🏆 Official Guide: Garner State Park — One of Texas’s most beloved parks on the crystal-clear Frio River in the Hill Country — famous for its nightly summer dances at the CCC-era pavilion, the iconic Old Baldy Trail, swimming in cold spring-fed water, and 16+ miles of trails through limestone canyons.
Garner State Park is a Texas Hill Country legend — a 1,774-acre park along the Frio River near Concan that has drawn generations of families for swimming, hiking, and its singular tradition of summer dances in the historic pavilion. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the park perfectly blends natural beauty with deep cultural tradition.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Concan, Uvalde County, TX Hill Country |
| Size | 1,774 acres |
| Hours | 8 AM – 10 PM (extended during summer dance season) |
| River | Frio River — cold, clear, spring-fed |
| Built By | Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) — 1930s |
Camping & Lodging
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Old Garner | Premium — near pavilion, concessions, swimming |
| New Garner | Secluded — quieter, wooded sites |
| Cabins | Available — book early |
| Screened Shelters | Available |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Frio River — deepest near dam in Old Garner |
| Floating / Tubing | Canoe, kayak, tube rentals (Memorial Day–Labor Day) |
| Hiking | 16+ mi — Old Baldy Trail (0.5 mi, steep), Bridges Trail, more |
| Summer Dances | Nightly jukebox two-step — CCC pavilion — 8–11 PM (summer) |
| Miniature Golf | On-site course (seasonal) |
| Geocaching | Multiple caches throughout park |
The Old Baldy Trail
Old Baldy is Garner’s signature hike — a short (0.5 miles one way) but steeply challenging climb up a limestone hill. The reward is a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Frio River Canyon and the Hill Country below. It’s a rite of passage for Garner visitors.
The Summer Dance Tradition
Every summer evening, the historic CCC-built pavilion transforms into a dance hall. A jukebox plays country and pop music from 8–11 PM, and visitors of all ages gather for two-stepping under the stars. This tradition has continued for decades and is one of the most beloved experiences in any Texas state park.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the dances at Garner?
The nightly summer dances take place every evening during peak season (roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day) from 8 PM to 11 PM at the historic CCC pavilion. Off-season dances occur on select weekends and holidays. No dance experience required — it’s a casual, all-ages tradition.
How cold is the Frio River?
The Frio River (“cold” in Spanish) is spring-fed and stays remarkably cool even in Texas summers. Water temperatures typically range from 65–72°F, making it a refreshing escape from the heat. The deepest swimming areas are near the dam in the Old Garner section of the park.
Is Old Baldy difficult?
Old Baldy is short (0.5 miles one way) but steep and rocky. It gains significant elevation quickly on exposed limestone. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and take your time. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lost Maples State Natural Area (within about an hour’s drive) or Hill Country State Natural Area (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Garner State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in the water or on land around designated swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in any state park buildings, including motels, cabins, screened shelters and group facilities
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Several parks restrict dogs in specific areas (Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Government Canyon, Hueco Tanks); proof of current rabies vaccination required
Are dogs allowed at Garner State Park?
Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov. More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Garner State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
