Thread: Old Garner vs. New Garner

Thanks Campermom! I think we will go ahead and make the reservations for New Garner. I prefer not to be in my neighbors lap when I camp. A little space will be nice. Thanks again!

I agree 100% with Campermom. New Garner is much quieter and affords a little privacy. Old Garner is very noisy and has a constant stream of traffic. As far as New Garner is concerned, you might want to try the Rio Frio area, sites 400 - 513. We have stayed at Persimmon Hill before, which was quite nice, with the exception of the fact that you can hear traffic on FM 1050 all night long. If you are capable of tuning out road noise, it's a great spot to camp.

You asked about other places to visit in the area. Lost Maples SNA is gorgeous. If you have time, check it out.

JohnK

I took a closer look at New Garner campsite info. As far as the Rio Frio area is concerned, sites 429 - 473 are water only sites; so, there would be less chance of air conditioner noise, etc, unless, of course, someone is running a generator. Of those sites, the even numbered sites from 434 to 458 are along the river and look like they might be good possibilities.

Be sure to post a report after your trip! Hope you have a great time!

JohnK

John thank you so much for that information. Very helpful indeed. The dh and I certainly prefer less noise and crowds. Granted Garner probably isnt the best place to go for peace and quiet but I'd like to not be right in the middle of a huge party 24/7. Now I am thinking maybe this should be our first stop instead of our last. Put the more relaxing and quiet places at the end of the trip.

You need to look for spots availabe now! Rio frio is a nice area to camp. There is deeper water below the sites 436 to 444. It can't be seen from the road so a hike through the brush is well worth the inconvience. If shade is your concern, the sites on the river side has only small trees like cedar and such. The odd numbered sites from 433 to 453 have large oaks mixed with underbrush, lots of cool areas. Persimmon Hill has lots of shade but the water is shallow. Bring along some good water shoes, the rocks are a killer on your feet. We're going at the end of May. Can't wait!!

I like both old garner and new garner, but there is are also cons to new garner:

Old Garner:
Pros
* close to all the action: hiking, park store, river dam, dance hall--all within a short walking distance
Cons
* more crowded, more activty, so a little louder than new garner
* camp sites are not as spread out as new garner

New Garner:
Pros
* not as crowded and a bit more quiet
Cons
* a distance away from the action. It is possible to walk to to the old garner section, but it's going to take a while and it requires going up a big hill--i would not recommend doing this with young kids--they will get tired.

I've been going to garner at least once a year since i was born. Next trip is at the end of feb, i can't wait!

The best camping sites with electric hookups in old garner are the ones right behind the cabins.

What great info for someone who has never been before! I would have no clue what to expect without you all.

When I make a reservation do I need to know at that point which section of New Garner I want? Or can I wait to decide once I get there to see it?

It looks like Persimmon Hill is water only. Would the water level (I know you said it is shallow) be suitable for my 6 yr old dd to splash and play around there and can you see the water from the sites there?

Also what about Live Oak camping area? It shows water/electric which I think my husband would prefer. How are those sites and what is the water like by them?

Sorry I am asking so many questions. I really appreciate all the help you all have given me.

Once you choose old or new garner, you will also have to choose between water only (persimmon hill and rio frio)and water and electricity (live oak, river crossing, shady meadows and rio frio). Rio frio has 50amp service and the rest have 30amp service. All w\elec area have regular outlets for your electrical devices. If w\elec is chosen, you have to choose between rio frio and the rest.
Rio frio is divided in two areas; Water only and water \ electicity with 50 amp service. The lower area closer to the river is water only.
Persimmon Hill is located on a bluff above the river. Rio Frio is at river level. There are plenty areas by rio frio for the children to play, mostly ankle deep to waist deep on an adult.
Live Oak is my favorite. We try to camp on the left as you enter the area. The sites are close to the river and the water is fairly deep. From the bath house and beyond, the water level is much shallower (ankle to knee deep).
Just a note, if you choose w\elec, you cannot choose which area until you get there. If live oak is full then you have to choose between shady meadows and river crossing. If you choose 50 amp, rio frio is you only choice.
Since you going in July, I would pack a fan or two. Either battery type or electrical. The heat can be a killer that time of year.
Have fun !!!!

Has anyone been to RA recently? What the HECK are all those codes for Garner?? I don't see a 'key' anywhere. I knew the #'s from OG but I have NO IDEA what these letters mean??? HELP!!

I don't know for sure what they mean. I do know that when you put the receipt on your windshield, the letters are written on the face of the receipt along with your site and departure date. Like this:
CER ----new garner water and electricty
360 ---site #
5-2 ---- departure date

Well my hopes of going to Garner have been dashed. I just called to make all my summer reservations and all Garner has left are water only sites which my husband will not stay at. He has to have his a/c or at least a fan.

Now I need help figuring out what to do next. WWYD???

So far we have 2 nights at South Llano SP followed by 4 nights at Davis Mountains SP. I need to follow that up with 3 more nights somewhere between the Davis Mountains and Houston.

I am new to the Texas State Parks so I have no clue of where to go. Suggestions?