I started going to Garner when I was 2 years old. I am now 35 years old and have been making this trip every year.

Garner is located 90 miles from San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. The Frio river lined with huge cypress trees runs through the park and provides the perfect atmosphere for fun in the Texas Sun. The Frio is a crystal clear rock bottom river fed by cold springs that keep the river around 70 degrees all year. The camping/parking areas are large and make it easy to back/adjust the position of your camper. Most campsites have at least partial shade. They have increased the number of electrical hookups in the last 2 years. The restroom facilities are kept in acceptable condition (Your not at a hotel) and provide showers for the guests. There is a mini store located in the park with full stores 10 minutes away.

During the day you can enjoy tubing, fishing, hiking (2 small caves), bird watching, paddle boats and rope swings. At night everyone heads to the pavilion area where you can play miniature golf or attend the evening dance. If you want a spot near the floor you better come early. This summer (June 2006)the river was low so we spent more time hiking and mountain climbing at the park. They have expanded the number and quality of trails for campers to use. My son (6 yrs old) got his first taste of going off the big rope swing and jumping out of the V tree (From the first fork 10-12 Ft). The park is in a good location for those who want to take day trips. We stayed 10 days so we had more time to enjoy day trips to San Antonio (Sea World) and Lost Maples State Park. Other trips we have made in the past include Del Rio/Acuna, Bracketville, Austin and New Braunsfels.

My review falls short on describing how special this place is to me and my family. The best article that captures how most of us feel about this place was written by Maxine Mayes for Texas Highways (reading the article makes my eyes water and gives me chills). You can find this article at TexasHighways.com just search for "Garner".

One year my parents thinking they would surprise my sister and I with a trip to Disney World were over ruled because it was going to replace our trip to Garner. During our teen years we also pasted up trips to the Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone and the rocky mountains to go to Garner.

I have just (July 2006) made my reservations for June of 2007. You need to make reservations for June-Aug 11 months in advance of your trip. Garner is not the most scenic nor is it the best place see various wildlife but there is something that brings everything together and creates a place like no other. I am basing this on my travels all over the United States, Mexico and parts of Canada.

**Parents please heed the following warning**

If you take your kids to Garner be prepared to make it an annual trip....My coworker finally went after listening to me talk about it for 5 years...The result is her kids and husband want to go back to Garner this summer instead of going to Disney Land....

Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview