Nicholle Miller

Plan Your Summer Vacation to Frio Country Resort

A group of people enjoying their summer vacation to the Frio River

A summer vacation should feel easy, refreshing, and a little unforgettable. At Frio Country Resort in Concan, TX, days begin with Hill Country sunshine and end with stars over the Frio River. Our Frio River cabins, RV sites, and vacation home rentals keep you close to the water, local outfitters, Garner State Park, and the gorgeous Texas Hill Country landscape that makes this one of the best summer vacation spots in Texas.

Why the Frio River Is One of the Best Summer Vacation Spots

The Frio River’s clear, spring-fed water stays refreshingly cool because much of it comes from underground sources insulated from the Texas heat. Tubing is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Frio River

A few local outfitters to know include:

Andy’s on River Road

Josh’s Frio River Outfitters

Happy Hollow Frio River Outfitters

Explore the Garner State Park Hiking Trails

Just a short drive from Frio Country Resort, Garner State Park adds hiking, paddling, swimming, and canyon views to your summer vacation itinerary. Climb Old Baldy for a sweeping look at the Frio River canyon, explore Crystal Cave Trail, or choose an easier walk through shaded groves and native plants.

Dance Under the Stars at Garner State Park

Garner State Park is not only known for river views and hiking trails. It is also home to one of the most beloved summer traditions in the Texas Hill Country: the Garner State Park dances. Since the 1940s, visitors have gathered at the park’s concession building on summer evenings for jukebox dances, and the tradition still brings families, couples, and friends to the pavilion dance floor today. This is a great way to spend a summer vacation in the Texas Hill Country!

Experience the Frio Bat Flight at Sunset

One of the most unforgettable summer vacation experiences near Concan happens just before sunset at the Frio Bat Cave. Each evening during the warmer months, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats make their way from the cave in a swirling, wave-like formation that fills the sky. With an estimated population of about 10 to 12 million bats, this is one of the largest publicly viewable bat colonies in the world, and watching them take flight is a true Texas Hill Country moment.

Book your stay at Frio Country Resort and enjoy a summer vacation filled with cool river days, unforgettable evenings, and the simple moments that keep guests returning to Concan year after year!

Why the Frio River Stays So Cool & Other Fun Facts

People having fun on the Frio River

Spend even a few minutes in the Frio River, and you notice it immediately. The water feels refreshingly cool, even on the hottest Texas summer days. That chill is not an illusion, and it is one of the reasons generations of families return to the Frio River cabins, home rentals, and RV sites at Frio Country Resort year after year in Concan, TX!

How the Texas Frio River Stays Cool Despite the Summer Heat

Much of the Frio River is spring-fed, drawing water from underground sources that stay naturally cool year-round. Groundwater is insulated from surface heat, so when it emerges into the river, it carries a steady, refreshing temperature.

The river flows along the southwestern edge of the Edwards Plateau, a region dominated by limestone formed millions of years ago during the Cretaceous period. This limestone is porous, which allows rainwater to seep deep underground. When that water resurfaces through springs, it feeds the Frio with clear, crisp flow that feels more like a natural swimming pool than a typical Texas river.

Shade seals the deal. Bald cypress, pecan, oak, and other native trees line much of the river’s path, especially near places like Garner State Park and Concan. Their broad canopies limit direct sunlight on the water, helping the river hold onto its chill throughout the day.

Fun Facts About the Frio River Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife thrives by the Frio River in Garner State Park. White-tailed deer, raccoons, fox squirrels, turtles, and countless bird species depend on the Frio Canyon ecosystem. The surrounding woodlands are also critical habitat for rare birds like the lovely golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo, species found only in Central Texas during nesting season.

Those towering bald cypress trees are more than scenic. Some are hundreds of years old, with knobby knees rising from the water. They help slow floodwaters, filter pollutants, and provide shelter for fish and nesting birds. When you float past them, you are drifting through living history.

At Frio Country Resort, the Frio River sets the tone for the entire stay. Book your lodging in Concan, TX, today!

