We wanted to arrive at Garner State Park early so that we could enjoy the day there. Plus, we had read that it's a big busy park, so we wanted to ensure a good site. In fact, Garner State Park is the most popular state park for overnight camping in all of Texas. Turns out we had nothing to worry about!
Here's our drive...
Nice short drive.
Only 34.1 miles (55 kms)!
As we were driving through Uvalde, we were looking for one of those purified water fill stations. We were getting low on drinking water. But, nothing to be found along our route and I had checked on google maps and didn't see anything. We should have stopped to buy a jug somewhere, but I just figured that the park would have water available.
Nice wide Texas back roads with hardly any traffic.
Here we are...!
We stopped at the office and showed our annual Texas State Parks Pass. This saves us the $8 per adult daily fee that you would have to pay. We're going to stay for two nights (and maybe more!), so there's $32 in savings right there.
The girl asked if we wanted a water and electric site, or a water only site. Sherman's solar panels and batteries work just fine, so we are self sufficient for electricity. No need to pay extra for an electrical site.
Premium sites are $35 USD ($45 CAD) per night plus the $8 USD per night day use fee per person. Then there are some water and electric sites for $26 or $22 depending on location. Basic water only sites are $15 USD ($19.50 CAD) per night. But our pass came with four coupons to use for buy one, get the second night at half price. So we paid for two nights at a basic water only site at a total cost of $22.50 USD ($29.50 CAD).
Like I said, it's a big popular park. And there are over 350 campsites! But it turns out that it's very quiet at this time of year... just the way we like it. I can just imagine what a zoo this place would be in the summer.
The girl gave us a map with the locations of the water only sites and said we could choose our site and come back and tell her which one.
Wild turkeys to greet us.
Yep... that'll do!
Our nearest neighbor is about six sites away.
We got the bikes off and rode back to the office to officially book in with our site number.
Texas State Parks all have free wifi, but it's usually only available near the office. And that's the way it is here. But, we tried our BearExtender Long Range Wi-fi Antennas and were able to connect to an unsecured wifi signal coming from a house across the river. Nice!
We have a water tap that is supposedly potable water, but it tastes terrible. Very chemically tasting.
After lunch, we went for a bike ride to check out the park and see if the camp store was open to buy some water.
The Frio River is very popular with tubers and kayakers, but the level is low at this time of year.
The buildings were built by the CCC in 1941.
Paddle boats for rent.
Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal.
We found the camp store, and paid $3.00 for a jug of water. Expensive, but not as bad as I thought it might be.
Ended up riding about 6 miles (10 kms). The park is great for bike riding, and there are also about 12 miles (20 kms) of hiking trails. We might have to stay a third night!
Slept like a rock last night. Quiet as can be. Temperature today expected to be high of 75F (24C) and low of 63F (17C). Perfect. Heading out to do some hiking!
Also, we've reactivated our membership in Boondockers Welcome and will be using that site to find free overnight RV parking for Sherman during the coming months. We're hoping to have one booked for next week!
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HDTV Antenna with a 50 miles range. For the price, these things are supposed to work really well...
And in Canada...
Wow, nice park! Don't rush north, the weather is terrible...
ReplyDeleteWe have no intention on heading north until we absolutely have too! :-)
DeleteLike Peter said, nothing but rain here on the island. Great deal on the park and perfect weather, no need for air conditioning so solar panels are the perfect solution.
ReplyDeleteNot wanting to head north until we really need too!
DeleteWe haven't used our air conditioner all winter, we rarely use it but yes, the weather is perfect here. :-)
Looks like a lovely park. Enjoy your stay! Weather there sounds great here not so great. Still lots of snow and minus temps. Stay south for a bit longer. Are you planning on traveling into Canada this year and if you are where and when? Enjoy your posts !
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely park, we are really enjoying our time here and just relaxing for a change as well as getting out and doing some of hiking and biking.
DeleteWe are Canadians, so yes we are headed back to Canada. This summer we are headed north to the Yukon and Northwest Territories and probably a little bit of Alaska.
Great shot of the cardinals. When you aren't spending that much on a site the $3 spent on water is worth it for drinking water
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth the price to just not start up Sherman and drive somewhere to get the water.
DeleteWe love Texas SPs. This one is on our list to see next fall. Hope there are lots of bluebonnets to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWe have really been enjoying them too! We have definitely saved more money then what we paid for the pass so we have already gotten our money's worth from the purchase.
DeleteI don't think they are out yet! There are some flowers/weeds here that are a bit purpley-blue in colour but they look to be too tall to be bluebonnets.
I googled the park yesterday and found the park to be beautiful and the camp sites are wonderful as well....at least the tent camping sites.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful park when it isn't busy season, won't like to be here when it is though. Yes, the campsites are well spaced out, we are actually in a tenting site because we didn't need electricity and we have had no neighbours.
DeleteDrinking water is worth a lot if your thirsty!! Relax and enjoy your stay.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics of the park and the cardinals.....enjoy the state parks...they seldom disappoint. Happy trails!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynnette, we will definitely enjoy our time here. We like state parks when the price is reasonable. :-)
DeleteAmazing looking place. Love the spots, they seem pretty big. Love the river shot!!!! Enjoy your few days there.
ReplyDeleteThe sites are quite large and well spaced out, one of the reasons we tend to like state parks, as long as they are affordably priced.
DeleteAnother nice CCC Park - B likes the wild turkeys!!
ReplyDeleteWe love seeing all the projects that CCC workers built back in the day. They have never disappointed us.
DeleteI am sure that Barry loved the turkeys! ;-)
Nice park enjoy your time there.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful park and yes, we will enjoy our time here.
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