Garner State Park sits at the heart of the Frio River Valley in Texas Hill Country, approximately 1,400 feet above sea level. The park experiences hot summer days that often reach 90°F, while the Frio River maintains a constant 68-70°F temperature year-round. The region's limestone geology creates crystal-clear water conditions ideal for swimming and tubing, with several camping areas located within a 15-mile radius of Concan.
What to do
Hiking Old Baldy trail: This challenging trail at Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground offers panoramic views of the Hill Country. "Some of the trails are pretty long and steep, great views. Apparently this fills up like crazy in the summer, but we went in fall and it was fine," notes Harry H. The trail involves significant elevation gain, requiring proper footwear and water.
Exploring cave systems: Trails throughout River Crossing — Garner State Park lead to natural formations worth exploring. "We hiked to old baldy and to both caves, all trails were marked well," shares Deborah C. The cave trails are moderate difficulty and require flashlights for proper viewing of formations.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities across all campgrounds. "We saw plenty of birds and even turkeys!" reports Laura F. Bring binoculars and maintain distance from wildlife, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when animals are most active.
What campers like
Crystal clear water: The Frio River's transparent waters at Parkview Riverside RV Park allow for excellent visibility. "This place is on a gorgeous part of the Frio! The lots are plenty big for any size Rig," explains Taylor A. The river depth varies seasonally, with deeper swimming holes typically located near bend points.
Seasonal color changes: Fall transforms Persimmon Hill — Garner State Park with vibrant foliage. "Our site had stunning view of the mountains! Great sunsets!" shares Missy S. The best fall colors typically appear in late October through mid-November, with weekday visits offering less crowded viewing conditions.
Spacious tent sites: The tent camping areas at Neal's Lodges provide ample room for setup. "We had tent site 3 and it was right on the water. We had a huge camping area," says Tiffany M. Sites near water access points typically book 4-6 months in advance for summer periods.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service throughout the Concan area is minimal. "No TV signal, no telephone signal. I know lots of people are gonna say. That's what they go camping for to get away from all that," mentions Red S. at Rio Frio — Garner State Park. WiFi is available at visitor centers and some stores but remains unreliable for work purposes.
Seasonal crowding: Peak season transforms the experience significantly. "This is a very popular and large state camp ground. The crowds go way down on the weekdays. So Sunday through Thursday is your best bet if you are look for some quite time," advises Steve & Ashley G.
Water conditions: River levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting recreational opportunities. "The river is crystal clear with a tropical blueish green tint that is both cool and inviting," notes Chad L. Spring generally offers optimal water levels, while late summer may result in shallower conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Utilize weekday visits: For those with flexible schedules, weekday camping provides a calmer experience. "We tent camped two nights here in November 2018 and loved it. The Frio river can be heard from most campsites providing a nice relaxing experience," shares Deborah C. from Live Oak — Garner State Park.
Check restroom proximity: When camping with children, bathroom location becomes crucial. "We were close to the restrooms which is great when you have kids," explains Tiffany M. about Neal's Lodges. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Concan have restroom facilities within 300 yards of camping areas.
Schedule for camp store hours: On-site stores provide convenient access to forgotten items but operate on limited schedules. "Garner has pretty much anything you could need onsite. There's a general store, restrooms, and plenty of trails," notes Bryce M. Most camp stores close by 6pm, with some opening later (9am) during off-peak seasons.
Tips from RVers
Ground conditions: Shady Meadows — Garner State Park offers full hookup sites, but soil conditions warrant consideration. "In short, this can't be beat. I'm the only draw back is the sites are narrower (at least the pull thrus are) and the picnic tables are not covered," notes Jim P. Many pet-friendly RV parks near Concan have crushed gravel pads requiring leveling blocks.
Arrival timing: Check-in processes can create significant delays. "I've been here twice and both times were great stays. Both times I spent two hours waiting at the office to sign in. There has to be a better way," advises Patrick H. Arrival between 1-3pm typically results in shorter wait times compared to peak hours (10am-12pm).
Water quality considerations: Local water requires filtration for consumption. "One caveat (and the reason for knocking off a star), the water is the park is terrible. Do not expect to use water for cooking or drinking," warns Heather G. Bring water filters or sufficient bottled water for your stay at any Concan area dog-friendly campground.
