Shady Meadows Campground

For those looking to explore the wildlife by bike, the Old Entrance Road trail is a paved road where bikers can keep an eye out for the golden-cheeked warblers, and for the off-roaders, Garner State Park trail provides moderate difficulty mountain biking with great views!

Garner State Park’s breathtaking Frio River is the perfect spot to paddle, inner tube, kayak or canoe, so stick to the non-motorized boat varieties to enjoy everything this clear, stunning river has to offer.

Among the fish you might catch at Frio River: largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. This beautiful river is the perfect spot for canoe fishing, with beautiful scenery, easy access from camping areas, and enough fish swimming through these waters to keep you busy all day long. Here’s a great place to see what other folks have been catching.

A web of trails meander through Garner State Park, making it ideal for a walk in the woods or even a technical, cliff-side hike. Limestone cliffs and deep canyons make every ascent worth the effort, while flat trails in the northern areas of the park are flat and open. Head to Shady Oak or Painted Rock for the best views, but you’ll have to climb over 1800 feet. Avoid the more difficult trails when rocks may be slick from rain. There are too many trails to name at Garner State Park, but Summit Post offers a great guide for all your hiking needs.

Head to the Old Horse Trail for a narrow trek through the woods. The trail ascends several hundred feet so the slopes are steep. Looking for a little more instruction? Nearby Elm Creek Stables offer guided tours on horseback.

Nothing beats paddling down the Frio River, so whether you’re in a kayak, a canoe, a paddle boat or an inner tube, enjoy everything Garner State Park has to offer on this magnificent river. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and inner tubes can all be rented and there are also small lockers by the boathouse, to make your paddling adventure as easy as can be.

The clear, crisp water of Frio River is great for a dip on a hot summer day. Whether you’re taking a break along the Blinn River Trail, jumping out of the inner tube, or just spending a day by the banks of the river, you can’t beat the swimming at Garner State Park.

Taking a hike through Garner State Park’s extensive trail system is the best way to enjoy the birds and wildlife, but a paddle down the river will also bring you face to face with plenty of water-dwelling creatures.