🎉 Generations of young campers have been falling in love at the nightly summer dances for nearly 100 years. At the end of the summer, the summer lovers would make a promise that "I'll be back next year." Over the years the summer dance has created a tradition of generational campers. Come celebrate this tradition with us as part of Texas State Parks Centennial Celebration.
As part of our centennial celebration Wade and Collene Parsons, retired archeologists, will present artifacts from prehistoric people of the Frio River area.
The San Antonio Astronomical Association with be hosting a star party at the overflow parking lot. Bring your telescope or use available telescopes provided by the park interpretive staff.
Seventeen military veterans committed suicide every day in the year 2022. Come and participate in a 17K hike to remember these men and women. You do not need to be a veteran to participate - everyone is welcome. The Texas Veterans Commission will be providing resources to all who need them.
Come and run, just for fun. Get your workout in before the feast. Turkey trot along our Nature and Frio Canyon trails, a half-mile course and a three-mile course. There will be no timekeeper - this is just for fun.
Garner State Parksgiving: All campers are welcome to come and enjoy a potluck style meal with the park staff at the pavilion. We are thankful to all park guests and its always great to spend time with you. We would be happy to share a meal with you.
THANKFUL FOR SMORES!!!
After the Thanksgiving meal is eaten come make some s’mores at the pavilion and listen to the story Garner State Park next to the fire.
Old Baldy Midnight Hike: Come toast the New Year from the top of Old Baldy. Park staff will lead a hike up the Old Baldy Trail. We will meet just before midnight, hike, sit by a campfire, drink some sparkling cider, and hike down in 2024.
First Day Hike: Celebrate the new year on our first day hike to Crystal Cave. The hike is a good for children and adults, it covers about 2 miles, one cave, an elevation change of 400 feet, plus some of the best views in the park.
First Day Paddle: Take your first kayak trip of the year or your first one ever at Garner State Park. Learn some basics of kayaking then take a guided trip down the Frio River.
First Day Swim (Frio Float and Freeze): Bring your floats and swimsuits to join the park staff for our second annual Frio Float & Freeze. Take your first swim of the year and enjoy some Ice Cream floats. It’s really not as cold as you think!
This Fall Garner State Park completed a riparian restoration project to control riverbank erosion and provide bird and fish habitat. Come tour the area while identifying birds along the Frio River.
Since the 1940s, young folks (and the young at heart) have been gathering at the park’s concession building on summer evenings for a jukebox dance. They still do so today. Arrive early, as parking lots get full.
There are many colorful birds at Garner State Park in the springtime. Come and identify some of them and play games that demonstrate some of the many challenges these birds face while migrating. See if you have what it takes to survive.
Come view the solar eclipse in a relaxed environment. We will have viewing options available with Park Rangers and volunteers to help with viewing equipment and answer questions. The park will have telescopes, binoculars, sun spotters, and other viewing options. The San Antonio Astronomical Association will be here providing telescopes for viewing.
Walk with a Ranger along the riverbank and discuss the importance of riparian ecosystems while viewing recently restored areas. Identify birds, and aquatic animals that thrive in riparian zone.
Friends of Garner State Park have invited the Easter Bunny, and he will be available for pictures.
There will be an east basket drawing and arts and crafts.
This is a children's book by Kate Allen Fox about how to experience the Solar Eclipse. It will be read at the visitor center by Jan Prather. Kids will have the opportunity to build a bracelet out of solar beads.