Garner Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Garner State Park is a popular state park located in the Texas Hill Country along the Frio River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Texas. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, swimming, tubing, camping, and fishing.

One of the main attractions of Garner State Park is the Frio River, which is a clear, spring-fed river that is perfect for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. The park also has over 16 miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Other points of interest in the park include the Old Baldy Summit, a limestone hill that offers panoramic views of the park, and the Crystal Cave, which is a small cave that can be explored by visitors. There is also a variety of wildlife that can be seen in the park, including deer, rabbits, and a variety of birds.

Interesting facts about Garner State Park include that it was established in 1941 and was named after John Nance Garner, who served as Vice President of the United States under Franklin D. Roosevelt. The park covers over 1,700 acres and is one of the most popular state parks in Texas.

The best time to visit Garner State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the river is perfect for swimming and tubing. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities throughout the year.

Overall, Garner State Park is a beautiful and unique destination in Texas that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a fun family vacation, Garner State Park is definitely worth a visit.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References