PO Box 36 Concan, TX 78838, US
HAYRIDES
Volunteers are needed! Be a Friends of Garner hayride tractor driver or narrator in 2026. Send an email to us via "Contact Us" on the home page or fill out our volunteering form on our FOG Support page. Help past Garner memories to the next generation.
2026 Hayride Schedule ?
Dates to be determined following identification of volunteer drivers and narrators.
Register
A release form must be signed by each adult 18 years and over to participate.
Cost
To Be Announced
Hayride Time
To Be Announced
Visitor Center Location
The Visitor Center is on the west side of the park near Shady Meadows camping area.
Discover Friends of Garner
Park Features
Garner State Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure or a relaxing day outdoors. Visitors can hike scenic Hill Country trails, swim and float in the Frio River, and enjoy picnics beneath the cypress trees. Families love exploring the playground, open spaces, and wildlife viewing areas. The park is known for its historic charm, seasonal programs, and evening dances that bring generations together. From camping and stargazing to birdwatching and photography, Garner provides countless ways to make lasting memories in one beautiful place.
Wildlife
Garner State Park is home to a rich variety of Texas Hill Country wildlife, making every visit a chance to connect with nature. White-tailed deer, raccoons, armadillos, and a wide range of birds can often be seen along the trails and riverbanks, especially in the early morning and evening hours. From the flutter of butterflies to the songs of cardinals and wrens, the park’s diverse habitats—river, canyon, and woodland—support an incredible mix of animals that remind us why protecting these natural spaces matters.
Park History
Garner State Park opened to the public in 1934, shaped in large part by the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Since then, the park has evolved from rugged Hill Country grounds into a well-loved destination with developed campgrounds, cabins, roads, and iconic gathering spaces. Over the decades, trails have been expanded and improved, river access refined, and facilities modernized to better serve visitors. Interpretive programs, exhibits, and conservation efforts have grown to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources. While much has changed, the spirit of Garner—family traditions, summer dances, and the beauty of the Frio River—has remained at the heart of the park.
Friends of Garner
Coming events:
August 12, 2026, Business Meeting, 5:00 p.m., Garner State Park Visitor Center.
June's Dark Skies