Garner State Park
Concan, TX
The Frio River runs clear and cold past cypress trees under limestone hills, with tubing, a summer dance pavilion and the short climb up Old Baldy. One of the busiest parks in Texas: reserve day passes in summer.
Garner State Park lies on the Frio River in the Texas Hill Country, about 31 miles (50 km) north of Uvalde near Concan, reached from US 83 at FM 1050. The clear river is the main attraction: innertubes are rented at the park store, kayaks and paddle boats at the dam (mid-March to Labor Day weekend according to Wikivoyage), and a shuttle takes tubers upstream.
On land you will find miniature golf next to the pavilion and the trail up the hill Old Baldy (1,849 ft, about 564 m), which starts at the Pecan Grove camping area. On summer evenings the Garner Pavilion plays jukebox music for dancing until 11 pm, a tradition since the 1940s. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, axis deer, Rio Grande turkeys and the golden-cheeked warbler, which nests here from March to July.
Practical: day-use visits require a reservation from March to September and are recommended from October to February. Texas Parks and Wildlife has reported New World screwworm in parts of Texas since June 2026, so check animals for unusual wounds. Check current notices before you go (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Concan, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 29.5856, -99.7437
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February and May. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Shady Meadows Camping AreaCampsite0 mi from Garner State ParkTentsCaravans
- River Crossing Camping AreaCampsite0 mi from Garner State ParkTentsCaravans
- Oakmont Camping AreaCampsite1 mi from Garner State ParkTentsCaravans
- Pecan Grove Camping AreaCampsite1 mi from Garner State ParkTentsCaravans
- Rio Frio Camping AreaCampsite1 mi from Garner State ParkTentsCaravans
- Big Oak River CampCampsite16 mi from Garner State Park
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Garner State Park?
Garner State Park is in Concan, TX, at GPS 29.5856, -99.7437. It is about 10 mi from Leakey.
Can you camp near Garner State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Shady Meadows Camping Area, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Garner State Park?
Garner State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Spanish missions and the Frio River canyonlands.
What is there to see near Garner State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lost Maples State Natural Area (19 mi), Stonehenge II (45 mi), Luckenbach (72 mi) and San Antonio River Walk (76 mi).
When is the best time to visit Garner State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February and May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)