Beautiful park be sure to make your reservation for day passes. We did ours 2 days in advance and got the last full day pass (they also have a pass for after 3 pm a few of those were available).
The view from the swimming area was beautiful and relaxing!
Day restrooms were cleaner than the camping area restrooms, which is odd because you’d think the people staying there multiple days would want to do better disposing of their garbage.
Dav Tre
Jun 22, 2022
Wow!! This place is beautiful and huge. Came in for a day, Don’t forget You need to do reservations the day before. Basically you can go anywhere in the park, you can do tents, RV or hike or bike riding a lot of different activities also. We came for a day and we had a blast. Definitely coming back again next year. Water was nice and cold. Also the have music at night at the pavilion,no it’s not a live band.
Arnav Baruah
Mar 19, 2022
Garner Park's fall foliage is absolutely stunning. The ancient bald cypress trees along the waterway create a pristine environment. Words can't describe the beauty of this place. Let the pictures do the talking.
Best to buy tickets in advance as it gets crowded even on weekdays.
T N
Jan 31, 2022
Garner State Park is gorgeous in November! Hiking Old Baldy is a thrill. It is strongly advised to hike Old Baldy with a buddy, but I don't recommend hiking with small dogs. On the other hand, larger dogs, such as the size of a German shepherd, should be able to handle the climb. Hiking boots, 2 hiking sticks, sunglasses, and long, stretchable pants are recommended. I give 4 stars because the park reaches maximum capacity almost every day throughout the year. So for me, it's a bit crowded. Reservations, even for day passes, are a must, and reserve months in advance!
How much are tube rentals at GSP? Just trying to see if it’s cheaper to buy and bring, or get them there and turn them back in?
Mike Smith | Jun 25, 2020
Elena F Covarrubias | Jun 26, 2020
It's better to bring your own but it's up to you I think they're between &7 to $10 Unless you have a big truck to bring all of your tubes with you I would just tented them there other times i would just brought my own but there wasn't a lot of room to put my stuff in the back of the truck because I have so many tubes in the back so if you're looking for convenience I was just rent them there they're not that expensive to rent them so she can return them afterwards usually we' rent four of them.
Openly displaying of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, therefore a lot of people drink adult beverages out of plastic cups or Yeti type beverage holders. Glass bottles are also prohibited. Drink responsibly and at your own risk.
If you're going for the day, take a canopy and lots of picnicking items (food and drinks). Openly drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited but everyone usually drink their adult drinks from plastic/Yeti cups. There is a store at the park but stuff there is limited and pricey. If you're camping overnight you'll need lots more stuff to make it enjoyable. Have fun!!!
As far as I know only electric and water. Pretty sure there are a handful of sites that can take a 40 ft but not most. The site I got 478 could almost fit my 29.5 ft trailer plus my Silverado. It was shy by a couple minutes feet.
Yes look at the map on the Texas parks and wildlife website for Garner, because some of the tent campsites are super close to the river that runs the backside we swim there hardly anyone goes down there you can take a chair and umbrella and sit for hours in the water undisturbed it is shallow but still has some pools to sit down in
Yes only for daily you may want to call for availability
Does anyone who has recently rented a shelter or cabin know if the security deposit can be paid with a debit/bank card, or does it have to to be paid with specifically a credit card as the website suggest?
You do NOT have to have a reservation for day use. But if you are not there early you may not get in. NO RESERVATION NEEDED FOR DAY USE. Only for over night stay unless you have family in the park. Then all you have to do is register your vehicle for over night.
Yes, there is a few ,it just depends on what you are there to do. But what ever you are there to do you must reserve. Go online. It is per person, I believe $8 over 12 yrs old, under are free.i haven't been camping yet but I believe there could be a deal if you have some one show you the ropes of camping.
Not really, but it could reach at capacity at any moment, and when it does, they lock the gates...so we pre-order or passes to guarantee or admission....and that's just for the day
Yes you can, if you have reservations. Go to your assigned spot. Go to office early next morning, to check in... i didnt get there until around 11:30 pm.... Found my spot and parked.... When i got up the next morning, there was already a park employee checking sites... I just had to go to the office to sign in..
The water is cold right now. If you're up to it, go hike up the hill/mountain.... Lots to see from the top.....
Has there been any missing persons cases in the area?
