The Frio River in Texas is a 200-mile long river that runs through central Uvalde and Frio counties, northeastern LaSalle County, northern McMullen County, and northwestern Live Oak County before reaching its mouth on the Nueces River. As beautiful cypress trees line its banks, the 12-mile section in Uvalde County that runs through Garner State Park to Concan, TX is classified as a class two to three rapids by American Whitewater. Unlike many other rivers around the country, all of the river banks along the Frio are considered private property, limiting access to the river to public access points typically near bridge crossings. Legally, the riverbanks may only be accessed in the event of portaging canoes or scouting for obstructions.
Favorite Fun Facts
There are plenty of fun Frio River facts but here are some of our favorites. Frio is Spanish for cold, and Frio County, TX was named after the river. The river’s drainage area covers 7,310 square miles around its riverbanks meaning that water for the river is collected from many of the nearby areas where people camp, hike, and mountain bike. The large drainage area is one of the many reasons why parks, trails, and campgrounds in the area put such a heavy emphasis on not littering and making sure that all waste is disposed of in its proper place. The river has also made appearances on the country music scene. George Strait’s famous song “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” mentions the Frio River and the artist himself grew up in Frio County. Last, but definitely not least, is our final fact. The Frio is home to one of the largest bat colonies in the world, the second largest colony in the world, to be exact. The bats keep the insect populations at bay which in turn makes for a nearly pest-free evening when you’re out enjoying the water.
Lil Bit O’ Knowledge
Historically, the area that is now Concan was home to the Pachal and Payaya Indians which are both part of the Coahuiltecan groups that were dominant in the region until the mid to late 1800’s. During the American Civil War, the area was of particular importance as the bat guano from area caves was readily converted into key ingredients needed to make gunpowder. In the 1970’s, the area became a popular year-round tourist spot. Hunters would stay in the area during the fall and winter to hunt deer, doves, and wild turkeys while the spring and summer brought campers, hikers, and birdwatchers to the area to enjoy the fresh, clear waters of the river.
The Landing
Now for the really fun stuff.
The Landing on the Frio River has the best river access and provides 500 yards of open river bank for your enjoyment. The Landing is perfect for setting up a canopy, spend time with the family and watching the kids have a blast. If you and your party are looking to tube, they provide tubes and even shuttles for floating the Frio. They can accommodate groups of all size’s, ranging from 2 too 25 people. The landing takes great pride in providing an exciting trip with either a 35-foot school bus or a 23-foot army truck.
Everyone Agrees
You can search for yourself, as these days everything is on the internet, and you’ll see that everyone who has come here for a vacation has been touched by the beauty and crystal waters of the Frio. Here’s an excerpt from an article written by Southern living:
Life doesn’t get much better than this. Here I lounge in the middle of the Frio River, hands and feet dangling in the cool waters while the sun warms my face. Today I’m going with the flow, dawdling the day away at a leaf’s pace through some of the most gorgeous country in God’s creation. -Annette Thompson
We think that sums up beautifully what a day on the Frio is like. You are in a part of the world that still pretty untouched by man, surrounded by incredible natural beauty where you can have an adrenalin filled getaway, a family fun vacation or go camping for two. The possibilities are endless, but whatever you decide, the Frio and we here at Rustic Retreat are here to accommodate you and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Refernces: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rnf01 http://www.riverfacts.com/rivers/13220.html http://www.tubetexas.com/flows/frio-river-flow.html http://www.friofun.com/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D63%253Ahistory-of-concan-texas%26Itemid%3D77 https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hnc84 http://www.landingonthefrioriver.com/about-us.html