🧭 Know Before You Go: Garner State Park
| Parking | Parking lots fill up - arrive early. Gates can close as early as 8:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| On-site services | The concessionaire sells meals and snacks during the busy season and runs a putt-putt course then. Rentals include paddle boats, kayaks, inner tubes, tables, barbecue pits, heaters and fans. |
| Seasonal access | On summer evenings the park holds a jukebox dance at the CCC-built concession building, a tradition since the 1940s. |
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Garner State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46–86 °F | 70–95 °F | 45–90 °F | 34–67 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Camp Wood, 17 mi away, elevation 1,480 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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).
⛺ Camping at Garner State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Cabins & Lodging | 17 cabins: 13 with fireplace ($150/night), 4 without ($130/night); sleeps up to 4 in base rate, max 6 with extra-person fee; kitchen sink, microwave, fridge, stove (no oven), bathroom with shower, central A/C/heat, two double beds; no utensils, dishes, linens, blankets, or towels provided; no pets; 2-night minimum |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed at campsites but not in buildings, cabins, or screened shelters; contact park (830) 232-6132 for specifics |
| Reservations | texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 512-389-8900; often reaches capacity Memorial Day–Labor Day and holidays |
| Special sites | 37 screened shelters (21 Old Garner, 16 New Garner), 8 people/site, no RVs, no pets, $30–35/night |
| Season notes | Frequently reaches capacity during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day and holidays) |
Campsite types
| Site type | Sites | Hookups | Nightly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Hookup Campsites (New Garner) | 12 | 20/30/50-amp, water, sewer | $35 |
| Campsites with Electricity (Old Garner) | 39 | 20/30-amp, water | $26 |
| Campsites with 50 Amp Electricity (New Garner) showers | 137 | 20/30/50-amp, water | $26 |
| Campsites with 30 Amp Electricity (New Garner) showers | 35 | 30-amp, water | $22 |
| Campsites with Water (Old Garner) | 49 | water | $20 |
| Campsites with Water (New Garner) | 75 | water | $15 |
Blank cells mean the park does not publish that detail. Nightly rates are before the daily entrance fee.
Camping questions about Garner State Park
Can you camp at Garner State Park?
Yes. Garner State Park has 347 campsites. 12 full hookup pull-through, no tents (New Garner); 39 water+20/30A (Old Garner) and 137 water+20/30/50A and 35 water+30A (New Garner); 49 water-only (Old Garner) and 75 water-only (New Garner). Water-only sites in Pecan Grove/Persimmon Hill/Rio Frio limited to RVs/trailers 20 ft or less.
How do you reserve a campsite at Garner State Park?
texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 512-389-8900; often reaches capacity Memorial Day–Labor Day and holidays.
Are there cabins at Garner State Park?
17 cabins: 13 with fireplace ($150/night), 4 without ($130/night); sleeps up to 4 in base rate, max 6 with extra-person fee; kitchen sink, microwave, fridge, stove (no oven), bathroom with shower, central A/C/heat, two double beds; no utensils, dishes, linens, blankets, or towels provided; no pets; 2-night minimum.
Are pets allowed at the Garner State Park campground?
Pets allowed at campsites but not in buildings, cabins, or screened shelters; contact park (830) 232-6132 for specifics.
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 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:
