Located in an area that many consider the prettiest part of the Texas hill country, Garner State Park has the reputation of being the most popular state park in Texas. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock here each year to enjoy its wide variety of vacation facilities.

“Going to Garner” has become a major social event for several generations who have frequented the park over the last 70 years.

The big draw is the Frio River with swimming, scooting the rapids, boating, and fishing in its beautiful, clear, cool water, which runs through the Park. But, there are many other reasons for the parks popularity. High on the list of popular social activities is the well attended, famous, juke box dances that are held every summer night on the outdoor dance floor of the pavilion.

Also available is a lighted miniature golf course and a limited number of cabins which are available to rent. Paddle boat and kayak rentals are available from mid-March through Labor Day weekend. Of course, there are a large number of day-use picnic areas, hiking trails, and bike riding on surfaced roads.

Please Note: The park sometimes reaches maximum day use parking capacity and due to its popularity and will occasionally close. This usually happens on weekends during the summer and some holidays (sometimes as early as 11:00 a.m.) The park reopens when sufficient parking is available. The summer nightly dance also reaches maximum parking capacity and access to the dance is frequently closed throughout the summer (sometimes as early as 8:30 p.m.).

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which began construction in 1935, made the park's original improvements, including the Pavilion, miniature golf course, cabins and roads. The park was named for John Nance Garner (Cactus Jack) of Uvalde, who served as Vice-president of the United States from 1933-41.

The park is located in Uvalde County, 31 miles north of the town of Uvalde, 9 miles south of Leakey, or 8 miles north of Concan on the Frio River. From US Highway 83, turn east on FM 1050 for .2 miles to Park Road 29 to the new entrance.

(Taken from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department publications)

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