Joe E | Jun 26, 2019
heriangel lozano | Jun 27, 2019
Nothing really sireous, some times people miss the trails they are following, but always can find the way to go down to the hill. I just want to add, if you don't feel safe to do an excursion by yourself, they offered a camping guided experience, just contract the park and ask for available dates.
I am interested in getting a screened shelter but I am not sure what the age is. I know most hotels require you to be at least 18. But since its a camp ground is there a minimum?
Jennifer moores | Jun 26, 2019
Greg Paz | Jun 27, 2019
I think you have to be 18 and i.d. but it's always full I just go for the day seance I'm only 1 1/2 away
It is first come, first pick of Campsites. If you have a reservation you are guaranteed your camp spot but get there early if you want to pick a good spot off the map. And yes bring your own Charcoal there are grills but you can bring your own too. The water at each campsite isn't drinking water it is brown so bring plenty to drink.
Almost every camping spot has shade but I recommend taking at least 1 pop up canopy. We always take at least 2 and set them up as needed. If you're just going for the day setting up a canopy by the river is allowed.
It depends on the site. The water only tent sites are 15 and go up to 35 for a camper site with full hook up which are very limited. It is also 8 dollars a day a person to enter unless you have the Texas park pass that is 70 dollars a year. They have some rv sites that are water and electric only that run 22-26 dollars a night
Broken bridge is a good place for toddlers. There are areas that are perfect for them and take small fish nets and crackers (the fish love to nibble on them). Take snacks, sit in shaded areas in water, and use rocks to make under water fish bowls for your fish.
It is a short walk from the parking area.
We love this area!
new Garner has so many options ...Frio 1 Frio 2 etc... what is the best choice, for 5th wheel 50 amp and water views?
Debbie Rendon | Jun 26, 2018
Jesse Parkhurst | Jun 27, 2018
I actually just drove the park looking at sites. I personally didn't care much for the Rio frio site, not much shade all mesquite trees. I liked the shady oaks areas of new garner.
For camping you need a reservation. Keep checking the reservation website because people drop their reservations all the time. For day use you don't need a reservation.
We were just there this past weekend and water is cold and low I guess it's always the same seems to me , at night it's not hot though it feels good to camp during the summer
New garner is the best for full hookups and close to the water, yes their is plenty of room to put a canopy up also and I would say 3 the most, I've never known a limit per campsite car wise but 3 would be the most that would fit.
They also have screened in shelters. Includes picnic table & electrical hook ups. Restroom and showers are close by. You can walk to many different sites from camp.
Absolutely, get a camping site with plenty of trees, ice chest full of cold drinks, a couple of friend, and hit the River. Checking in isn't complicated but this is a very popular destination so expect long lines our get there right when it opens.
Campsite fees vary depending on primitive, water only and electric and water. I believe the cabins rent for $110 per night plus taxes and fees. I'm unsure of the maximum occupancy of the cabins.
Last time we were there we saw a converted short bus so based on that I would say yes. However I would double check with them to be on the safe side :)
You know what? That's a good question. I'm not too sure about that. In my opinion I don't think you should have to since you'll be camping overnight. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful. You should try calling them
Yes. You need to get a day pass for each day you plan to be there. Definitely need to reserve a campsite if u plan to camp there. Highly recommend reserving your day pass as early as possible. Each time we've been there the staff was turning people away who did not already have a pass
It is wheel chair accessible and you can look on the map to pick a campsite close to the restrooms/showers. Just keep in mind the foot traffic of other people going to use the restrooms/showers.
No Covid-19 protos...trust and put God first he gave us a Spirit of courage not of fear enjoy time with family every second, minute, and hour you live everything like it's your number called,your last day on Earth
There are no hotels or lodges in the park. There are various types and sizes of cabins available for rent. They book up quickly so try to book as far out in advance as possible.
I read that Garner Park was in the works before World War 2 began. The work had to stopped then. So, in the early '40's. The land was originally park of Vice President John Nance Garner. Read about it online. Interesting. I've been going since I was a little girl. I learned to swim there. I climbed Mt. Baldy before it was safe to do so. I think it's in my blood, as well as my family's. I'm 71 and plan on going in September.
Surprisingly enough, about 2 weeks ago, we we up on the Bell trail, and saw Axis deer up above us on a very (very) steep cliff side. I have also hiked Crystal Cave and Baldy and was surprised to see some of the wild life that inhabited the rocky, steep terrain. Some of which I only noticed because I thought it was natural erosion/rocks falling. Animals ranging from squirrels and rabbits to hogs and deer.
