The Texas Hill Country River Region is an area that features chalk cliffs, rolling Texas hills, charming small towns, canopies of ancient Cypress trees and crystal-clear rivers. The region is situated in the Texas Hill Country, specifically Uvalde and Real counties. According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated 2018 population of Uvalde County is 26,846. Also, according to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated 2018 population of Real County is 3,478.
The Rivers of the Texas Hill Country River Region
Frio River– A 200-mile-long river that begins in northeastern Real County and empties into the Nueces River, about a mile south of Three Rivers in Live Oak County. Along the way, the river travels through central Uvalde and Frio counties, northeastern LaSalle counties, northern McMullen County and northwestern Live Oak County.
Nueces River– A 315-mile-long river that begins in the Edwards Plateau, located in Real County, about 50 miles north of Uvalde and empties into the Corpus Christi Bay, located in Corpus Christi, on the Gulf of Mexico.
Sabinal River– A 58-mile-long river that begins in the area of Lost Maples State Natural Area, approximately 7 miles north of Vanderpool, in northwestern Bandera County and empties into the Frio River, approximately 10 miles south of Sabinal.
ATTRACTIONS
Frio Bat Flight– Located on FM 2690 in Concan- Watch as 10-12 million Mexican free-tailed bats ascend, from the Frio Bat Cave, into the night sky just before sunset each night. According to their website, “This is the second largest bat population in the world open to the public!” Fact: The Mexican free-tailed bat is the Official Texas State Flying Mammal.
Garner State Park– Located at 234 FM 1050 in Concan- A 1,419.8-acre park, situated on the clear, spring-fed Frio River. Park activities include 11.39-miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking, an 18-hole miniature golf course, fishing, kayak/inner tube/paddle boat rentals, nightly dances for the whole family, picnicking, swimming and wildlife viewing. Overnight park visitors can stay in either one of the park’s 347 campsites, 37 screened shelters or 17 cabins.
Main Street Utopia– Located at 282 Main Street in Utopia- Opened in 2000, this charming store is a direct importer of country antiques from France. The store features an array of books, cards, collectibles, gifts, home furnishings, jewelry and women’s clothing. Main Street Utopia also has a selection of goods created by local Utopia artists, authors, embroiders, jewelry makers, photographers, t-shirt designers and woodworkers.
Cowboy Campfire Storytelling– Located on FM 1050, at the Hill Country Nature Center in Rio Frio- Hosted by Lee Haile, a cowboy poet, singer and storyteller, as he tells local folklore tales through jokes, songs and stories.
DINING
Neal’s Dining Room– Located at 20970 Highway 127 in Concan- A classic Texas diner featuring cedar post dining tables, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of their top menu items include Tom’s Chicken Fried Steak, Grilled Stuffed Steak and Swiss Mushroom Chicken Sandwich.
Lost Maples Café– Located at 384 Main Street in Utopia- A roadside diner that has been owned and operated, since 1986, by Rusty and Tacy Redden. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, some of their menu favorites include Western Omelet, Chicken Fried Steak, Chalupas and Chicken Strip Basket.
Bent Rim Grill– Located at 657 West Ranch Road 337 in Leakey- Located next to the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Shop, this bar and grill is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast Friday-Sunday. Favorite menu items include the Indian Chief Burger, made with ½-pound of Angus beef, bacon and cheddar cheese, served on a sourdough bun and the Fury, made with grilled chicken breast, bacon, provolone cheese and chipotle ranch dressing.
LODGING
Crider’s Frio River Resort– Located at 7070 Highway 83 South in Concan- Family owned and operated since 1949, the resort features 16 cabins, including 11-2-bedroom cabins, 4-3-bedroom cabins and 1-4-bedroom cabin.
Chalk Bluff River Resort– Located at 1108 Chalk Bluff Road in Uvalde- Situated along the Nueces River, the family owned and operated rustic river resort features several lodging options, including 60 furnished cabins, 100 tent campsites and 21 full-service RV sites.
Frio River Treetop– Located at 5181 FM 1050 in Rio Frio- A treehouse resort that features a Treetop Lodge, a Treetop Cottage and a Treetop Deck. The 1966-square foot lodge sleeps 14 within 3 bedrooms and a large sleeping loft. The 595-square-foot cottage sleeps 4 with a curtain separating the living and sleeping areas. The deck features a thatched roof and is situated on a huge Cypress tree, 40-feet above the Frio River.
