Thread: 1st trip to Garner coming up

Good, bad and the ugly.
The Frio canyon area is a beautiful part of Texas and Garner is in the heart of it. River is cold and clear, shallow areas and some deeper pockets.
The park stays crowded and the camp sites are too close together for my taste. The facilities are nice and well suited but with crowds of people, some who might not be as caring of how they leave things, what you might find is problematic.

If you have never been before by all means do go. Plan on participating in or observing the dance on Saturday night. A true, living Garner tradition/legend. I have not been on the trails in years so can not speak to that area. I was in the park in April so have a fairly fresh vision of the site.

well shucks we aren't going to be there on a saturday so we are gonna miss out on the dance. The people who invited us to go made the reservations from Sunday till Friday.

Nope, you won't miss THE DANCE, it happens every night in the summer season unless there is rain. It is a must for families to go to the dance. Music wafting (?) thru the trees, outdoor dancing and a soft breeze, it is really a nice part of Garner. We will be there starting Sunday so we will beat you there but I can't imagine that you won't have a nice visit. Good swimming just around the corner. Yippee!

Sandy

Just me and my sweetie that I just happened to snag at a dance at Garner State Park about 39 years ago, but that is a whole other story. Can't wait to get to the river, the yorkies, Kizzy and Lexi, just got life jackets for the river. We are so excited, not sure if they are though . Let you know when we get back.

Sandy

Got back from Garner today. Here are some of the happenings. The park has removed the bathroom at the River crossing area. Old Garner is having some type of piping job done. Men, backhoes and other construction equipment running everywhere. Hopefully when you go, it will be completed.
The river is running low and I mean low. We had to do alot of walking while "floating the river". The best float in Garner is from the river crossing area to the dam or rock beach. Put in at the turnaround ( where the old low water crossing once was) and go upstream about 30 yards. The small rapids start there.
The park rangers are REALLY inforcing the drinking law. They are walking the beach in old garner and walking the roads in the other parts of the park, night and day. If you like a cold one, put it in a cup. I witnessed people having to pour out their drinks while relaxing at their campsite. Even if it was in a koozie.
The dances started saturday night and the kiddos and adults were having a good time. Don't pass it up. Memories are made there that last forever.
Other than the low water level, our trip was great! Have fun and enjoy.

I echo some of the sentiments you've heard already about Garner State Park. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Texas - "Old Baldy", a large hill, overlooks the cool and refreshing Frio River.

It's primary drawback is its popularity. Weekend visits, especially in the summer, will be packed with people. Not necessarily a bad thing unless your objective was to visit the park for quiet and solitude!

If that is the case, try Hill Country State Natural Area. A scenic park that often has very few overnight visitors (it is a natural area so there are no fancy bathrooms, etc.)

To start with, you are heading to the most beautiful river in Texas. It is sparkling clean but it does run low. We have "walked" the Frio a time or two. Garner can be crowded so if seclusion is what you are aiming far, you may miss the mark. 30 or so miles to the northeast is Lost Maples Natural Area. Great hiking and fewer people but no real swimming except at the Ponds. 30 minutes or so south of Garner is Neal's Lodge at Concan. Great smimming hole but not much free parking and usually lots of people.
Anywho...back to Garner...hiking there is good. Be sure you have a map and know how to read it and trail signs. It is easy to get on the wrong trail at a couple of spots but you can always find your way if you keep Old Baldy in sight. Our fav is to go up to White Cave and go left at the old rock fence then around to the downside of Baldy. This is very steep going up and then again down but fairly level the rest of the way. Carry LOTS of water. There is none on the trails. A good bit of shade can be found on all of the trails. As far as geocaching goes, I have no clue but it would probably be a great place for it.
They have picnic tables at the day use area near the swimmming beach but if you want one, get there early to claim it! Remember, the squirrels love oreos!
Have a great time!

Originally Posted by riverrat

To start with, you are heading to the most beautiful river in Texas. It is sparkling clean but it does run low. We have "walked" the Frio a time or two. Garner can be crowded so if seclusion is what you are aiming far, you may miss the mark. 30 or so miles to the northeast is Lost Maples Natural Area. Great hiking and fewer people but no real swimming except at the Ponds. 30 minutes or so south of Garner is Neal's Lodge at Concan. Great smimming hole but not much free parking and usually lots of people.
Anywho...back to Garner...hiking there is good. Be sure you have a map and know how to read it and trail signs. It is easy to get on the wrong trail at a couple of spots but you can always find your way if you keep Old Baldy in sight. Our fav is to go up to White Cave and go left at the old rock fence then around to the downside of Baldy. This is very steep going up and then again down but fairly level the rest of the way. Carry LOTS of water. There is none on the trails. A good bit of shade can be found on all of the trails. As far as geocaching goes, I have no clue but it would probably be a great place for it.
They have picnic tables at the day use area near the swimmming beach but if you want one, get there early to claim it! Remember, the squirrels love oreos!
Have a great time!

Thanks for the tips. We really arent looking for seclusion. I mean its nice and all but I've heard of the popularity of the park so I know its going to be busy!

Any info on the cleanliness of the bathrooms & showers? Do the showers provide enough privacy?

Campin' family We stayed in New Garner at the Live oak camping area. The restrooms were cleaned every day. Each shower stall has it's own bench and new shower curtain. They were clean. The restrooms were only as clean as the people using them.
Make sure you have good water shoes. Flip-flops don't work well in the river and the slip on type need a good base. You will be walking on loose rock the whole time. The park store has tube rentals and is shuttling people to the upper end (new garner) of the park. Have fun.

I cant wait either but I've still got 19 days to wait.