Anywhere from late October to mid November usually. Depends alot on the weather. Also might check out Lost Maples State Natural area near Vanderpool while you're there.
There isn't an rv park here but there is a ton of rv spots with hookups, both 30 and 50 amp. There are pull through and back in spots. This park is huge and tons of options for spots.
There are no official monuments per say however there are numerous structures, ie. Cabins , trails and buildings built by the CCC back in the early 1900's.
The website allows you to sort by only the sites with what you want. So you can click on 'Campsites with electricity' and only those will show, and you can see where they are on the map.
Not near the water, there are picnic tables and grills; cabins for rent are about 100 yards from water.
Its a beautiful park and the water is so clear and perfect for tubing
Water is deep enough to tube and float water is clear were you could see the bottom, but make sure you make reservations they have two shifts 0800 to 1700 and 1730 to 10pm. Great for kiddos!!
You have to go online to make a reservation. Park is open for day use and overnight camping ...although by reservation only! You should try now..the park is pretty well booked but you may be fortunate and find an opening that perhaps someone has canceled. Good luck to you!
Yes I just left this morning and they had no plans to close, as per the nice lady who I checked in with the Park isn't closing yet and they have been super packed all spring break
I've never measured, but my family went there a lot. I recall 3 adults fitting on one side (2 large adults and an extra large adult), and 4 small children on the other side.
Lived here all my life.. never seen anything that resembles a sasquatch. Definitely, not saying not around. Saying If you go and you find something.. Share your finds.. curious.. have fun but besafe
Fall colors are happening now. Best views are anywhere along the Frio River or on the trails that ascend the highest hill tops. Bridges trail has amazing views.
Old baldy trail and crystal cave trail are probably not suitable...especially for small dogs. But there are plenty of other trails that are fine. You are given a map at the entrance with a guide to the trails and their intensity.
If you want to go for the day no just get there early and get in line but if you're going to stay more than a day you have to but it's a great place to go to even if the water's pretty low right now it's still a great place to hang out at don't forget your
I have a Texas State Park Card. Can we use that to get into Garner for 2 vehicles or do I need to purchase 2 Day Passes for 2 vehicles? There will be 2 vehicles with 4 people total!
Annette Kovar | Jun 25, 2020
David Thorell | Jun 26, 2020
The pass is only good for one vehicle and I would strongly recommend you get a reservation online for both vehicles especially if you are going on a weekend.
Is fly fishing allowed?
Helio Hermosillo | Jun 25, 2020
Luis Z | Jun 26, 2020
Yes, but you would have to do it early in the morning or late in the evening, unless you can find a secluded spot to your self.
Is there a limit to how many stay with you in your rv..
Carter Gamez | Jun 25, 2020
Rey | Jun 26, 2020
In ur rv? I honestly don't know, the only thing I'm sure of is it's $8/person. As for cabins, I'm guessing it depends on how big the cabin is. I've seen small cabins and bigger cabins....as for ur RV, I believe that ur choice as to how many can be in there
If you plan on going more than once the yearly pass is $70.00 for the year. As long as you are the cardholder you can enter unlimited times and to all other state parks plus you can get a secondary one $25.00 for another person living in the same address. It's cheaper in the long run. Hope it helps.
Yes, every night during the summer there is a free dance once the sun goes down.
TIP: Take your chairs to the dance around 6pm and save your spot for the dance. Make this an excuse to snag some ice cream while you are up there, the sea salt caramel they have was amazing!
8am but get there early if you want to find a good spot a line starts at 7am. Also make sure you get passes online before you go or they will not let you in.
The earlier the better because this park every time I've gone the last couple of years is always busy and can fill up pretty quick. But if you get there early enough you should be good
You have to get a camp site to stay overnight. They are limited. Reservation is best, but hard to get during peak summer time. Call them directly for best information.
good morning I can go without reservation to explore and shower in the river without reservation.
Irene Isalgue | Jun 26, 2019
Steeler70 | Jun 27, 2019
Yes, you can but only allow a certain number of people in a day
How can I do a tent camper check to make sure my loved ones are ok after last night's bad weather?
Susan Trujillo | Jun 26, 2019
Manuel | Jun 27, 2019
You are asking google locals. Not a park ranger. They will not tell you any personal information. Name, camp site, or if a person stayed there. Only if a person calls you first from there. Tents can hold up against heavy rain. I have stayed in four tents with bad weather. Unless there was a tornado they are okay. Even still the rangers would have helped them to shelter in their station if it was extreme. They have state police officers and park rangers. They are better there than in a city.
