DALEoutside

Sorry if this isn't a specifically camping question! We want to take the kids this summer to an (air conditioned) cabin. DH can't handle the tent when the temps reach over 97 or so!

We stayed at some cute cabins on Lake Buchanan last year and while nice, I'm not a big fan of the "murky" lake situation and so we never got past our ankles in the water. This year I would like better water. I was thinking of the Frio. We have never been to the area and I would LOVE to visit Lost Maples and maybe even Garner (day use) if time permits.

I have heard of Neal's often and checked out their site. Looks pretty cute. Any more to share with me about it? What about Foxfire Cabins on the Sabinal? Is the water as nice as the Frio? Is it kind of "6 of 1, half dozen of the other" type thing?

What else to do (read *eat* ) in the area? I searched and read that Lost Maples Cafe is good, right?

Oh, and IS the water nice without any rain for a year? Guess we'll take what we can get this summer!

riverrat

If you're looking for a long stretch of river to play/float in go with the Frio. While the Sabinal is very pretty and clear, also wide in some areas, most of it is private land with no access. Foxfire is just down from Lost Maples, where the Sabinal begins, and has nice cabins, although fairly pricey (for us anyways). I've never seen anyone tubing the Sabinal.

Neal's is a nice place but cabins are fairly rustic. There maybe some with AC but most have water evaporater cooling units. Helps some but isn't close to AC cold. Garner State Park has cabins with AC but you may be too late to book any for this summer. There are several private cabins to rent but I don't know any specifics ones to name. Try Googling "frio river cabins" and see what you get. Good luck!

Lost Maples Cafe in Utopia has great food.

4everfrio

Look at funrivers.com for info in the Garner/frio area.
It looks like this year is going to be a float--walk---look for a deep hole to sink into-- Just keep your fingers crossed for more rain.
I've got a month and a half before I get my garner fix. Can't wait!!

honeask

I recommend B.E.N.T. River Retreat on the Frio. Nancy and Eddie are very nice and if they don't have something they will probably refer you to someone else. Good luck and hurry.

Sandy

DALEoutside

Thanks for the replies everyone! I went ahead and booked at FoxFire for Aug 6-9 (my birthday weekend!). Their cabins are just too cute, and the property looks so nice. Most other places are more like $150-165 that time of year (not including hotel tax) so that's just too steep for our budget. FoxFire is only $110 and more private than what we could find at Neal's for the same price. They also provide linens which a lot of places don't. It's on the Sabinal, but I think it'll be fine. It looks like they have a nice swimming/wading area (although if we dont get more rain, who knows!). We're hoping to visit Lost Maples and hike, maybe catch a bat flight, and just overall relax. Then it will be back to the tent when the weather cools!

riverrat

I think you will like it there. Be sure to drive in to Utopia and eat at the Lost Maples Cafe. Great food! If you want to grill a steak, go into the General Store across from the park/gazebo and the butcher will fix you up! A trip to Lost Maples isn't complete without a Utopia steak!

Do go check out Lost Maples SNA. The hike to the Ponds isn't too long (about 1-2 hours in and out, depending on your pace & how long you linger at the Ponds) and should be mostly shady. Bring plenty of water along, though, as it will be hot, shade or no shade. If you want a longer hike (about 4-5 hours, depending on how many rest stops you take), do the West Trail, keep to the left at the fork, coming down through Mystic Canyon and by the Ponds.