Best Things To Do In Garner State Park

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast in Texas, you HAVE to check out all the things to do in Garner State Park. This park really has it all! Everything from mountains to climb, rivers to float, caves to explore and so much more, this Texas State Park truly is an amazing escape.

Before my trip, I researched all the things to do near Garner State Park, and I was surprised what I had found. So many people would tell me how gorgeous the state park was and how they go back every year. After visiting the park multiple times, I understand why so many people see the park as something special.

How to Get to Garner State Park

To begin your trip, head west of San Antonio. Soon you’ll find yourself deep in the surprisingly green and mountainous landscape that keeps you saying wow I can’t believe this is in Texas!

After leaving the city, and making the journey towards the deep heart of the Hill Country, I like to experience the surrounding area as much as possible. So on every road trip, I always check the map to see if there are other amazing parks or landmarks to explore.

Before going into Garner State Park we visited Lost Maples State Park. It’s another gorgeous state park definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re already traveling from San Antonio. It’ll be on your way and is less than an hour from Garner State Park. Aside from the picturesque parks, I have to talk about the drive.

Holy Moly! Driving from Lost Maples to Garner was unexpected and an incredible Texas experience. As the road climbs in elevation, curving around mountains covered in oak trees, suddenly your treated with amazing landscape. Layers of distant shades of blue and green mountain tops surround you as far as the eye can see. Take the drive in mid-November to see leaves reshaping the landscape with colors of orange and yellow.

The road I took was Ranch Road 337 E. Save this map below to plan for your future trip to see Texas’ well kept secret with spectacular views.

Favorite Things to do at Garner State Park

Between camping, hiking, swimming and more there really is so much to do at Garner State Park. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular state parks in Texas.

Go for a Hike

Located in Concan, TX one of the major things to do in Garner State Park that draws thousands of visitors to the area is the hiking! In a valley surrounded by mountains, challenging hikes like Crystal Cave Trail and Old Baldy Trail will get your heart pumping.

When you arrive at the top at Crystal Cave and White Rock Cave, you’ll be rewarded with either a mini cave exploration. Crystal Cave is the larger of the two and both are worth hiking to. If you’re looking for wide open amazing views of the Hill Country climb your way to the top of Old Baldy. It’s a short trail but very steep and rocky.

If you are in Texas and you’re looking for good elevation gains, you really can’t go wrong with hitting the trails at Garner Park. If you’re wanting a more relaxed hike, Frio Canyon Trail is a great option that has open views of the park and the Frio river.

Enjoy the Frio River

There’s no doubt that when you enter Garner State Park, you’re captivated by the beauty and purity of the Frio River. Swimming and boating are debated to be the best Garner State Park activities in the area that bring thousands of Texans to the area each year.

Soak in the hot Texas sun while the calm river current cools you down. Sit in the river inside shallow rock crevices, or float down the river in tubes to enjoy this perfect hidden paradise fit for the whole family to enjoy. If you didn’t bring anything a kayak or tube with you, no problem! Be sure to stop by the boat rentals inside the park to explore the river by boat.

Fishing is another favorite to do while in the park. One exciting fact is that while in a Texas state park, you are not required to have a fishing license. So if you’re hoping to show the grandkids how to fish, start at a state park.

More activities in the State Park

Other unique things to do around Garner State Park includes going to The Dance. An event that started in the 1940’s, overnight visitors gather during spring break week and memorial day weekend to two-step, line dance or goof around country tunes from the jukebox.

When the summer starts, the park offers dances every night from June to mid-August ending at 11pm. Dances are held at the Pavilion Dance Floor. Spectators not wanting to dance bring fold up chairs to watch friends and family dance as the sun goes down.

Star Gazing is another amazing experience to do in Garner State Park. With the area considered as a Class 3 Park for star gazing, visitors wanting to stare into stars can easily see constellations, planets and the Milky Way.

Where to Stay inside Garner State Park

Camping

Camping on the Frio river is also one of the best things to do in Garner State Park. Tent camp with or without full hookup amenities next to a warm bonfire, or reserve a campsite with screen-in shelters. The park is also equipped to have guest bring and set up their RV’s. With the park being very popular be sure to make reservations as soon as possible.

We reserved the site with the screen-in shelter and it proved to be useful for storage. You will need to pay a security deposit, and but as long as it’s clean with no damage, you will get your deposit back. You can bring your dog in the park to hike and camp, but they are not allowed inside any buildings, including the screen-in shelter.

Cabins

If glamping is more of your speed, Garner State Park has cozy “>cabins inside the park available to reserve. With a kitchen, bathroom, bunk beds and some even including a fireplace, staying inside a cabin on the edge of the woods may be the cherry on top of an amazing Hill Country retreat.

If you’re hoping for a unique and offsite glamping experience, recommended nearby stays include The Historic Leakey Inn or The Inn Between. Each are a 10-minute drive away from the state park.

When is the Best Time to Visit

With many different Garner State Park activities, it’s impossible to say there is only one time of the year that is the best.

If you’re looking for a quieter time of the year to enjoy the outdoors, make reservations in winter and early spring. Winter things to do in Garner State Park include renting a kayak to emerge yourself around turquoise, clear water. Soak in your surroundings as you practically get to enjoy the river all to yourself. Rent a cabin in the park with a fireplace, and cozy up under a blanket with a book.

Garner State Park-Facts

Ever since the land was privately owned by the Magers Family, Texans have been camping in this area for over 100 years. The park became part of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, constructing many of the buildings and cabins still used today.

This 478 acre park was opened as a state park in 1941. Now almost 400,000 people from all over visit this state park every year. It is considered by local Texans to be one of the best state parks to visit. It even holds rank to the Number 1 spot for the most visited out of the other 93 Texas state parks.

Unexpected things to do nearby

To break up your trip, consider venturing outside of the park. If you’re looking for more things to do nearby Garner State Park, play a round of golf at the Frio River Golf Club. If you’re looking to grab some food, head over the town of Leakey. The Bent Rim Grill is a friendly biker bar with outdoor seating, great sandwiches and an amazing view of the Hill Country.

My ultimate favorite thing to do outside the park in the spring and summer months, is to visit the Frio Bat Flight. It’s amazing that the world’s second largest population of bats is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and is open to the public.

If you’ve never seen over a million bats suddenly burst into the sky for their nightly feeding, its an experience you have to see at least once. The bats stay at a far distance from the people below, and fly together to form what looks like fast moving smoke into the sky.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

When you get inside the park, and realize you may have forgotten a few things, don’t worry. Garner State Park has got you covered! Be sure to visit the park store before considering driving all the way back to town. They have everything from food, water shoes, towels and more.

If you’re wanting a prepared meal, order food at The Garner Grill for a tasty treat. Open in the summer, it’s great for days where all you want to do is relax. More fun things to do in Garner State Park, is play a round of mini golf. It’s the perfect thing do on a summer day. If you are needing to satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by at the Stinkin Sweet Candy Shop.

When visiting the park, be aware of wildlife and especially feral hogs. We had a hog walk through our campsite at sunset. It kept to itself and headed from the woods to the water. Be sure to never approach wildlife, and leave no trace behind.

Also! Because this IS Texas, always stay hydrated whether your floating in the water or climbing up a mountain. Always bring extra water and food with you.

Overall, there are so many fun things to do in Garner State Park, there really is something for everyone. Come for a quiet getaway in a cabin, or reserve several campsites for a family reunion. Be sure you don’t miss out and plan your visit to this amazing Texas State Park!