Garner State Park

Not a hot spring

Garner State Park turns up on hot spring lists, but there is no warm water here. It is a river park on the Frio, a clear, spring-fed river that comes down off the Edwards Plateau and stays cool even in a Texas summer. People come to swim, float on inner tubes, paddle and camp, not to soak. We list it because many travellers search for it alongside real Texas hot springs, and it is one of the most popular places in the state to get into fresh water.

If you want genuinely warm water in Texas, the options are few and far west: Chinati Hot Springs near Ruidosa, the hot spring in Big Bend National Park (its road has been closed until further notice since October 2026, so check before you go), and the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea. See our Chinati Hot Springs page for the closest thing to a hot spring resort in the state.

What to expect

The park covers 1,774 acres of Hill Country canyon with 2.9 miles of the Frio River running through it. Bald cypress line the banks, and the riverbed is mostly limestone and gravel, so the water is often clear enough to see the bottom. There are shallow stretches where children wade, deeper holes for swimming, and slow runs for tubing.

Garner is one of the busiest state parks in Texas, and on a summer weekend it feels like it. Expect crowds at the river, music from campsites, and full parking lots. The atmosphere is closer to a big family campground than a quiet nature preserve.

The park also has 16 miles of hiking trails. The climb to Old Baldy, a hill above the river, is the classic short hike, with views over the canyon. The concession area has a store, a grill, an ice cream shop and mini golf.

A long-running tradition gives the park its character: jukebox dances at the concession building on summer evenings, held since the 1940s. Parking fills early on dance nights, and the gates can close as early as 8:30 p.m. when the lots are full.

Getting there

Garner is in Uvalde County on Ranch Road 1050, just off US 83 north of Concan. The park address is 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838.

• From San Antonio: Take US 90 west to Uvalde, then US 83 north to Concan and on to RR 1050. Allow roughly two hours.
• From Uvalde: Drive north on US 83 through Concan. RR 1050 and the park entrance are a short way past town.

All roads in are paved, and the park roads suit any car or RV. Day-use parking sits near the river, so it is a short walk from the car to the water.

When to go

Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak season. The water is at its best for swimming, but the park often reaches capacity, sometimes early in the day. Do not drive out on a summer weekend or holiday without a day pass reservation.

May, June and September weekdays are the sweet spot: warm enough to swim, with fewer people.

Fall and winter are quiet. The water is cold for swimming, but hiking, camping and cypress colours in late autumn are good. January lows average about 37°F3°C and July highs about 97°F36°C. May and October are the wettest months.

River levels vary a lot. Heavy rain can push the Frio into flood, and long droughts can drop it so low that tubing is a walk. As of October 9, 2026, the park notice says swimming is permitted at your own risk with no lifeguards, and that the Blinn River Trail is closed. An April 2026 construction notice also closed parts of the Madrone Trail and the lower CCC Entrance Road Trail. Check the alerts page before you go.

Rules and fees

• Entry: $8 per person per day for ages 13 and up; free for children 12 and under. A Texas State Parks Pass covers entry.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Reservations: Strongly recommended for day use and needed for camping and cabins. Book online through Texas State Parks or call (512) 389-8900.
• Alcohol: Public display or consumption of alcohol is banned in Texas state parks, and every outdoor area counts as public.
• Glass: Not allowed in swimming areas.
• Pets: On a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, never in buildings or cabins.
• Fires: Only in designated fire rings.
• Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Swimming: No lifeguards. Life jackets are a good idea for children and weaker swimmers.

The concession rents inner tubes, kayaks and paddle boats.

Where to stay nearby

Garner has one of the largest campgrounds in the Texas park system, split between the older and newer sections:

• Full hookup sites (New Garner): 12 sites, $35 a night.
• Sites with electricity: 39 in Old Garner and 137 with 50-amp service in New Garner at $26; 35 with 30-amp service in New Garner at $22.
• Sites with water only: 49 in Old Garner at $20 and 75 in New Garner at $15.
• Cabins: 13 with a fireplace at $150 a night and 4 without at $130, two-night minimum, sleeping up to four (six for $10 more per extra person). They have a kitchen sink, microwave, fridge, stovetop, bathroom and air conditioning, but no linens, dishes or towels. Cabin 18 is set up for guests with physical disabilities.
• Group camp: Cypress Springs has a dining hall and five shelters for up to 40 people at $400 a night, booked by phone.

Screened shelters are also available. All rates are on top of the daily entry fee. Outside the park, Concan has private cabins, river lodges and RV parks along the Frio.

Safety notes

• Floods: The Frio rises fast after heavy rain upstream. If the water turns brown and fast, or you hear of storms in the hills, get out and move to high ground.
• No lifeguards: Watch children closely and use life jackets.
• Footing: River rocks are slick. Water shoes help.
• Heat: Summer afternoons regularly pass 95°F35°C. Drink water and find shade.
• Wildlife: Feral hogs live in the park and will raid unattended coolers. Keep food locked up at camp.