MonkeyMamma

I've never been to Garner SP before and was thinking of stopping there for a few days either on the way to or on the way from the Davis Mountains and Balmoreah this July. I have heard so many good things about Garner. Can someone please tell me which area is nicest for tent camping? Old or New? Specific sites?

I just got my first ever State Park pass so I am also thinking of day tripping to a couple other parks from Garner. Which should I not miss?

Thanks in advance!

campermom

Old Garner water/electric sites are very close together. The water only sites for tents are in a pecan grove. As with the other sites, there is little privacy. We like New Garner. There is more shade, more space between sites, and less of a crowd. Try to get a site that backs up to the river and find a trail to your own piece of the Frio.

__________________
Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.

MonkeyMamma

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!

JohnK

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

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

MonkeyMamma

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.

4everfrio

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!!

xesse

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.

MonkeyMamma

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.

campermom

We've had site 348 and site 350 in the Live Oak area. Both times was with the in-laws, the weekend AFTER Labor Day. Slightly downstream from where our little trail brought us to the river bank, there is a home on the other side. Somehow, they have a rectangle shaped swimming hole in "their" section of the river. I don't know how they did it, but it's been dug out, rock has been cut to provide a constant flow of fresh water when the river is low.

Upstream from our trail was a dam. Up further were some large boulders with deep pockets and shallow spots. River shoes are required in the Frio. I can't imagine what your feet would look like without them. OK, I guess I can. I love making rock dams and just can't quit. I wore off the skin from my fingertips until they bled. I got out of washing the dishes that night but my fingers hurt!

As for putting it at the beginning of the trip, that might be a good idea.

__________________
Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.

4everfrio

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 !!!!

happybooker1

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!!

4everfrio

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

MonkeyMamma

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?

happybooker1

Oh, gosh no! Don't give up. There are many MANY cancellations along the way & lots of time before July! Believe me! We have been to Garner the past 3 summers now and never had 11-month advance ressies. They're booked up right now, but by May you will start seeing cancellations galore. Heck, if you can 'take it or leave it' wait till the day BEFORE you head out & call the park directly!

Another thing that happens is sites in New Garner come available MUCH more frequently than OG. One, because there are more sites, and two - because 'everyone' wants to stay in OG.

I can practically guarantee you that you will be able to 'upgrade' when you arrive. I have booked dates in NG and when I got to the reservation desk I asked for any OG sites that were available and got right where I wanted!

I don't have ANY ressies yet & you can BET we WILL be @ OG for at least a week this summer!!!!