“Garner State Park”
Many folks know about the Frio River because of the Famous “Garner State Park.” which is a huge staple in our Canyon. I know many times when I speak of the Frio Area of Concan, Leakey and Rio Frio to friends and others- many respond with a “Huh?, What? Where?” But if I ask- “Have you Heard of “Garner State Park?”….. 3 out of 4 times, the answer will be- “OH YEA, of course I know Garner!”
While out & about on our flyer distributions, video/photo shootings, and other funrivers’ activities; we’ll often see cars with “Garner Bound,” “Garner State Park,” “Garner or Bust,” and other window graffiti expressing Frio Bounders’ love & excitement for the State Park…. Garner amazingly hosts over 200,000 campers every year, making it the “Most Popular Texas State Park” for “Overnight Camping.” 
Garner also recently came in Second for “Texas State Parks’ Best Swimming Holes” in the August 08′ Edition of Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine.
Every Spring & Summer, Garner holds nightly “Jukebox Dances” at the park’s pavilion; where folks gather and boogie the night away! We have a feeling quite a few “Couples” first met during these special evenings- the Beauty of the Park, Frio and Good Music has been known to bring out the “Romance” in people! Besides camping, dancing, and a top ranking swimming hole- Garner also offers 1,410 acres of Hill Country Wilderness, fishing, paddle boating, rope swinging, kayaking, hiking, nature studies, biking, canoeing, home to over 200 species of wildlife, “Old Baldy,” and of course- The “Frio River.”
Garner State Park opened it’s Gates in 1941 after years of being built and was named after former Vice President “John Nance Garner.” There’s quite a story behind it’s developing phases and efforts to establish the park which can be read HERE….
If you have never heard of or visited Garner State Park, it is truly an experience! We will warn you, it can be tough to get an overnight spot during peak times if you don’t book early, however the Park does allow folks to drive through and even stay for the day for a small fee..
If you are unable to get into one of Garner’s Accommodations… CR 350 is right across the Frio and would also be happy to have you!
Garner Bound!
References: Garner State Park Wikipedia & The Handbook of Texas Online
Comments
Comment from Rebecca
Time May 27, 2009 at 10:11 am
i just wanted to say that i’ve actually been to garner state park and it is very nice very beautiful and i cant wait to thier again next month on june 2009 because i am ready to have some fun and my family cant wait any longer! see you thier!
Comment from Liz
Time June 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I have been going to Garner simce I was a little girl. I now have a family of my own and I love bringing my daughter here. We come every year. They do have campsites for tents with water and electric. Though the shelters also have places to fit 3 or more tents outside. This year was the first time that we got a shelter and I loved it. It rained a little so it became real convienant rather than going to our tent. I love this place and I recommend it to everyone… I would be more than happy to answer any questions email at mickey_0097@yahoo.coom
Comment from Carolyn
Time July 8, 2009 at 4:19 pm
We are suppose to be going to the river the week of the 19th. Hows
the water at garner state park? Is it running
Comment from funriver
Time July 13, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Carolyn, thanks for your comment… It’s running but we need the powers above to turn on the faucets on high for us. However, everyone is enjoying themselves and the popular swimming holes/ crossings are packed every weekend.
Comment from john barrett
Time January 27, 2010 at 12:06 am
where is the best fishing?
Comment from destiny
Time March 17, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Hey well I am 15 and I enjoyed going to the frio river and swimming to the Garner area to swim since I was about 9 or 10 we have a family reunion every year at camp riverview that is about 5 miles away. The water is very enjoyable and real deep in some areas but you can really have alot of family fun there I am really excited to stay at Garner State on the weekend of March 27th 2009for the first time.
Comment from rebecca
Time April 23, 2010 at 4:14 pm
How is the water levels out there at Magers and at Garner. We will be going out there June 4,5,6???
Comment from funriver
Time April 23, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Destiny- nice to hear from you and thanks for commenting and hope you continue to come up here no matter the age! Always great to hear kids enjoying it up here. We are very familiar with Camp RiverView and actually design their website.
Rebecca- The current USGS levels are 219 cfps which is taken somewhere in Concan.. The levels are remarkably better than year and we are anticipating it to stay that way in June. If you go here: http://www.funrivers.com/PHOTOS.html and check out our Magers photo album- you’ll see recent pictures from less than a week ago..
Comment from Debbie
Time July 12, 2010 at 12:21 pm
My family along with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins went to Garner State Park starting when I was 9 years old in the late 60’s and continued till I was 16 in the late 70’s. I grew up swimming, jumping off the rope swing, and dancing with my Father to impress the guys. We always had alot of fun and I miss the friends I made there. I have lots of stories to be told.
Comment from Patricia
Time April 23, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Where can I find more information on camping with tents. Is there running water? Electrical outlets? What is the cost for camping? I’d like to know if using our tent if our 2 mini dachsunds are allowed in the park.