It depends on what type of accommodations you need. Ranges between 20-30 for a campsite. If you want a shelter or cabin, it's more. You can try to reserve through the online link on the Garner State Park website. Reservations are necessary and not easy to get if you are wanting to stay more than one night at a time.
Most definitely. FYI. Not sure if it's mentioned in thier rules but there is an understanding of a curfew on loud noise. Most campers are in the campsites after dark unless they are at the eve dances at the pavilion. So rangers do drive through thru the park after dark to make sure everyone is ok.
Yes I made my reservation by calling the number for reservations in the website. Just know that you will need to pay up front for the campsite and the number of people in your party Hector. I went with 3 families and we were able to reserve 2 campsites, there is a Max of 8 persons per campsite, and you can have 2 tents with a maximum of 4 persons per tent in one campsite Brian.
You can go on the TPWD website and view a complete map of the park with exact numbering of campsites and lodging locations that even shows you wh e.g. re they ate in relation to the water.
Is thier still space for today to go camping 4/20/19
Mari Gomez | Jun 26, 2019
Juan Rodriguez | Jun 27, 2019
You can look ahead in their website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
They also have first come, first serve day camping sites, but I reccomend getting there really early, since it's a very popular spot.
Not in the park but there are areas around in other towns that have this
Are 4 wheelers allow in the park
Lety Perez | Jun 26, 2019
Tyler Craig | Jun 27, 2019
No
Looking at reservations and it says Walkup reservations. What does that mean?
Jody Denson | Jun 26, 2019
Heather Alvarez | Jun 27, 2019
If there are any available spots open when you get to the park you can reserve one at that time. I also assume it means you can book your spot ahead of time by going to the park in person.
They have cabin rentals for as ling as youd like to stay. They are generally for four people, but ample space for a mom and dad, plus 3-4 kids... There are restrooms with showers throughout the park... In most cases, a very short walking distance from the camp sites
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Can I reserve a spot for over night even if this a party of 9? One of them is 3 yrs old
christ mendez | Jun 26, 2019
AlysonM | Jun 27, 2019
Good luck on finding spots. We've been looking since October 😕 do too have to park being under renovations spots are limited. The max is 8 but I think y'all be ok
Only kayaks and canoes. Nothing with power. Most of the river is low level, it is only deep for about 1000 yards upstream of a small dam in the park. It is a beautiful park but people are
The ones that ruin it. You will love it this time of year, be sure to hike to the top of the mountain😄
You don't need a reservation to have a day trip at the park. You might want to get a year pass so you can go to any state park free. Also if you stay overnight at any state park it's cheaper. And paddle boats cost a little more. There is another state park that is nice this time of year. Lost Maples it would be free to if you have a yearly pass
Yes they have cabins,however, you need to book far in advance because they are booked for ages....i couldn't find a cabin available for our trip but i found a place close by that was pretty reasonable in price near by and on the Frio River! It has a really nice path to access the river and nice amenities!
If there are no campsites left. Can I pop a tent anywhere else. If I get to the park to late is there anywhere close by? Thank you
Raymond Dominguez | Jun 26, 2019
Lisa Shelton | Jun 27, 2019
That would have to be answered by the park administrator. I am not familiar enough to know other areas close Do know if your planning to be there for holiday make reservations in advance
Yes, but you have to paid in daily basis.. and is not a park business is someone else business. I did actually use it one time and it work perfectly. I do not recall the speed but it was decent.
Actually I believe there is. When I went as a kid I remember going on a hike and we were able to explore a cave. You might want to call customer service for more information on that.
The colors in and around the park are just starting. Around the the first weekend in November should be the time to see fall in full bloom. If your looking for pictures and have time, go up HW83 north of Leakey to the HEB encampment entrance is a great place to take them. Next year the full moon ( beaver moon)on the 12* of November is great for taking nite pictures.
Yes. The park is probably ok. But getting there will provide challenges and more rain is expected so I would not go in that area for a while. There are many low water crossings and bridges washed out and away. Go elsewhere this time.
There are park hosts....Rhonda is a EMT and she is next to site 64 in the old garner site across from the bath/showers...I don't know where the other hosts are. I had to see her after I was hit by a rock
Yes they do offer tube rental. But as a visitor we purchased our own tubes from Academy and it was cheaper than renting them for 5 days. I don't know what they charge.
hi, do you have some mail?, because, i have a lot of questions..
regards!
