Garner & South Llano State Parks questions/info request - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Slick · 04-20-2009, 02:43 PM

Hello all -
first post on the forum. hopefully I can contribute something to the forum.

I'm mapping out 2009 vacation and plan to deviate from the norm. We all have our "regular" spots and I'm no different, but I've heard so much about Garner I'm hoping to make the trip this year.

I live north of DFW. We are planning to hit several spots this trip, including South Llano and Garner State Parks.
I have 3 kids (10, 5, and 4) and I'm interested in the riverbed areas and the tubing type activities. I've been on the Guadalupe river around New Braunfels, and I would never consider taking my kids on something like that. I'm looking for a little stream for some fun and floating, not a bunch of rapids.

Can anyone enlighten me on the conditions at these parks? For those with kids (around the same age as mine) can you offer any insight?

Finally - one person in another post asked if tubes could be rented at either park and I believe the question went unanswered. Can anyone speak to this?

Thanks!

rockhill · 04-20-2009, 05:48 PM

Welcome to the board.
The Frio and South Llano are nothing like the Guadalupe. They are smaller, shallower, slower and more 'kid' friendly.

The water level for both have been down due to the drought but I do not know of current conditions.

Tubes can be rented in the Frio canyon area, but not sure about inside the park itself. I know of no places to rent tubes around llano.

Enjoy your visits

honeask · 04-20-2009, 06:21 PM

Welcome,
You may get more advise than you ever thought but always helpful. My children were summer-raised on the Frio and in or around Garner. We have always loved the Frio. We have gone to New Braunfels in the past and even a couple of times when our kids were young but the Guadalupe was never our cup of tea. It can be a family place but also, it can really be too rowdy for young families. The Frio always seemed to be a calmer river and there is so many places to stop and play while you float (or walk in drier times). The Frio is not as wide (in my opinion) and I always thought the kids had a better shot at getting to shore if they had to. There are lots of places to rent tubes, in the park and at other locations around the river. Even a couple of shuttles unless things change this year. Just be mindful, respect the owners wishes and stay in the river. Don't trespass. My "kids" are now adults with their own kids and they both return every year for at least one visit a year and sometimes more. We will all be on the river from June 14 thru the 18th and I am looking forward to watching my grandkids enjoy it as much as my kids did when they were little. They have already started talking about the trip. Just heard from our friends on the Frio, they got less than a half inch of rain in Leakey whereas we got almost seven inches on Saturday.

Sandy

campermom · 04-20-2009, 11:39 PM

Welcome to the site.

Garner has sites within walking distance of the river. Most of the river is shallow enough for your kids to stand up. You can see the bottom almost everywhere ( unless it's a very deep hole). Summer is a bit crowded there but you've got to try it at least once.

SLR offers tube rentals at the office, $6 a day. There are different sizes available. You can rent it for the weekend and keep it at your site. There is an air hose at the office for filling up your own personal tubes/floats/bikes and that's free. We've gotten tubes before but end up floating a little ways, then just swimming. The river is a little faster than Frio, and just as clear. The river is a 5 minute drive from the campground ( or a 15 minute walk). I'd suggest driving, a cooler and bags of stuff get heavy.

Slick · 04-21-2009, 10:25 AM

thanks for all the info.
Depending on the routes we take, we may opt for one park or the other. I know it's probably personal opinion, but given the choice of one park or the other, focusing on my kids, which would you recommend?

thanks!

4everfrio · 04-21-2009, 02:45 PM

Garner. It is a family place. There is so much to do at the park. Hiking, swimming, putt-putt golf, pedal boats, the dance, swinging off the ropes, just playing in the water. On the Frio, you can find water that is as shallow or as deep as you want.(mostly shallow at the moment) It can be crowded but the people you encounter are just like you. A family having a cool time at the river. Wherever you go, have fun with the family. Nothing can replace memories.

MonkeyMamma · 04-21-2009, 05:21 PM

I'm headed to South Llano in July and can not wait! I have heard so many good things about it and I know my husband and I as well as our girls who are 13 and 6 will enjoy the river a lot. I am so glad to know you can rent tubes in case we decide not to buy and bring our own.

Is it July yet???

russ10s · 07-14-2009, 02:46 PM

First post and thanks in advance. My wife and I have gotten into the camping scene the past year and absolutely love it. We purchased a little Aliner Classic (A-Frame camper) and really enjoy using it. We've made it to a ton of the State Parks already and were planning a trip to South Llano for this weekend. However, we always bring our 2 golden retreivers and love taking them hiking with us. The extraordinary summer heat has us concerned though. The last trip we took to Goliad State Park a few weeks ago was miserable. They didn't look so good. So we're looking for some advice here. Is South Llano a "hot" park or are the hiking trails well-shaded? Are dogs allowed a dip in the river? We definitely want to make this trip, just not sure if now is the right time. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

campermom · 07-21-2009, 01:57 AM

We just were there this past Thursday night on our way back from Colorado. There are 2 distinct sections of the park. The high, scrub desert with Argarita, Mesquite, All thorns, prickly pear, and an occasional live oak, will be hot for hiking. The other part has 100 year old pecans, red oaks, live oaks, with tall bushes. Yes the dogs can swim but they still want them on a leash. I've seen people tube with their dogs. There are 3 areas to swim/get in and out. The most popular is the river crossing. The water tends to be the swiftest there. The second is the "day use area" which you get to by going to the HQ, then exit their driveway, straight across the park road, an down a shady, windy 1/2 mile drive. There is shallow slow water, and deeper swifter water. On the other side of the rapids, the water is colder because there are springs underground in that part of the river. This park is a slower pace from Garner. You should really visit both while your out this way. Everyone has their favorite.

SLRSP slideshow

srds · 07-22-2009, 11:11 AM

Great post CM,loved the pics.Looked like a good time for everyone.Water looked sooooo good.

srds

Have Fun

Troop198 · 07-22-2009, 06:27 PM

Great shots CM, wish we could be down there in early August to camp with you just will not work. Rumble rumble

We will be down (not camping) at the end of August, is South Llano a good day trip from the west side of San Antonio it looks like its 100 miles or so. Was thinking of hitting Lost Maples and it just to see them if time works out.

Or should we go see Garner (not checked off our list either) instead

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