Get Ready for Frio Bat Cave Flight Tours

Get Ready for Frio Bat Cave Flight Tours

If you are craving one of those moments that makes you put your phone down and just watch, put Frio Bat Cave flight tours at the top of your travel list. And the best part is how easy it is to pair that adventure with your stay at Frio Country Resort, where the days are made for tubing the Frio River and the nights are made for evening adventures like visiting this local gem.

The Frio Bat Cave flight tours will start back up again in March, so now is the perfect time to start planning and book your stay! We have an excellent collection of vacation homes, cabin rentals, and RV sites perfect for every traveler!

What Makes the Frio Bat Cave in Concan, TX, So Unforgettable

Frio Bat Cave is home to a massive colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. At a population of 10 to 12 million bats, this cave is home to one of the state’s largest colonies. It’s also the world’s second-largest population that is open for the public to gander at. Near dusk, they launch into the sky in waves to hunt for insects, and you get a front row seat to one of Texas’ most iconic natural shows.

When Will the Frio Bat Cave Flight Tours Start Up Again?

The Frio Bat Cave offers bat flight tours from March to September. Guests meet their guide at the gate and follow in their own vehicles to the cave, then enjoy a short, easy walk to a scenic viewing area where this natural spectacle unfolds. 

Visitors may spot cave swallows, wrens, and even birds of prey such as hawks and falcons hunting in the air. The Frio Bat Cave serves as a maternity roost each spring and summer, making these the best times to experience this remarkable event.

Some Important Rules To Keep in Mind for Your Tour

There are a few important rules to keep in mind during your Frio Bat Cave tour:

  • – Please inform a guide if anyone in your group needs accessibility assistance. Handicapped parking is available, and driving up the hill can be arranged once the walkway is clear.
  • – Entrance fees are collected at the ticket booth or at the top of the hill, and guests should remain quiet since loud noises can prevent the bats from emerging.
  • – For the protection of both visitors and wildlife, smoking, alcohol, drugs, weapons, fireworks, and pets are not allowed at the cave.
  • – Guests should stay within designated viewing areas, avoid touching bats or historical objects, and never enter or climb on the cave.
  • – If the bats do not fly during your tour, a rain check will be offered.

You can find the complete list on their website by clicking here!

Frio days are for the river. Frio nights are for the sky. Find the best places to stay in Concan, TX, at Frio Country Resort!

The Best Things To Do in Concan, TX, Each Season

Every season brings its own charm, which means you can always find new things to do in Concan, TX. Here is your seasonal guide to making the most of your stay in one of the cozy cabins, vacation homes, or RV sites at Frio Country Resort in Concan, Texas.

Best Things To Do During the Spring in Concan, TX

Spring in Concan arrives with mild weather and pops of green across the hills. Top things to do in Concan during the spring include:

– During spring break, Garner State Park comes alive with nightly dances at the pavilion.

– Gather along the banks of the Frio River for Women on the Frio, a rejuvenating spring weekend of self-care, adventure, and connection, where women of all ages come together at Frio Country Resort. The proceeds benefit Texas Parks and Wildlife.

– Cruise the scenic roads and take in blooming Texas Hill Country wildflowers.

– Kick off the spring BBQ season at Freedom Fest at Frio Country Resort

Enjoy Classic Frio River Fun During the Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Concan, TX, because it is filled with fun things to do. Top summer delights include: 

– Float, swim, fish, and splash in the Frio River. Tubing is a must, and the river is usually at its liveliest during these months.

– Visitors flock to Garner State Park to enjoy its beloved tradition of nightly pavilion summer dances, where the jukebox plays crowd favorites, and people gather under the Texas Hill Country sky.

– In summertime at Frio Valley Ranch Golf Course, the lush greens and mild Texas Hill Country weather make it the perfect season to tee off.

– From March to September, visitors gather near Concan, Texas, to witness the Frio Bat Flight, an unforgettable evening spectacle as millions of Mexican free-tailed bats spiral out of Frio Cave.