TheSiul19 | Jun 26, 2019
Patricia Ortega | Jun 27, 2019
You can call them
Do you have to wear wrist bands when there ?
Jojsanchez50@gmail jejacob10 | Jun 26, 2019
Patricia Ortega | Jun 27, 2019
Yes, they have ones for day visitors and ones for overnight visitors
Which part of garner can I drive in and sleep in my personal tent?
Joseph Puente | Jun 26, 2019
Bobbie Lindsey | Jun 27, 2019
Any where in garner except cabin area. Persimmon Hill and Rio Frio water only is tent camping only..no electricity. But any area is tent availability. Make sure you have reservations
Can I bring my own kayaks?
Rollin Gaines | Jun 26, 2019
Patricia Ortega | Jun 27, 2019
Yes you can
How is the water leavel
Nancy Guajardo | Jun 26, 2019
Kevin Wilson | Jun 27, 2019
It is pretty low right now. The flow rate is low also so tubing is not worth it.
Summer dances are held nightly during the summer from Memorial weekend thru mid-August. Off season dances will be listed on their calander. You can also follow them on Facebook for more updates.
Dances are open to everyone but like others have already posted those with day pass only are supposed to be out of the park by 10 pm when the gates are closed/locked.
There is a central reservation line for all TX State parks based in Austin. You can reserve online or over the phone. If you are arriving with short notice, call the park. Garner is often booked months in advance, but the park will know of any last minute cancellations.
Garner has both cabins and screened shelters for rent but the cabins are usually booked solid during the summer months. The screened shelters are a hit or miss. You might find some available. Check with the reservations office for availability.
No publicly displaying or consumption of alcoholic beverages are allowed at state parks but people that drink adult beverages do so out of plastic cups or the ever so popular insulated tumblers/ mugs like the Yeti.
Depends on where you are on the river. Some areas will be lower, with less water flow. But the day use area should have plenty of water to still have fun. There's a website to check current water levels.
Are reservations needed for day use? Is it first come, first serve for sites?
Eliza Delgado | Jun 26, 2019
Mario Garcia | Jun 27, 2019
No reservations are needed for day use. Just the per person day use charge. I suggest getting there early (6-7) and take a number to get through the check in quicker. ENJOY!
In case of an emergency, does the park have EMS Services or provide access to medical treatment?
Azucena Briseno | Jun 26, 2019
Tim Crawford | Jun 27, 2019
The park does not provide life guards or ems service. Im sure the state park Park rangers are traned as first responders and will help to the best of their abilities until local EMS can respond.
Camping at Garner runs $15-$26, tent to RV. Plus daily fee. Getting a campsite will be tough, especially on the weekend, unless you reserve months in advance. Worth it though!
Probably not! I would call day of or check online reservations. Very popular spot! I made reservations a week ahead of time and still had people right next to me.
Can one person who made reservations for a group of campers check-in multiple families with multiple vehicles? Or do we all need to wait hours checking in for each car?
Angie Milo | Jun 26, 2018
Mohamed Elwan | Jun 27, 2018
If you have all the license plate numbers you should be able to check them all in
I was planning on taking my family and my. 1 year old is it a good idea for a baby to go as well.
Ana Mata | Jun 26, 2018
Christopher Drew | Jun 27, 2018
Just like anytime you go outside your home with a child, just be prepared. If you plan to hike have a baby carrier, plan to swim make sure they have an approved life vest, when you have a campfire dont roast the baby only marshmallows.
Yes, you must reserve a spot ahead of time. Can be done online or at the park entrance. I recommend doing ahead of time they sell out on holidays and weekends weeks in advance.
You can just show up but you still have to sign in/pay admission. During the summer they can reach capacity and will not let more people in. So if you plan to go for the day, show up early.
You can fish at the park without a licence. Anywhere else, you will need freshwater. There are crappie, catfish, and a small amount of others. I recommend catch and release.
The rain chance is low but mostly like not heavy. If it rains, just jump under a nearby canopy and meet new friends. I've had that happened and everone is friendly.
Ive been before i usually stay at 4j river way and I was hoping to just park around there because i know the float from there to garner is bearable and we were hoping to avoid having to pay/deal with spring break lines and what not but im sure we'll figure something out