Want to make your tubing in Texas a bit more unique? It isn’t often that mountains and rivers share the same terrain, so Garner State Park is truly a special place. Weaving right through it is the famous Frio River, which runs along the base of Old Baldy, a mountain covered in breathtaking lush greenery. Hop in a tube and float on by the majestic natural wonder, letting a gentle current send you drifting downstream. You’re certain to enjoy some Garner State Park tubing.

Hiding in the small town of Concan, Garner State Park is one of Texas’ most popular family vacation spots during the summer - and for good reason. It spans nearly 2,000 acres and offers a multitude of outdoor recreation activities including hiking, bike riding, canoeing, fishing, miniature golf, and everyone’s favorite: tubing.
Facebook/Garner State Park
There are 2.9 miles of pristine Frio River that wind through the park, providing ample opportunities for visitors to jump in and float the day away. Lush, evergreen trees line the banks and create an atmosphere akin to a faraway tropical paradise, making this one of the best floats in Texas.
Google/Ridvan Gunduz
Nothing beats tubing the Frio River!
Sandbars are incrementally spaced so as to allow for easy entry onto this natural lazy river in Texas. Just launch into the gentle current and paddle or float until your desired exit before steering off toward the side.
Google/Sergio Rodriguez
You’ll pass right by the famous Old Baldy and feel so small beneath its towering majesty. It isn’t often the beach and mountains share a landscape, making this tubing in Texas experience truly once in a lifetime.
Sameer Koirala/Google
Sixteen miles of scenic trails also meander about the terrain in Garner State Park and beckon nature lovers to discover their secrets. There are hikes available for all skill levels. If you’re up for it, scaling the mountain is only a half-mile endeavor (a challenging one at that, but totally worth it.)
TripAdvisor/Trang R.
Interested in extending your visit overnight? Screened shelters, cabins, and rugged tent sites are available for rent. Due to how busy the park gets at times, camping is your best bet for securing entry. Not to mention it also guarantees you a spot at the nightly jukebox dance underneath the pavilion, a Garner summer tradition dating back to the 1940s.
TripAdvisor/Tom C.

For more information, visit the official website of Garner State Park, or stop by the Facebook page of this Texas state park.

Have you ever been to Garner State Park tubing? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience!

Read up on more natural rivers for tubing in Texas.

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tubing in Texas

Rachel Raimondi | July 13, 2022

What are the oldest attractions in Texas?            

The oldest attractions in Texas are:

 

Although Texas is a young state if you look at it from an entering the Union standpoint, there is a great deal of Texas history that precedes 1845. Mission Concepción, one of four San Antonio missions, goes back to the early 1700s. This Spanish colonial stone church was the site of the 1835 Battle of Concepción. Today, you can visit it as well as three other missions as part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. There are also biking and hiking trails.

Are there any good swimming holes in Texas?

The best swimming holes in Texas are:

  • Krause Springs (Spicewood)
  • Hamilton Pool (Dripping Springs)
  • Jacob's Well (Wimberley)
  • Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)

 

There are a great deal of swimming holes in Texas if you are looking to cool off. In Austin’s Zilker Park, there is the 1,000-foot-long Barton Springs Pool. It’s spring-fed and boasts an average temperature of 68 degrees all year, making it pretty popular. The 12-foot-in-diameter Jacob’s Well is located in Wimberley. Here, you can swim in the waters, but you’ll need to make a reservation. The entire area is 81 acres and also offers some hiking trails.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas?     

We think the most beautiful beaches in Texas are:

  • Port Aransas
  • Boca Chica
  • Rockport Beach
  • Galveston Island

 

Considering that the Lone Star State resides on three major bodies of water and has more than 150 lakes, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Texas to enjoy. South Padre Island is located off the state’s southern tip. While this is a popular spot for spring break, it’s also great for families. You can explore and swim along 34 miles of shoreline, and kiteboarding, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin-watching trips are also available nearby. In Corpus Christi, you’ll find Mustang Island State Park. Here you can swim in the Gulf of Mexico as well as take in some interesting native wildlife like Kemp’s ridley turtles. There are also paddle trails for kayaking and even camping available too.

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Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA