tast01

My friends and I are looking to plan a trip this summer to stay at various parks for a few days each. We are from houston and want to stay around the central texas area. We want to swim/tube/fish and probably a little hiking (you know just a relaxing trip). Ive been to a few parks before and want to go back. Anyways im looking for any help I can get in planning a good camping trip around central texas.

Heres an outline of what I was planning:
I was looking at starting the trip off by going to Guadalupe River state park for a few days (Can anyone suggest a good river tubing company?). After that we were thinking about heading over to Garner State park (very beautiful). Then we planned to head to Kerrville State park (Ive never been there, pro and cons about it?). Then go up to Pedernales Falls for a day or two. For the final leg we would either stop at schlitterbahn down in New Braunfels or head home.

Any amazing parks I missed out that you suggest I go to? Which river is best to tube on? Can you suggest a good tubing company? Thanks for the help!

happybooker1

Krause Springs in Spicewood. Privately owned but awesome! Also what about stopping at Hamilton Pool in Austin. The scenery is beautiful but it's just a day park.

Also Garner fills up fast! Better check to see if you can get ressies there first before planning on it.

DALEoutside

Your plan sounds great. I LOVE Guadalupe River SP. But I agree with happybooker, I've been trying to get an October spot at Pedernales for a while now. So you might have a tough time getting something for this summer at this late time. But there's always cancellations at the last minute. I'm just not a last minute type of gal, so I don't like to pack everything and take time off work on the chance that someone will cancel.

I wonder if South Llano will have anything more open? Too far away for Houstonites?

Also, I'd check water quality for tubing. Rain has been good, so that's fine, but when we were at McKinney Falls a few weeks ago we were not allowed in the water due to high E-coli levels. Not sure if that would be a problem on the Guadalupe or Frio.

Good luck! Let us know if you get a trip planned!

Turn Key

Welcome aboard and I hope we can help.

Guess you didn't know but Kerrville State Park no longer exists. In 2004 it was "sold" to the city of Kerrville who now runs it as Kerrville-Shreiner Park. Just completed and posted a full review of this park. It should be right at the top and easy to find but I'll put a link here so that it can be found later.

http://www.wildtexas.com/talk/showth...=7805#post7805

Hope you have a great trip. Feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

Happy Camping!

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4everfrio

The Frio and Guadelupe are running great this year. We just came back from Garner and the tubing was fantastic. The park was not full. I believe that most cancelled due to the rains. Check reserveamerica and call the park to see if any spots are available. Have fun and enjoy.
~~~~~4everfrio~~~~~~

rivercat

I just checked the radar out of San Antonio and the Frio is getting more rain. Got back last week and heading out again on Wed. The Frio is up and running with decent rapids. Float time from the crossing on 1120 to the bridge by Garner...2.5 - 3 hours. Water is very clear and beautiful.

rivercat

The Frio River is a spring-fed, constant flow river and never is "closed" to the public.

srds

Glad to hear the water levels are good,can't wait to cool off.Hope the weather holds up.Next week is too far away!!!!
srds
Good Camping

rivercat

Talked to a friend out at the Frio yesterday. They got 3 inches of rain on Friday and another inch on Saturday. Great tubing and kayaking.

srds

Some friends got home last night ,called and said they had a blast and the river was the best they have seen in years.Boy I can't wait to get in my tube and float.

srds
Have Fun