Garner State Park is a jewel of the Texas Hill Country, with limestone cliffs, plunging canyons and the crystal-clear waters of the Frio River running through the park. Days are spent swimming and tubing on the river, and nights are danced away beneath the dark, twinkling skies. This state park was originally established in the 1930s to preserve a piece of pristine hill country and provide work for men during the Great Depression. Now Garner State Park stands as one of the most popular destinations in the hill country for a fun escape into nature.
Where is Garner State Park?
Garner State Park is located in the town of Concan, Texas, sitting about 90 miles west of San Antonio. The drive takes only an hour and thirty minutes, perfect for a day trip from San Antonio to Concan.
Best Time to Visit Garner State Park
Expect to see large numbers of people in summer, when school is out, and the heat draws visitors to the cool waters of the Frio River. Campsites and onsite cabins fill up quickly, so consider booking a nearby vacation rental. The waters may be too chilly to swim during spring, but fall is an excellent time to visit for those lingering summer temperatures and dwindling visitors as school kicks back into session. This is also the perfect time to explore the hiking trails at your own pace.
Swimming in the Frio River
No one can resist the tantalizing waters of the cool Frio River. Kayaks, paddle boats and inner tubes are available for rent to enjoy the river in your own style. Generations of families make Garner State Park their pick for escaping the Texas heat, and once you dip your toes in the water, you’ll come to see why.
Explore the Trails
Surrounded in pristine hill country scenery, the trails at Garner State Park in Texas take you through easy loops to stunning lookouts. Enter an enchanting forest setting of cedar elm, mesquite and live oak trees on the Frio Canyon Trail or challenge yourself on the Mount Ol’ Baldy Trail to the cliff summit where you can take in the sweeping vistas of the river.
Dancing in the Dark
The park’s concession building hosts evening jukebox dances in the summer, a tradition in place since the 1940’s. Today you need to arrive early to ensure you get in before the gates close, sometimes as early as 8:30 p.m.
Visit Garner State Park
Planning your trip to Garner State Park in Texas starts with finding the perfect place to stay. Our Texas Hill Country vacation rentals near Garner State Park allow you to choose from a variety of vacation homes, ranch-style rentals and cabins for your ideal getaway. Contact us today to book your vacation rentals in the Texas Hill Country.
