electricity (Old Garner): 39 sites with 30-amp service and water. $26/night.

• Campsites with 30 Amp Electricity (New Garner): 35 sites with 30-amp service and water. $22/night.

• Campsites with Water (Old Garner): 49 sites with water only. $20/night.

• Campsites with Water (New Garner): 75 sites with water only. $15/night.

All RV sites include a picnic table, fire ring with a grill, and a lantern post. Generator quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) are strictly enforced. Most RV sites have a capacity of 8 people.

Excess vehicle parking is $5 nightly. Contact the park at (830) 232-6132 for current details.

Our fleet at DFW RV Rentals is perfectly suited for these sites. For more detailed information, read our guide to the Best RV Parks in Texas for 2025.

Tent Camping

For a classic outdoor adventure, traditional tent camping remains a cherished experience at Garner State Park. Tent campsites are located mostly in the more secluded New Garner section, though some water-only sites in Old Garner also accommodate tents.

Each tent campsite typically includes:

• Water access (at the site or nearby)

• A picnic table

• A fire ring with a grill

• A lantern post

Tent campers have access to restrooms and showers. Like all campsites, tent sites have an 8-person capacity and must observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Pets are welcome at tent sites but must be leashed and are not allowed in any park buildings. Always clean up after your pet.

Some specific areas, like the Shady Meadows (Full Hookup Campsites), do not allow tent camping. Always check site details when booking.

Planning Your Trip: Reservations, Fees, and Essential Info

Careful planning is essential for a trip to the popular Garner State Park. To guarantee entry, reservations are strongly recommended.

During peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the park often reaches capacity and closes to day-use visitors by 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Book overnight stays (camping, shelters, cabins) up to 5 months in advance and day-use passes up to 1 month in advance. Group facilities can be booked up to 12 months out.

Park hours are generally 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. During the summer dance season, hours are extended to 11 p.m., with gates closing at 11:30 p.m.

You can check availability and make all park reservations on the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

The park's address is 234 RR 1050, Concan, Texas 78838. The drive from San Antonio is about 1.5-2 hours. A common route is US-90 W to Uvalde, then north on US-83 N to RR 1050.

Park Fees and Policies

Understanding the park's fees and policies is crucial for a smooth visit. The daily entrance fee is $8 per person for ages 13 and older. This is in addition to any overnight fees. Entry is free for Texas State Park Pass holders.

Here’s a breakdown of the nightly rates for lodging:

• Cabins (with Fireplace): $150

• Cabins (Without a Fireplace): $130

• Group Camp (Cypress Springs): $400

• Full Hookup Campsite (New Garner): $35

• Campsite with Electricity (Old Garner): $26

• Campsite with 50 Amp Electricity (New Garner): $26

• Campsite with 30 Amp Electricity (New Garner): $22

• Campsite with Water (Old Garner): $20

• Campsite with Water (New Garner): $15

Excess vehicle parking may incur a $5 nightly fee. The pet policy allows leashed pets in most outdoor areas but not inside any park buildings (cabins, shelters, restrooms, etc.). Always clean up after your pet.

Regarding the cancellation policy, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow others to visit. Terms can be found on the reservation website. For late arrivals after gate closing, contact the park directly. You may be able to wait in the Headquarters parking lot until the office opens at 8 a.m. You must register by 9 a.m. the next morning to avoid cancellation.

A 14-day maximum stay is enforced during peak season. This limit is not enforced during the off-season (after Labor Day to before Memorial Day). For stays longer than 14 days that cross seasons, contact the Customer Service Center after making your initial reservation.

For more detailed information on RV park rates across Texas, check out our guide on RV Park Rates in Texas: What to Expect and How to Save.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Garner

We know you might have a few more questions as you finalize your plans for Garner State Park. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive:

How far in advance should I make reservations?

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 5 months in advance for campsites (RV, tent, screened shelters) and cabins. Due to the park's immense popularity, especially during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and holidays, booking as early as possible is crucial as sites fill up incredibly quickly. For day-use passes, reservations open 1 month in advance, and for group camps/halls, you can book up to 12 months out. We often hear stories of visitors being turned away because the park reached capacity by noon, so don't delay!

Are pets allowed at Garner State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of Garner State Park, including on trails and at campsites, but they must always be kept on a leash. Pets are strictly not permitted inside any park buildings, including cabins, screened shelters, restrooms, or the Pavilion. This policy helps maintain cleanliness and comfort for all visitors. Always be a responsible pet owner by cleaning up after your furry friends.

What are the must-do activities for a first-time visitor?

For a truly quintessential Garner State Park experience, first-time visitors should prioritize three key activities:

1. Floating or Swimming in the Frio River: This is the park's signature attraction. The crystal-clear, cool waters are incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot Texas day. Rent a tube or simply wade in and enjoy the natural beauty.

2. Hiking to the Top of Mount Old Baldy: The climb might be a bit strenuous, but the panoramic views of the Frio River valley from 1,849 feet above sea level are absolutely breathtaking and well worth the effort.

3. Experiencing the Nightly Summer Dance at the Pavilion: This cherished tradition brings generations together for an evening of music and dancing under the stars. It's a unique and lively community experience that captures the heart of Garner State Park.

Start Your Unforgettable Texas Adventure

Garner State Park is a top Texas destination, blending natural beauty, history, and family fun. From hiking scenic trails and cooling off in the Frio River to its famous nightly dances, the park offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Planning ahead is the key to a successful trip.

For a comfortable and convenient journey from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, consider a top-quality motorhome from DFW RV Rentals. Our regularly maintained, cleaned, and sanitized RVs and first-class service let you focus on making memories at this incredible park.

Don't just dream of your next adventure. Start planning your RV trip today and find why Garner State Park is Texas' most beloved camping destination.