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Texas
66

Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Hill Country Region
Garner State Park
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Garner State Park Garner State Park © Jose Garcia
Landscape at Garner State Park. Summer of 2007- by Jose Garcia
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park By the Frio River © Jose Garcia
By the Bank of the Frio River at Gardner State Park. Copyright 2009-Jose Garcia
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park Squirrel on a Rock © Jose Garcia
Squirrel at Gardner State Park. Copyright 2009-Jose Garcia
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park © CAROLYN JOHNSON
Garner State Park Clear waters of the Frio River. © Jose Garcia
Duck in the clear waters of the Frio River - by Jose Garcia Copyright 2009
Garner State Park Gardner State Park © Jose Garcia
The Frio River at Gardner State Park. Copyright 2009-Jose Garcia
Garner State Park © Nicolle Tvelia
Garner State Park Gardner State Park © Jose Garcia
Scene of the Frio River at Gardner State Park Copyright 2009 - Jose Garcia
Garner State Park On th Road to Gardner State Park © Jose Garcia
Copyright 2009-Jose Garcia
Garner State Park Turkey Vultures © Jose Garcia
Turkey Vultures waiting for their prey at Garner State Park. By Jose Garcia - copyright 2009
Garner State Park © Jose Garcia
Garner State Park © William Waldron
Garner State Park White Goose © Jose Garcia
White goose at Garner State Park. By Jose Garcia copyright 2009
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GARNER STATE PARK
GARNER STATE PARK
Concan, Texas   78838
(lat:29.5992 lon:-99.7436) map location

Phone: 830-232-6132
Reservations: 512-389-8900
Garner State Park is 1419.8 acres (10 water acres of the Frio River) of recreational facilities in northern Uvalde County.
Nature of the Area
The park has an abundance of White-tailed and Axis deer, Rio Grande Turkey, Morning Dove, Eastern Bluebirds, Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black Rocks Squirrels, Fox Squirrels, Raccoons, and many other animal species.

There is also an abundance of trees such as Mesquite, Texas Red Bud, Bald Cypress, Western Ash Juniper, Spanish Oak, Lacey Oak, Texas Madrone, Cedar Elm, and Pecan, as well as Mountain Laurel and Agarita shrubs.

Geology: Deep canyons, crystal-clear streams, high mesas, and carved limestone cliffs are the brush strokes in the geologic painting of this intriguing terrain. Many backcountry paved roads wind through canyons along streams here, offering the traveler a different pace from the freeway rush.

The rock formations in this area are early Cretaceous in age, deposited over millions of years in warm, shallow seas that once covered Texas. The Glen Rose formation, a collection of limestone, shale, marl, and siltstone beds, was deposited along the shifting margins of the sea where dinosaurs roamed in great numbers, leaving their footprints in the sands. The Cretaceous Sea then spread over Texas, depositing the Edwards Formation (limestone), over the Glen Rose beds. This sequence of strata, Glen Rose below, Edwards above, is found throughout this area.
History of the Area
Garner State Park is found in the northern part of Uvalde County. Located thirty miles north of Uvalde and seven miles north of Con Can, Garner State Park has ten acres of riverfront. The park, was acquired in 1934-36 and was named for John Nance Garner (Cactus Jack) of Uvalde, who served as Vice-president of the United States from 1933-41. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made the park?s original improvements.
Swimming
1. Garner State Park offers a refreshing Frio River for swimming, tubing and paddle boating.
2. The park's river area is divided into two sections: Old Garner and New Garner.
3. Both areas provide easy access to the water with pebbly beaches perfect for sunbathing or picnicking after your swim.
4. You can rent tubes, kayaks, pedal boats at the dam store near old entrance of the park.
5. Life jackets are available on loan in both locations ensuring safety while enjoying aquatic activities.
6. The crystal clear waters offer an excellent opportunity for snorkeling as well; just bring your own gear!
7. There are no lifeguards on duty so visitors should be cautious when entering deeper parts of the river.

Fishing
In the Frio River, anglers can enjoy fishing for catfish and several species of bass. Fishing gear rentals are available.

The park offers night fishing opportunities as well, providing a unique experience under starlit skies.

Fishing licenses aren't required when casting from shore or pier within state parks boundaries.

Remember to follow catch-and-release practices to maintain fish populations in this beautiful natural setting.


Location
Garner State Park is located near Uvalde

Picnicking
1. Garner State Park offers numerous picnic tables and barbecue pits for a perfect outdoor meal.
2. Enjoy riverside picnicking with beautiful views of the Frio River.
3. Picnic pavilions are available to rent, ideal for large gatherings or family reunions.
4. There's also an option to have a picnic near hiking trails amidst nature's beauty.
5. The park has shaded areas suitable for comfortable summer picnics under towering Cypress trees.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore 16 miles of scenic trails, but be aware some paths are challenging and hilly.

Mountain biking is popular here; however, it's important to note that helmets are recommended for safety.

Renting bikes on-site is possible yet availability isn't guaranteed so bringing your own might be a safer option.

The Old Entrance Road trail offers an easy ride suitable for families while the Crystal Cave Trail requires more skill.

Nighttime cycling should generally be avoided due to limited visibility and potential wildlife encounters.

Remember: always respect nature by staying on marked trails and disposing trash properly.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot various species like the Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo and Painted Bunting. The park is home to over 200 bird types including rare ones such as Zone-tailed Hawk and Green Kingfisher. Birding trails are available for enthusiasts with different levels of experience. Visitors may also participate in guided bird-watching tours offered by local experts.
Area Attractions
State parks located nearby are Hill Country, Lost Maples, and Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Areas, and Kickapoo Cavern State Park. Also nearby are John Nance "Cactus Jack" Garner Museum in Uvalde; the ruins of historic Mission Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria del Canon, founded in 1749; Camp Sabinal (a U.S. Cavalry post and later Texas Ranger camp) established 1856; and Fort Inge, established 1849.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 27 GREAT PLACE FOR DIVING by REBEL DIVER
park review stars; one to five Any one know what the water depth is right now? have a Dive Club coming Labor Day Weekend, hoping there is enough water for us to get under.
June 5 garner state park
park review stars; one to five i love garner state park i have been going since i was 10 iam now 51 now my grandchildren are enjoying it
December 2 the best family camping park ever by windy tyznik
park review stars; one to five my family has been going here seence way back when my mom was a kid and i been going seence i was 10months old it is so much fun i love to go swiming it is so much fun i love to take hikes and go to the dance every night also the paddle boating is fun i will never camp anywhere else well i took my kids almost three years ago and they loved it they want to go every summer well my hole family goes almost every sumer it is a great place to be so please go if you are thanking about it you will have fun and will not stop going every sumer
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Area Campgrounds
Camp Riverview
1636 County Road 350
Concan, TX
830-232-5412
Parkview Riverside RV Park
2561 CR 350
Concan, TX
877-374-6748
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
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.

Camping fees vary; entrance fee. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. Current conditions including fire bans and water levels can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

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