Frio River is located in Texas Hill Country, 340 miles from Dallas, and is named for its river, also known as the Rio Frio. Frio River is not classed as a town but as an unincorporated community, since it doesn’t have its own government. The Frio River flows for 200 miles across Uvalde, Frio, McMullen and Live Oak counties and is a popular summer destination. Campgrounds are located in Garner State Park and along the river, providing easy access to all water activities.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Many Frio River campers are attracted by opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The river boasts a limestone and gravel bed, high limestone bluffs lined with bald cypress trees and the chance to see 150 species of birds from your canoe. A popular paddling section runs between Leakey to the north and Concan to the south. Southwest Paddler (see References) suggests some whitewater experience in canoes or kayaks is helpful, but is not required.
Outdoor Activities
Other year-round activities to occupy you on your camping trip include fishing the cold clear waters of the Frio River, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. Fall is a good time to visit so you can see the changing colors of foliage on your hike or bike ride. In March the area around Concan is filled with migrating hummingbirds.
Garner State Park
Garner State Park is 10 miles down the Frio River, halfway between the start and end of the paddling section of the river. The park offers 211 campsites, 146 of which have water connection, plus RV sites. Other facilities include hot and cold showers, electricity, laundry, dump stations and screened shelters. You can easily swim from the banks of the river and tackle the rapids on inner tubes. The park rents paddle boats and kayaks mid-March through Labor Day weekend.
Camping at Concan
The town of Concan is located next to the Frio River, in the heart of the Frio Canyon. Campgrounds here include Andy’s on the River, a large campsite offering RV sites and tent camping as well as cabins and suites. RV sites are pull-through. This Frio River camping site provides picnic tables, fire rings, grills, water and electricity as well as a grocery store and volleyball court. Enjoy the close proximity to the Frio River for tubing and kayaking.
River Bend Camping
The campsite at Yeargan’s River Bend on the Frio has a total of 23 campsites with shady trees, a picnic table, electricity, drinking water and a grill. No air-conditioning units can be run at the campsites. There are also 12 RV sites, five with water, electricity and sewer hookups. This Frio River campground features screened shelters, a gift shop and a meeting room. Cottages and motel units are available to rent.
Planning Your Trip
Camping in Frio River is good year-round, although take into account cold winds in winter and very hot temperatures at the height of summer. If you are planning to paddle the river on your camping trip, know that the shallow waters can run dry during hot summer months with little rainfall. Winter canoeing or kayaking is not recommended unless you are set up for cold weather. A variety of canoe access points are available and sections of the river can be broken down into easy day trips.
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