Garner State Park
State park
1.1 mi
4.7 (6387)
234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
Swimming & floating on the Frio River, plus hiking, & nightly dancing in summertime.
Barbecue grillBasketball courtCycling lanesPicnic tables
River In A Managed State ParkTX
Garner State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Garner State Park Frio River visit with admission prices, day-pass advice, trail closure notices, campsite choices and reviewed park photos.
Swimming restriction
Follow current park signs and staff instructions. Swimming permission is not a guarantee of suitable water conditions. Do not use closed trails to reach the river or infer jumping permission from photographs.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River In A Managed State Park
Access
Informal
Fee
Daily entrance is $8 per person age 13 and older; children 12 and younger enter free. Camping and other facility charges are separate. Check current pass eligibility and booking charges.
Best season
Reserve ahead and have a backup plan. Day-use capacity closures can begin in the morning. Confirm current entry and water conditions rather than relying on expected seasonal water levels
Nearby towns
Concan, Leakey, Uvalde
Water body
Frio River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Concan, Leakey, Uvalde
Access location not verified
29.583, -99.739
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Garner State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Plan a Frio River day at Garner State Park
Garner near Concan combines river recreation with overnight stays and Hill Country scenery. Start with a day-pass reservation, then check the current park alerts. The published river advisory permits swimming at your own risk, with no lifeguards.
Budget for admission separately from camping
Daily admission costs $8 for each visitor age 13 or older; children 12 and younger enter free. Campsites and other facilities cost extra. Capacity closures can interrupt an unreserved day trip, especially on holidays and busy summer dates.
Choose a campsite by equipment and location
The campsite inventory distinguishes water-only, electric and full-hookup sites. Not every Old Garner site is waterfront. Full-hookup Shady Meadows sites do not allow tents and have no shade. Compare your equipment, hookups and seasonal availability before paying.
Do not mistake open vehicle access for an open walking route
The dated alerts list Blinn River and White Rock Cave trail closures, along with affected Madrone and lower CCC Entrance Road sections. Scenic Overlook two-way vehicle traffic has reopened, but its sidewalk remains closed to pedestrians and bicycles. Check for updated notices rather than following a closed trail because it appears in an older photo.
Use photos for context, not current conditions
The gallery adds a river panorama, entrance identification, an Old Baldy sign and park-road scenery. These historical images do not prove present depth, water quality or trail access. Use the official entrance directions, then follow staff guidance for the onward route to the river. Neither headquarters coordinates nor the historical listing pin establish an exact swimming entry.
Getting There
Navigate to 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838. TPWD directs visitors east from US 83 onto FM 1050 for 0.2 miles to Park Road 29 and the new entrance. Follow staff directions for authorized parking and river access. TPWD's headquarters coordinates are not a verified swimming entry; the retained historical pin is also unverified.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Reserve day passes before travel because the park reaches capacity. The July 21 alert closes Blinn River and White Rock Cave trails. The April 29 notice reopens two-way Scenic Overlook vehicle traffic but keeps its sidewalk closed to pedestrians and bicycles; parts of Madrone and the lower CCC Entrance Road Trail are also closed. Recheck the alert page for changes.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Follow current park signs and staff instructions. Swimming permission is not a guarantee of suitable water conditions. Do not use closed trails to reach the river or infer jumping permission from photographs. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Garner State Park
How much does Garner State Park admission cost?
Published daily admission is $8 per person age 13 and older. Children age 12 and younger enter free; camping and facility fees are additional.
Should I reserve a day pass?
Yes. TPWD recommends advance day-use reservations because Garner reaches capacity. Check current availability before travel and keep a backup plan.
Are lifeguards on duty?
No. TPWD's July 21, 2026 advisory permits swimming at your own risk with no lifeguards. Recheck alerts and conditions before entering.
Are all trails open?
No. The reviewed alerts list Blinn River and White Rock Cave closures and affected Scenic Overlook-area trails. Reopened vehicle traffic does not mean the sidewalk is open to pedestrians or bicycles.
Are all campsites waterfront or suitable for tents?
No. Oakmont and Pecan Grove sites are described as not waterfront, and full-hookup Shady Meadows sites prohibit tents. Check the specific campsite and seasonal availability.
Does the gallery show today's river conditions?
No. These are reviewed historical park photographs, not a live report of river depth, water quality or route availability.
Highlights
Frio River park setting
Age-based admission explained
Day-pass planning
Dated trail alerts
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- No lifeguards are on duty
- Check river conditions, supervise children closely and avoid jumping or diving into unknown water
- Respect closed trails and keep clear of water-control structures
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
TPWD identifies Civilian Conservation Corps park facilities and a long-running summer jukebox dance tradition.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Reviewed photos show a river-and-valley panorama, the named entrance sign, an Old Baldy summit sign and a tree-lined park road below a bluff. Historical photos do not establish current trail access or water conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on authorized routes, take litter out and do not leave food unattended.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Reserve ahead and have a backup plan. Day-use capacity closures can begin in the morning. Confirm current entry and water conditions rather than relying on expected seasonal water levels.
Difficulty Level
Choose an authorized river approach separately from hilltop hiking. No exact accessible swimming entry verified here.
Fee
Daily entrance is $8 per person age 13 and older; children 12 and younger enter free. Camping and other facility charges are separate. Check current pass eligibility and booking charges.
Facilities
Water-only, electric and full-hookup sites are different products. A campsite's equipment limit, hookups and proximity to restrooms do not establish a step-free swimming entry.
Activities
River swimming and floating when permitted, picnicking, camping and hiking on open trails.
Phone
830-232-6132
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Published nightly campsite rates include $15 New Garner water-only, $20 Old Garner water-only, $22 New Garner 30-amp, $26 selected electric sites and $35 full-hookup sites, plus daily entrance fees. Full-hookup Shady Meadows sites prohibit tents and have no shade. Oakmont and Pecan Grove sites are not waterfront. Check each site before booking; Live Oak and Persimmon Hill have January-February closures.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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