Garner State Park

Texas Hill Country’s most beloved camp — Frio River swimming and summer dances

Location: Concan, TX (Uvalde County), TX

Price: From $20 per night

Price range: $20–$40 per night

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (7240 reviews)

Season: Year-round

Garner State Park on the Frio River is the most popular and hardest-to-book state park in Texas. Nestled in the cypress-lined limestone canyon of the Hill Country, it draws families for the crystal-clear Frio River swimming, paddleboat rentals, and the legendary summer jukebox dances at the park pavilion. 376 campsites across multiple loops from full hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping. At only 1,400 ft it’s warm even in spring and fall. Summer reservations sell out in minutes — set a cale

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T.

Amenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Drinking Water, Full Hookup Sites, Dump Station, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Frio River Swimming, Paddleboat Rentals, Concession Stand, Dance Pavilion

Garner is Texas camping at its absolute best. The Frio River is crystal-clear, spring-fed, and 68°F even when it's 100°F outside. The Hill Country canyon setting is beautiful. And the evening jukebox dances at the pavilion — a tradition since the 1940s — are a genuinely unique Texas experience that you won't find anywhere else.

The Frio River at 6am before anyone wakes up — cypress trees hanging over gin-clear water, deer drinking on the banks, no noise. This is what people mean when they talk about the Hill Country.

What is new at Garner State Park: 2026: Texas State Parks reservation system. 5-month rolling window. Reserve at texas.reserveamerica.com.

Wildlife alert: White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are common and unafraid. Armadillos at night. Rattlesnakes present in rocky areas — watch your step. Hill Country summer temperatures can exceed 105°F — stay hydrated and watch for heat exhaustion.

Fire rules: Campfires in fire rings only. Fire restrictions common in summer due to drought. Check tpwd.texas.gov for current conditions. Propane grills always OK.

Things to do near Garner State Park: Frio River swimming and tubing. Evening jukebox dances at the pavilion. Old Baldy Trail (1.5 mi to summit with Hill Country views). Lost Maples State Natural Area (35 mi, fall foliage).

Insider tips for Garner State Park: Screened shelters book out almost as fast as hookup sites — they're great in spring when mosquitoes are active The park's amphitheater shows are free for campers — check the schedule at the entrance station Paddleboat rentals at the river are $12/hour — worth it for kids who can't get enough of the Frio

Skip Garner State Park if: You can't book 5 months in advance. You dislike crowds (in summer). You need groceries on-site.

Best time to visit Garner State Park: Mar — Wildflowers. Mild temperatures. Easier to book.. Apr — Bluebonnets at peak. Cool enough to hike. River perfect temperature.. Oct — Fall colors in the Hill Country. Crowds minimal. Perfect weather..

Common issues at Garner State Park: Summer reservations sell out in minutes when the 5-month window opens. Set multiple alarms for the exact booking time. Log in before the window opens. Have your site type, dates, and payment ready. No hesitation. Very popular with large Texas family groups — can feel crowded in summer. Book for a Monday-Thursday stay if possible. Spring weekdays are much more peaceful. Concan has very limited grocery options. Stock up fully in Uvalde (30 mi) before arriving. Or San Antonio if you're coming from the east.

What campers say about Garner State Park: "Five generations of my family have camped at Garner. The jukebox dance is a Texas tradition like no other." — Google Reviews "Frio River in July: 68 degrees when it's 104 outside. The most refreshing thing I've ever experienced." — TripAdvisor "Book at EXACTLY 5 months. I logged in 2 minutes late and everything was gone." — Reddit r/TexasCamping

Nearby campgrounds: 277 North Group Campground (Del Rio, TX), San Pedro Group Campground (Del Rio, TX).