It has been a long time since I went camping, so I was counting the days for this trip!
Garner State Park, a place that has been on my bucket list for years, is a true gem. Nestled an hour and a half west of San Antonio, Texas, this park is a nature lover's paradise. It's not just its popularity that makes it a challenge to get reservations, but also its unique location on the Frio River and its position as part of the Balcones Canyonlands sub-region. These factors contribute to the park's breathtaking views, with steep canyon walls that are a sight to behold in the Texas Hill Country.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Gardner State Park has something for everyone. The park offers a range of camping options, from RV and tent camping to primitive camping for those seeking a more rugged experience. Most camping spots are equipped with running water and electricity, making it a comfortable choice for glampers. And if you're not into camping, don't worry! The park also boasts beautiful hiking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities, and fishing spots along the river.
I made reservations at camping spot 466 by the river. When I go camping, I prefer to be close to the river. This camping spot was more secluded and away from the day pass loop.
What I Packed
I recently purchased a lot of new camping gear that I was very excited to try out, and I must say, I was not disappointed.
My Coleman propane stove worked amazingly well, and I highly recommend it for your next camping trip.
I also purchased a few other items, including solar flashlights, a mess kit, a blanket, and a coffee pot. I will add all of these items to my Amazon shopping list for y'all to check out!
Camping Meals
Lunch: Pita bread with canned chicken and peppers
Dinner: Fajita steak with baked potatoes
Breakfast: Sausage patties with scrambled eggs and biscuits
And of course coffee!
Hiking Trails
Garner State Park offers a variety of hiking trails, some with challenging rocky terrain and others with easier flat paths and beautiful scenery.
We began our hike at the Wild Horse Creek Trail, which is 0.48 miles long. From there, we continued on to the Foshee trail. Although the Foshee trail branches off into several other trails, we recommend taking it up to the Campos Trail if you want to witness some breathtaking views. The hike uphill to the top of Campos Trail can be quite rocky, but the view from the top is worth it. After reaching the top, we took the 0.68 mile-long Campos Trail downhill which led us to the Highway Trail. This trail follows the road to the park entrance and is a relatively flat 0.48 miles long, leading back to the Old Rock entrance.
Unfortunately, we didn't have time to hike the Crystal Cave trail, which is one of the popular trails that goes through the caves of Garner. Remember to bring a flashlight.
About the Park
Garnder State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and inner tubes to explore the water. Additionally, the park offers tables and barbecue pits for rent, providing a perfect spot for a picnic. The camping fee ranges between $15 to $35 per night, and each campsite can accommodate up to 8 people with a maximum of 4 vehicles. The park is usually busy from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
By the Oakmont camping area is the general store. Don't worry if you forgot something, the general store has all your camping or day trip essentials. You can also purchase firewood and ice from there. Additionally, there's a lovely gift shop with a range of charming items. Remember to indulge in a scoop of ice cream, which is located just one door down from the gift shop. The staff working there are incredibly kind and knowledgeable about the park!
Park Address: 234 RR 1050 Concan, TX 78838
The Park HQ is located at: Latitude: 29.598887 + Longitude: -99.743981
Entrance Fees:
13 years and older: $8 Daily
Child 12 Years and under: Free
Hours:
Open Daily
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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