Garner State Park Texas (TX) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Garner State Park, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is an ideal spot for RV camping due to its rich history, natural beauty, and wide range of activities. Established in 1941, the park has played a significant role in the region’s cultural landscape, with its iconic dance pavilion serving as a popular gathering place for generations of visitors.

The park’s unique geology is a testament to the powerful forces of nature that shaped the Texas Hill Country. The Frio River, which meanders through the park, has carved out stunning limestone cliffs and created a refreshing natural pool that’s perfect for swimming and tubing. In addition, the park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including rare birds and endangered species.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Garner State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Garner State Park.

Transportation

Garner State Park offers several transportation options for visitors including private vehicles and shuttle services. The park has multiple entrances and visitors can access the park via US Highway 83 or Texas Highway 1050. However it’s important to note that the park has restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 45 feet for RVs and trailers. Additionally some roads within the park may be narrow or steep so visitors are advised to drive with caution.

RVs are welcome at the park with designated parking areas available for a fee. Overnight parking is restricted to these designated areas only. While camping with an RV provides a comfortable basecamp exploring the park on foot or by bike allows for a more immersive experience.

Visitors can take advantage of the park’s shuttle bus service which runs during peak season to access different areas of the park. Additionally there are walking paths that meander throughout the park providing scenic routes for hiking and biking.

Top Campsites in Garner State Park

If you’re looking for a memorable camping experience at Garner State Park you’re in luck! Here are the top four most popular campsites and KOAs that require reservations

1. Rio Frio Cabins and RV Park

This is the most popular campsite near Garner State Park offering 34 RV sites with full hookups including water sewer and electrical connections. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as fishing swimming and hiking. The cabins and RV sites are open year-round and the park can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length.

2. Hill Country RV Resort

Located just a few miles from Garner State Park this resort offers 175 RV sites with full hookups including cable TV Wi-Fi and access to a swimming pool and hot tub. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as mini-golf basketball and horseshoes. The RV sites are open year-round and the park can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length.

3. Garner State Park Campground

This campground offers 350 campsites including 175 sites with water and electrical hookups. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as hiking biking and swimming in the Frio River. The campground is open year-round but reservations are required during peak season. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length are permitted.

4. Lost Maples State Natural Area

While not technically in Garner State Park this nearby natural area offers 30 campsites with water and electrical hookups. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as hiking bird watching and fishing. The campground is open year-round but reservations are required during peak season. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length are permitted.

If you’re looking for a first-come first-served camping experience at Garner State Park here are three options

1. Shady Meadows Camping Area

This campground offers 145 campsites with water and electrical hookups. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as hiking biking and swimming in the Frio River. The campground is open year-round but all sites are first-come first-served. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length are permitted.

2. Panther Flats Camping Area

This campground offers 66 campsites with water and electrical hookups. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as hiking biking and swimming in the Frio River. The campground is open year-round but all sites are first-come first-served. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length are permitted.

3. Blinn Riverfront Camping Area

This campground offers 26 campsites with water and electrical hookups. The park is pet-friendly and offers a variety of activities such as hiking biking and swimming in the Frio River. The campground is open year-round but all sites are first-come first-served. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length are permitted.

If the campsites inside Garner State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby such as private campgrounds and backcountry camping. Here are two options

1. Concan Texas

This small town located just a few miles from Garner State Park offers several private campgrounds such as Rio Frio RV Park Neal’s Lodges and Frio River Cabins. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities such as full hookups Wi-Fi and swimming pools. RVs and trailers of all sizes are permitted.

2. Backcountry Camping

If you’re up for an adventure backcountry camping is a great option. The nearby Lost Maples State Natural Area offers several backcountry campsites that require a permit. These sites are hike-in only and offer a primitive camping experience. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry.

Garner State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore nature. The park offers a wide range of recreational activities that attract RV campers from all over. Here are the top five activities in order of popularity

Hiking

Garner State Park boasts 11 miles of scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Frio River and the surrounding hills. The Old Entrance Trail is a favorite among hikers and leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the valley.

Tubing

The Frio River is the perfect spot for tubing especially during the summer months. Rent a tube from one of the local vendors and float down the river while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Fishing

The Frio River is home to a variety of fish including bass catfish and perch. Fishing is a popular pastime at Garner State Park and there are several spots along the river where you can cast your line.

Biking

The park has 2.9 miles of paved trails that are perfect for biking. The trails wind through the hills and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mini-golf

If you’re looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy head to the mini-golf course at Garner State Park. The course is located near the park entrance and is open year-round.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace Garner State Park also offers a variety of alternative activities that are perfect for RV campers. Here are the top five activities in order of popularity

Sightseeing

The park offers stunning views of the Texas Hill Country and there are several scenic overlooks where you can take in the beauty of the landscape.

Nature watching

Garner State Park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkeys and armadillos. Take a stroll through the park and see how many animals you can spot.

Picnicking 

The park has several picnic areas that are perfect for a relaxing lunch. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.

Instagram-worthy photo opportunities

The park offers several photo-worthy spots including the Frio River the scenic overlooks and the historic buildings. Snap a few photos to remember your trip.

Visiting the park store

The park store offers a variety of souvenirs snacks and camping supplies. Stop by and pick up a memento of your trip or grab a snack for the road.

Season-specific experiences in Garner State Park

Spring in Garner State Park brings a burst of color and excitement with a variety of recreational activities and landmarks for RV campers to explore. One popular destination is the Old Baldy Trail which leads to the top of Baldy Mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Hill Country. For those looking to cool off the Frio River is a popular spot for swimming tubing and fishing. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll through the park’s Interpretive Trail which features signs highlighting the area’s unique flora and fauna. Another must-see is the historic Bauer House which was built in the 1930s and now serves as a museum showcasing the park’s history. Finally no trip to Garner State Park would be complete without a dance at the historic Pavilion where visitors can enjoy live music and dance the night away under the stars.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Garner State Park with warm temperatures and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. The Frio River is the main attraction during this time of year with visitors flocking to the river to beat the heat. Popular activities include tubing swimming and fishing. Another must-see is the Crystal Cave which is only accessible during the summer months. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave and marvel at its stunning formations. For those looking to stay active the park offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Painted Rock Overlook Trail is a favorite among visitors offering stunning views of the park and the surrounding Hill Country. Finally no trip to Garner State Park would be complete without a stop at the park’s concession stand which serves up delicious treats like ice cream and snow cones.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Garner State Park and enjoy its many recreational activities. One popular option is hiking the Old Baldy Trail which offers stunning views of the park’s fall foliage. The trailhead is located near the park’s headquarters and is a moderate 3-mile hike.

Another must-see attraction is the Frio River which is perfect for a leisurely float or fishing trip. Rent a tube or kayak from one of the many local outfitters or cast a line and try your luck at catching a rainbow trout.

For history buffs the Crystal Cave is a must-visit. Located just outside the park this natural wonder features stunning rock formations and is said to have been used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes.

Another popular activity is bird watching. With over 200 species of birds calling the park home it’s a great place to spot everything from roadrunners to golden-cheeked warblers.

Lastly no trip to Garner State Park would be complete without a visit to the park’s famous dance hall. Built in the 1940s the hall hosts nightly dances during the summer and weekends in the fall featuring live music and a lively atmosphere.

Winter is a quieter time at Garner State Park but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. One popular option is hiking the trails which offer a peaceful and serene experience during the winter months. The park’s trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging so there’s something for everyone.

Another must-do is taking a scenic drive through the park. The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys and the lack of leaves on the trees allows for even better visibility.

For those looking for a more adventurous activity the park’s Frio River is a great place to go tubing or kayaking. The water may be cold but it’s a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Bird watching is also a popular activity during the winter months as many birds migrate to the park for the winter. Keep an eye out for cardinals blue jays and even the occasional bald eagle.

Lastly don’t miss the opportunity to cozy up by a campfire and enjoy the peace and quiet of the park. Many of the park’s campsites have fire pits so be sure to bring some firewood and enjoy a warm and cozy evening under the stars.

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Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*