Discover the Fun Things To Do in Concan During the Fall

Once the temperatures soften, Concan becomes a peaceful retreat filled with exciting things to do. Some of the top fall adventures in Concan include: 

– Visit Lost Maples State Natural Area for stunning foliage of fiery hues.

– The annual Fall on the Frio BBQ Cookoff at Frio Country Resort invites guests to enjoy food, live music, family activities, and friendly competition while supporting Gear Up for Game Wardens.

– Hike nearby trails at Garner State Park, where the views stretch across rolling hills and crisp fall landscapes.

Enjoy Peaceful Stays and Slower Days During the Winter

Winter in Concan brings stillness and room to breathe. It is a season filled with gentle beauty and cozy moments at Frio Country Resort. Top things to do during the winter include:

– In winter, Hill Country Adventures continues to welcome visitors with year-round birding and nature tours, storytelling events, and champion big tree excursions.

– Plan a holiday gathering or winter retreat with family or friends in one of our vacation rentals by the Frio River. We have cozy cabins, vacation homes, and RV sites!

– Enjoy challenging yourself on the Garner State Park hiking trails with crisp winter weather that averages in the 60s

Stay with us at Frio Country Resort!

Book Your Stay and Explore Garner State Park

Book Your Stay and Explore Garner State Park

For more than forty years, Frio Country Resort has been a family tradition for guests who love wide skies, fresh air, and genuine hospitality. Our property sits at Kenneth Arthur Crossing on more than thirty acres along the Frio River, offering a variety of places to stay in Concan, TX. From cozy cabins tucked under cypress trees to spacious lodges perfect for family reunions and riverside RV sites, we have something for every traveler looking to explore Garner State Park!

Explore the Magic of Garner State Park

Spot Wildlife and Enjoy Nature

Keep your eyes open for white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, raccoons, and Rio Grande turkeys roaming the park. Birdwatchers might even spot rare species like the Golden-cheeked Warbler or the Black-capped Vireo, both of which nest in the park’s woodlands. Just remember, don’t leave food unattended, as feral hogs are known to raid coolers!

Swim, Float, and Paddle the Frio River

Few things say “Texas summer” quite like a dip in the Frio River in Garner State Park. The park offers easy river access for swimming, and you can float lazily downstream on an inner tube. For a bit more activity, rent a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe and explore the river at your own pace.

Discover the Park’s Geology

The park’s striking landscape is part of the Balcones Canyonlands, featuring limestone cliffs and high mesas that tell a story of millions of years. It showcases rock layers from the Cretaceous period, when ancient seas covered Texas and dinosaurs left their footprints.

Explore Some of Our Favorite Garner State Park Trails

Old Entrance Road Trail: In the spring, it’s a great place to spot the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. There’s a bit of a climb, but the reward is a peaceful overlook of the Frio Canyon and a glimpse into the history of Garner State Park.

Donovan Trail: This short but scenic trail gives hikers a taste of the diverse Texas Hill Country habitats. You’ll pass through shaded groves, rocky slopes, and open meadows teeming with native plants.

Bridges Trail: This challenging Garner State Park trail features loose rocks and steep terrain, leading to the Painted Rock Overlook, where you can enjoy stunning views of Old Baldy and the hills. Don’t miss the giant Ashe juniper tree, a great spot to rest in the shade.

Crystal Cave Trail: One of Garner’s famous trails takes you to Crystal Cave, a 30-foot-deep limestone cave. Bring a flashlight to explore its cool interior and stunning rock formations. The hike can be steep and rocky, but it’s an unforgettable experience.

Old Baldy Trail: The crown jewel of Garner State Park hiking. Though it’s short, this trail is steep, rocky, and demanding, but the view from the top of Old Baldy is nothing short of spectacular. From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Frio River canyon and the rolling Texas Hill Country.

Discover the wonders of Garner State Park by booking your stay in one of the cabins & other properties offered by Frio Country Resort!

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