The River Region of the Texas Hill Country is a place of dramatic beauty. The landscape features some of the highest hills in Central Texas, carved over many years by the Frio, Dry Frio, Nueces, Sabinal, and Leona rivers. Texans have always flocked to the area, and the most popular of all the state parks is a Hill Country oasis just south of Leakey known as Garner State Park.

Acquired in 1934-36 and named for ex-vice president John Nance Garner, Garner State Park consists of 1,419 acres of rolling hills and towering limestone cliffs located right on the Frio River. As with any state park with a major water feature, the majority of visitors choose to spend their time around the river, swimming, kayaking, tubing, or lounging. Huge bald cypresses line both sides of the river and provide shade, perfect for beating the heat on a summer day.

The lower part of the river is where most people gather during the day. It is where you will find the concession building, pedal boat rentals, and picnic tables, as well as campsites and cabins where campers are either setting up gear or relaxing in a lawn chair taking in the outdoors. Just above these campsites is the pavilion where dances are held nightly during the summer.

Garner is known to be subject to big crowds, especially during the summer. The park’s busy time is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But even before or after those dates, don’t count on getting a campsite without a reservation. Day trippers should make plans to arrive early, not only to be ensured entry before the parking lots fill up, but also to have the maximum amount of time possible in the park.

For visitors who are hoping to get away from the crowds, Garner State Park has miles of trails that are ready to be explored. With more than 1,400 acres of prime Hill Country terrain at your disposal, finding solitude should be no problem for those who are so inclined.

Hill Country trails are particularly attractive to me, and are generally where I spen ...

Read the entirety of this article in the print edition.

Subscribe online — it's quick and easy