Notable Campgrounds
- Best for amenities: The Oakmont Camping Area provides easy access to the pavilion, mini golf, volleyball and basketball courts, boathouse, and the Frio River.
- Best to escape the crowds: The Shady Meadows Camping Area offers spacious sites with 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp full hookups away from other campers.
- Best for groups: The Cypress Springs Group Camping Area offers space for 40 on the east side of the Frio River.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Campsites are very popular and book up fast. Make a reservation as soon as you know your dates. Campsites, cabins, and screened shelters can be reserved up to five months in advance and group camps 12 months in advance.
- If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the park first thing in the morning to see about grabbing any unreserved sites available for walk-ups.
- If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter for fewer crowds.
When to Go
The park’s busy season is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as on holidays and during spring break. In the busy season, the mini golf course and tube shuttle are in operation, and food is available for purchase. A float or swim in the Frio River is most refreshing in the heat of summer. Arrive early for summer dances, as gates close once the parking lot is full, sometimes as early as 8:30pm. Some camping areas (Persimmon Hills and Live Oak) are closed in January and February.
Know Before You Go
- The park store rents inner tubes, kayaks, and paddle boats, along with tables, barbecue pits, fans, and heaters.
- Locker rentals are available at the boathouse.
- The trails up Mount Old Baldy are fairly steep, with loose rocks and gravel; hiking shoes with support and good tread are recommended.
- Campfires are only permitted in designated rings.
Garner State Park
Stunning scenery, summer dances, and the Frio River make this a popular Texas state park.
It’s easy to see why Garner State Park, located near Concan in the Texas Hill Country, is so popular, especially over the summer. Sixteen miles of hiking trails and biking trails are ready for exploration, even up to Mount Old Baldy with its sweeping views. Swimming, tubing, paddling, boating, and fishing are all a good time, and on summer evenings, jukebox tunes play at the historic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), a tradition since the 1940s. Plan ahead to stay at one of the 350 camping sites, RV sites, cabins, and screened shelters.
It’s easy to see why Garner State Park, located near Concan in the Texas Hill Country, is so popular, especially over the summer. Sixteen miles of hiking trails and biking trails are ready for exploration, even up to Mount Old Baldy with its sweeping views. Swimming, tubing, paddling, boating, and fishing are all a good time, and on summer evenings, jukebox tunes play at the historic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), a tradition since the 1940s. Plan ahead to stay at one of the 350 camping sites, RV sites, cabins, and screened shelters.
Activities in the park
8 campgrounds in Garner State Park
The Rio Frio Campground has a similar set of perks to explore as their neighboring sites at Live Oak. Nearby amenities include a shower and 50-amp hook-ups. Hop on the mountain biking trail just west of your camp, or head east and toss your tube in the Frio to float the afternoon away!Read more...
Location, location, location! The River Crossing Campground sits at the heart of Garner State Park. Here, you’re steps away from the visitor’s center, a playground, dining hall, parking, 30-amp hookup, restrooms and more amenities. Play compass roulette, and you’ll find an adventure in every direction! Head south to catch a view from the scenic ov Read more...
Location, location, location! The Shady Meadows Campground sits at the heart of Garner State Park. Here, you’re steps away from the visitor’s center, a playground, dining hall, parking, 30-amp hookup, restrooms and more amenities. Play compass roulette, and you’ll find an adventure in every direction! Head south to catch a view from the scenic ove Read more...
Cypress Springs Campground is the only camp on the east side Frio River. The site is RV-friendly and has modern amenities - toilets and showers - but no electric, water or dump station. Other perks of this campground include a screened shelter, dining hall, and the Frio River just steps away! Tubular. Read more...
Persimmons may be in season only a few months out of the year but Persimmon Hill Campground at Garner State Park is always ripe for your picking! 35 sites boasting nearby showers make up this little getaway at the northernmost tip of Garner State Park. Adventure by land and hop on the mountain biking trail just west of your camp, or head east and Read more...
OG Garner represent! The Oakmont campsites neighbor Pecan Grove in the “Old Garner" premium area of Garner State Park. These sites have a few more amenities than Pecan Grove, which could be a plus or minus in your book. Find easy access to 30-amp hook-ups, picnic tables, showers, restrooms, and the Frio River itself. Nearby amenities include a sto Read more...
The Live Oak Campground has a similar set of perks to explore as their neighboring sites at Rio Frio. Nearby amenities include a shower and 50-amp hook-ups. Hop on the mountain biking trail just west of your camp, or head east and toss your tube in the Frio to float the afternoon away!Read more...
OG Garner in da house! The Pecan Grove campsites make up half of what is considered the “Old Garner" premium area of Garner State Park. What sites may lack in belles and whistles as they only include a water hook-up, the Old Garner area makes up for with a nearby store and laundry, screened shelter, showers, sand volleyball, basketball courts and Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The park’s busy season is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as on holidays and during spring break. In the busy season, the mini golf course and tube shuttle are in operation, and food is available for purchase. A float or swim in the Frio River is most refreshing in the heat of summer. Arrive early for summer dances, as gates close once the parking lot is full, sometimes as early as 8:30pm. Some camping areas (Persimmon Hills and Live Oak) are closed in January and February.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to camp at Garner State Park?
At Garner State Park, camping fees vary depending on the type of site you choose. Tent camping sites typically range from $20 to $30 per night, while sites with water and electricity hookups for RVs can cost between $25 to $35 per night. For more information about Garner State Park camping options, visit Hipcamp.
What is the best area to camp in Garner State Park?
Garner State Park in Texas offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, screened shelters, and cabins. Some of the best areas to camp within the park are: 1. Oakmont Area: This area is popular for its beautiful views, proximity to the Frio River, and access to hiking trails. Oakmont campsites are equipped with water and electricity. 2. Live Oak Area: Live Oak offers a mix of tent and RV sites with water and electricity. It is close to the river and has easy access to the park's amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and the park store. 3. Pecan Grove Area: Pecan Grove is a quieter area with tent sites and screened shelters. It is near the Frio River and has access to restrooms and showers. 4. Rio Frio Area: This area offers a mix of tent and RV sites, some with water and electricity, and is close to the river and hiking trails. Ultimately, the best area to camp in Garner State Park depends on your preferences and needs. You can find more information about the park's camping options on Hipcamp.
Can you stay overnight at Garner State Park?
Yes, you can stay overnight at Garner State Park in Texas. The park offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, screened shelters, and cabins. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. You can learn more about Garner State Park camping options here.
Do I need a reservation for Garner State Park?
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation for Garner State Park, especially during peak season and weekends, as it is a popular destination and campsites fill up quickly. You can make reservations for campsites, cabins, and group facilities online or by phone. To learn more about Garner State Park camping options, visit Hipcamp.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —