stillinatent

Hi All,
This is my first post after I found this website while searching for information about camping in the Concan/ Frio River area.
I just got back from my trip, and I wanted to share my feedback about the various places that my myself, my fiancee, her 10 year old son and his 8 year old friend stopped at...
I entered "Concan, TX" into my Garmin Nuvi GPS, and it took is straight to Neals Lodges on the Frio River. Although I LOVE their cabins, and their shady spots on the river, I have always been less than satisfied with their staff...
Last time I tried to make a reservation there, they told me that it was a 3 day minimum for their cabins- no exceptions.. I explained to them that I have to work during the week, but I sure would love to spend 2 nights there during the weekend, and they again explained to me that they have a 3 night minimum. I really do not like that rule. 2 night min is reasonable and understandable, but 3 nights!? Last time I remember, there are only 2 nights in a weekend, so this makes that place tough to go to for a weekend get-away.
Well, this time, they promptly told me that they were booked-even for camping. I asked them where River Bend was (so we could find SOMEPLACE to stay that night), and nobody wanted to tell me! It was quite interesting with me staring at them, and them staring at me, and nobody saying anything... Finally one of the ladies behind the desk gave me some very brief directions, and I was on my way. NOT happy at all with their "friendly" texas hill country attitude everytime I have ever talked to them... Like I said, their cabins are fun, but I think their attitudes have made this the last time I try them.. NOT friendly or helpful..

Next stop was River Bend. They were totally booked except for 1 canopy spot that was $50/ night! Seemed expensive to me! I am used to paying $35 and under for a camping spot, so I opted to try the next spot. By the way, these guys had a big sign that said dogs allowed on a leash, but NO pitbulls or Rottweilers... Interesting tidbit for anyone that this matters to.

Next stop was Park View RV Park.. Another snotty spot... These guys do not allow ANY tents. I'm sorry, but I think that is so contrary to the concept of camping, and being friendly, and "relaxing" in the great outdoors... I asked them why, and he told me that the RV owners do not like to see tents near them! WTH!! Is a tent really that ugly? GIVE ME A BREAK! I am sure that some people will have their own opinions, and a lot of people will agree with me, but I think this is a very rude and discriminatory policy!! I was very disappointed with this park's policy, and attitude toward campers that don't have the money or storage space to "camp" in an RV or Trailer. I don't have anything against them (even though I don't hear any generators going all night long from a tent), I was just very surprised to learn that (some) RV owners, and the mgt of this park though that tents were soooo ugly and such a nuisance- to the point that tents are banned in a camping area...

Right next door to them was a brand new spot called Nana's... VERY friedly couple (Jerry and Diane) who welcomed us, and gave us lots of pointers... I will agree that their "spot on the river" is not the best, (it is brand new and sitll being developed by them) but it did have some points to mention:
Con's: Their "river front" is actually on a side tributary of the Frio. You actually have to walk across that smaller "river" in order to get to the actual Frio. It is only about 8 inches deep and 25 feet wide, but you are not actually on the Frio until you cross that area first.
Pro's: The area next to that smaller "side river" is VERY shady with lots of picnic tables. Great place for groups to cook, eat, and just hang out in some shade. Not the best view of the Frio though..
They had air-conditioned bathrooms and showers- which my Fiancee really appreciated..
They also sold ice and had a compressor that they let us use for free to inflate our floating lounges.
They also rent toobs there, and will drop you off whereever you want for toobing.

This area was right across the river from Garner State Park, so there was a pretty good amount of people on the river there.
There were 3 working rope swings.. The water was still plenty deep there. Some area's were between 6 and 8 feet deep near the swings...

I wish my "reviews" of these spots was better... I usually a positive person, but these policies and attitudes from these places has me definitely scratching these places (except for Nana's) off of my list of places to camp on the Frio.

I hope this info helps some people out.. Feel free to post back if you have any questions or feedback.

rockhill

Well it is indeed unfortunate that your first experience with the area did not go well. I have never stayed at Neal's cabins, nor have I interacted in any way with them, so I do not know if your experience was not the norm. the same would go for ParkView. The new site you ended up at are trying to grow their business and they acted like it.
As for River Bend the only problem there was availability and price. Supply and demand I suppose. My wife camped there the first year it opened and was called Ritcheys river bend. the current owners bought it in 1970, just prior to my first trip in 1971. I tell you all that to say this, when the wife and I were crusing thru the area this April, not camping, we stopped at Riverbend. Gave a brief intro, advised it had been 20 plus years since we last camped there and asked if we could drive through for old time sakes. You bet, no problem was the response and we did so. Stopped back at the office after driving down into the camp ground, parking and walking along the river reliving memories. There is a tree near the river that was hit by lightning long ago and it has a hollow side to it. We have pictures of the wife as a young girl in front of that tree, our children as young kids there and now us at a not so young age at the same spot. A long story but they did not have to let us go down into there grounds, at no charge by the way. They could have said no, or asked for a fee and we would have understood completely. When we came back up we stopped and visited with one of the owners for quite some time.I guess my point is do not rush to judgement on everyone. My own opinion on the staff at Neals behavior would not be favorable. If they were booked, why not help newcomers with directions? That act of friendship would have probably earned your business the next time. As people turn more to "staycations", or travel less, areas like the Frio valley are going to have to work closer together to attract the limited discretionary dollars people are able and willing to spend. Competition and rivalry is good, but they probably should not be so short sighted. I apologize for rambling and getting somewhat off track. I like that area, even if I do not get down there much anymore but it is a good distance from Mansfield. Try the area again, some good people in a scenic valley worthy of another visit. And for the record we were always in a tent, but generally rented a screen shelter as well. We use a hybrid trailer now but would be glad to have your tent in the spot next to us. Our move from tents to pop ups to the hybrid had more to do with age and creature comforts than anything. In fact that is why we have a hybrid. Beds are like in a pop up, which is like a tent but off the ground, yet creature comforts are close at hand.

happybooker1

Several things you mentioned occur to me too -- and I have a pop up! Some private CG's do not allow POP UP'S for the same reason you mentioned. The RV'ers think they look 'trashy' next to their Big Rigs. So I just move on down the road. Also the 3-night stay. Most private parks are going to this especially in the hot vacation spots. They have figured out that they will 'lose' a night's fee if they don't do this, and if you want to stay there you will pony up. If not, you can go on down the road, like y'all did.

My first thought is why didn't you want to stay at Garner SP? They allow tent camping and have hot water/showers?? I'm just curious.

Anyway, glad you eventually found a spot to enjoy and had a good time!

riverrat

First off welcome to you stillinatent. Sometimes I wish I was (in a tent I mean) but we've gotten spoilt to our popup.

My first experience with the Frio River came at Neal's Lodges in a tent. This was back in '87 so quite a bit of flooding as occurred since then and the river has changed its course a bit. What few camping spots they had are pretty much all gone downriver now. You didn't miss much by not getting a tent spot there. Sure, the ones that are left are right on the river but only one is really worth having.

The cabins are rustic, some have been updated and its been years since we stayed in one. The folks have stayed pretty much the same. A few new faces but the owners are still around. We've stayed in the pop up there once. What's so funny about our trips to Neals...it has always flooded right after we go! That may be why we don't stay there anymore (not that we're superstitious but I hate to cause destruction whereever I go! )I feel like I'm at home when i'm there. Even now when we're in the area we always stop by and go walk along the river. They don't charge us for parking. I think thye recognize us and just hope we'll leave before the rain starts! Hmmm...maybe we need to go so it will rain on them a bit!

Anyways...I'm sorry you had a bad experience with Neal's.

And Parkview...we stay there in our popup, right between those 300k monstrosities. Hopefully they will continue to let popups in. I LOVE their place. The most relaxing time I've had along the Frio I've had at Parkview. Its good to know the the new place next to them has opened. They're kin to the owners of Parkview so it's all family there. Maybe Parkview will quit letting popups in but we can go to Nana's now.

Garner is great if you don't mind the crowds. Lost Maples is a great spot if you like hiking. Not much in the way of swimming, just some wading.

srds

We got home late last nite and had a great time,water was low and it was butt bumping but it was still fun. They were getting a little rain as we left out ,a few days of easy rains would do wonders.The ntu pup did wonderful and was great at shower time for our 5 year old son.I still showered at the bath house.We had some good food with friends we haven't seen in years ,caught up and really enjoyed the company,Garner just lets you kick back and have fun.The only bad thing that happened is we had to leave to come home.Now the fun part Unloading .Best to everyone

srds :cool:
Have Fun

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rockhill

Sounds like a succesful maiden voyage, with more to come I am sure.

stillinatent

Hey everyone! I have been so busy at work that I have not had a chance to check back in... You guys are great- with your great input and positive attitudes (I USUALLY have one too), and humor. I feel for you RiverRat- causing destruction everywhere you go... haha!
I too love the Frio River area and I will definitely go back!
I have to run (leaving work early today for the 4th of July weekend!) but I will try to check in again when I have more time.
Thanks again for your replies and experiences! I hope to be able to share more (and learn more) now that I know about this great site!
Happy 4th of July to all of you!

funrivers

Stillinatent.... Sorry to hear about your experience in Frio Country.. It really is a great place to visit and hopefully you'll give it another chance.

I know it is not uncommon (and they have their reasons) for accommodations here to require a 3 night minimum and for RV parks to not allow tent camping. However, there are sites here that do allow tent camping and others have designated areas for them. I personally do not have problems with tents (I love tent camping) and don't think the owners of the park(s) do either necessarily, it's just what they are- (a RV Park) and whom they cater to. Their land is built for RV hookups, and those hookups can be very limited during peak seasons. That particular Park is pretty much booked all the time and if a cancellation, there will be another RV to fill it's place. Actually that's the case with a lot of accommodations here. Many places, including Parkview have reservations up to a year in advance. Once again, I am sorry about your experience and hopefully you'll make another trip up here. If you do, I suggest you ( & anyone considering coming here) to book in advance so you don't have to run around looking for a vacancy. It is hectic during the summer time (for both the parks and visitors) and knowing in advance of any rules, regulations etc is helpful- plus less stressful. You were actually lucky to find a place to be honest. Feel free to PM anytime if you ever need any help or suggestions in finding something.

Jerry & Diane (Owners of Nana's) are great people & we wish them the best with their new park & success. I am glad they could accommodate you. I think they have a great place and their private area on the lower bank is a very nice unique area. Their spot is also walking distance to Mager's Crossing which is currently one of the best public swimming spots in the area.

Take Care,

funrivers

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stillinatent

Thanks for your reply funrivers..
I just checked out your website, and you've got some great info on there! I saved your site as one of my Favorites in my "Texas Camping" folder..

Yes, I really liked Nana's, and the crowning touch was how friendly Diane and Jerry were! Diane was so nice checking us in, and letting us know about their great air-conditioned private bathrooms/ showers and other amenities, and Jerry was soo helpful in helping us get our own toobs down to the water in his "gator" utility cart.
Although I am 50/50 with my desires for a party/ private, relaxing atmosphere, I will admit that their spot by the river was pretty neat- actually.. LOTS of shade, with lots of picnic tables and a few fire rings too. There were a few big families down there enjoying lunch and the relief from the sun.. Then it really was not a big deal to cross the small "side river" to get to the Frio, and once we got there, the kids (and my dog- which they happily allowed by the way) jumped right in the water. It was plenty deep enough there, and VERY refreshing to be able to be fully submerged in the water. Again, they ARE right across the river from Garner- for those that want more of a "party" type atmosphere on their rocky beach.

Talking about this is making me want to go back!
I'll be sure to check out your website again before I do!
P.S. I know that I should have made reservations earlier... I've done the same thing (no reservations) in the past, and it has worked out, so I was thinking that it would work this time too, but looking back, I went a bit earlier or later in the "summer season" in the past, so it was not as busy then.

Bye for now!

funrivers

Stillinatent...

Thanks for the compliment on the site. We try our best to provide as much information as possible for people like yourself and hope we can help anybody considering visiting here.

Yes, it is very busy down here and has been growing the last few years. I don't know if it's from "word of mouth" or people making closer travels because of gas prices but it is definitely growing. However it really is a great place to "getaway". I went out to one of the nearby crossings yesterday and 40 cars were parked along 1120 crossing. That is a lot for a weekday. We go out every weekend and many people stop us asking for help looking for a place to stay. They drive up that day hoping to find a vacancy and many times next to impossible.

I am glad you want to come back up to the Frio and think making reservations in advance will make the trip a lot less stressful.

Take Care,

funrivers

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