Garner State Park
Things to Do
Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock here each year to enjoy Garner's matchless vacation facilities. They swim in the clear waters of the Frio River, shoot its rapids on inner tubes, rent paddle boats, and hike its fascinating nature trails. On long summer evenings, young folks (and the young at heart) meet at the concession building for jukebox dancing every night during the summer season. Nearby is a miniature golf course, which is lighted for nighttime playing. Meals and snacks are served in the concession building, though many families prefer to take advantage of the many camping sites and do their own cooking. A limited number of cabins are available for rent. The park offers camping, hiking, nature study, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, swimming in the Frio River (unsupervised), seasonal miniature golf, paddle boat and kayak rentals (mid-March through Labor Day weekend), and bike riding (surfaced).
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are welcome at Garner State Park. There are many different volunteer opportunities for interested individuals. Friends of Garner State Park is an organized volunteer group.
Ranger Programs
The park offers a variety of educational opportunities. Check the calendar for upcoming events or contact the park for special tours.
Get more information on the Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped develop this park and numerous others over 70 years ago, by visiting our CCC page that includes the interactive online exhibits and education resource, “The Look of Nature: Designing Texas State Parks During the Great Depression” and “A New Deal for Texas Parks."
Equipment Rentals
Garner State Park concessions offer paddle boat, kayak, and tube rentals, and a shuttle for tubers from mid-March through Labor Day weekend. They also rent tables, barbecue pits, heaters, fans, and operate a putt-putt golf course within the park.
Area Attractions
Nearby attractions include Hill Country State Natural Area, Lost Maples State Natural Area, Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area and Kickapoo Cavern State Park. Also nearby are John Nance "Cactus Jack" Garner Museum in Uvalde; the ruins of historic Mission Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria del Cañon, founded in 1749; Camp Sabinal (a U.S. Cavalry post and later Texas Ranger camp), established in 1856; and Fort Inge, established in 1849. For more information on activities in this area, visit the Texas Hill Country River Region website.
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