Summer

I am planning a short in-state road trip (I am from the Dallas area) for my family this Summer. We have always heard wonderful things about Garner, so we've decided to spend a night there on June 5. It will be a short visit, but we are planning to arrive early in the day so we have time to explore.

Any Garner visitors out there who go tubing? Will there be any way for us to buy/rent tubes once we get there, or should we bring them from elsewhere?

Any favorite spots in the park that we shouldn't miss?
Interesting towns nearby?
I haven't planned my exact route yet, so it couldn't hurt to squeeze in some fun pit stops along the way.

copuswalker

Our family used to frequent Garner State Park. Our kids now hate to travel (at least with us).
Plenty of tubes and shuttles.
River is great.
Swimming is great at the park.
Hopefully you beat the crowds.


We used to camp in Utopia but the grounds closed. Lost Maples State Park may be worth a look?
Have fun!!!!!

PS
Most people like to camp at the old park area. Can really get crowded though!!

__________________
There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

almitra

Man, I can't wait to go!!!!!!

__________________
Sandra Loftis
Card Carrying Member of O.A.T.C. (Openly Addicted to Camping)

rockhill

Years ago we used to regularly go to that area. We always stayed at Ritchies River Bend, (now Yergans). Enjoyed the river and piece and quite there, and the short drive down river to Garner for the dances. we are planning a return this year for the first time in 20+ years.

Great area of the state to visit.

srds

If you get a chance stop by Neals Cafe good eats.You can rents tubes at park.Have a good trip.

srds
Have Fun

riverrat

One day/night at Garner!! Not near enough time to really enjoy the place but take what you can get...The river is the prettiest in Texas so Garner will be crowded. You might drive downriver to Concan where Neal's Lodges are and rent tubes and get a shuttle there for a 2-3 hour float trip depending on how the river's running. (Neal's has been named one of the top ten swimming holes in Texas). If you like hiking, do the White Cave trail (in Garner) that takes you up and over the backside of the Old Garner Section (trailhead found near the shelters) to near the top of Old Baldy. Awesome views of the park and river from there. Easy day hike, about 2-3 hours if you don't rush too much. Just take plenty of water and watch your step! And a flashlight in case you are able to sneak a peak into the cave. (It's a popular destination for kids and such. Bop anyone you see that has a can of spray paint

Lost Maples is a quiet park, much smaller that Garner but it doesn't have the swimming that is available at Garner. It does have The Ponds but if swimming is what you want , stay near the Frio. If hiking is more your thing, Lost Maples is definitely worth the trip (about 30 or so miles away). Though you may be tempted to do the East Trail for the overlook view, I find Mystic Canyon on the West Trail a nicer hike. If you do the East Trail, begin the hike via the Maple Trail and be exceedingly careful on the way down as you descend to The Ponds. Again carry lots of water. I've never been there during the summer but I do know how warm it can get during the early spring. We carry at least 2 liters for each of us then. You might need more in June.

Have fun!!

srds

You might want to check out the Sunset Bat Flight pretty cool.Phone #803-966-2320 for reservations.Also agree with riverrat about spray cans,bop um good.

srds
Have Fun

jaymes

Can you tell me how much cabin rental is? Know when the best time of year, not to cold, not too hot, to go?

srds

Welcome jaymes,cabin rentals are like $80.00 +tax and a few at $60.00+tax they also have screen shelters for $20.00 in New Garner and $25.00 in Old Garner.Look under Wild Texas Logo under parks to see more about Garner. right now is a great time to go ,if you want to swim better wait till it warms up some.Have a good one and again Welcome.

srds
Have Fun

honeask

Jamyes,
You might know that Garner is very, very popular and they work on a 333 day calendar. That means that people can start making reservations 333 days before they want to arrive. I have used that formula many times to get a reservation when we wanted one. Many times, I don't get the time that I wanted. The cabins are nice enough, actually better than some people live in everyday. Not fancy but very functional, nice shade trees. You need to call right now to see if anything is available. Good luck.

Sandy

happybooker1

Garner books FAST! And I mean it. You *may* not get to stay there, but again.... people are always cancelling. If you try to get there when they release the no-show's reservations (@ 9AM) you could get a spot. One night will be easier to book than a block of nights.

We usually stay 6 days and are not ready to leave even then. The Saturday nights at the Pavilion are not to be missed! My son (10!!) got asked to dance for the first time last summer. [He was horrified!]

riverrat

Check out Neal's Lodges in Concan. They have cabins. Not fancy but functional. Not sure on prices, tho. It's been years since we stayed in one. They book fast, too, but it is an option.

As far as the weather goes, my guess would be October or April. We hit the Hill country at Thanksgiving and Spring Break. Weather is usually good but be prepared with everything from long johns to cutoffs with a tshirt those times of year. Early June probably wouldn't be too hot but it'll be crowded.

April should be good for wildflowers, while (mid to late)October is good for Fall colors.

There are private cabins all around the Frio but prices are generally higher than Garner or Neal's.