The small, unincorporated community of Concan is nestled deep in the southwestern part of Texas Hill Country. Its biggest draw is the crystal-clear Frio River, which many refer to as “Rio Frio,” a perpetually cool 200-mile-long river fed by underground springs. Folks drive from miles around to tube, kayak, paddleboard, and canoe the river, while marveling at the surrounding mountains, cypress trees, and limestone bluffs. The Frio River Canyon area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Golfers can even tee off at an 18-hole golf course with 7,333 yards of play. In the evenings, relax around a fire pit or simply lean back and stargaze.

The closest airport to Concan, Texas, is San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which is 87 miles east. Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), another gateway to the region, is 160 miles northeast. But the two- or three-hour drive to Concan can become one of the best parts of the journey: With its miles of wide roads winding through an undulating, often rugged landscape, Texas Hill Country is the perfect region for a road trip. You may even want to add other towns in the area, like Utopia, Leakey, or Sabinal to your itinerary. Cell service can cut in and out, but there are plenty of small towns and outposts in the area where you can stop to eat and fuel up.

The summer months of June, July, and August are hot and muggy in Concan, but luckily, the cold waters of the Frio River provide much-needed relief from scorching temperatures in the high 90s Fahrenheit. In addition to sunblock, bug spray, and a wide-brimmed hat, you’ll want to pack a refillable water bottle, because hydration is important in the Texas heat. The crowds thin in the spring and fall, but both seasons are still warm enough for water recreation in Concan, with temperatures in the high 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. And in the fall, the foliage starts to change colors, bringing pops of yellow and orange to the landscape. Winters here are short, dry, and cool, with average highs of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-to high 30s.

Tubing the Frio River

The most popular activity in Concan is an inner-tube float along the Frio River. The atmosphere is often friendly and boisterous, and you can expect to share laughs with fellow tubers when your float bumps into theirs or when someone accidentally flips over. Outfitters in the area rent gear and can arrange shuttles to pick-up and drop-off points. Whatever you do, don’t forget to apply sunscreen!

Garner State Park

The 1,700-acre Garner State Park is located 9 miles north of Concan. It’s a popular camping and hiking destination, with 16 miles of trails and a three-mile stretch of the Frio River that’s popular with both anglers and tubers. If you visit during the summer, be sure to check out the summer dance nights at the park pavilion, a Garner State Park tradition since the 1940s.

Frio Bat Cave

From March through October, the Frio Bat Cave is home to the second-largest bat colony in the world. At sunset, the bats stream out of the mouth of the cave in a twisting, morphing dark cloud before they disperse into the night in search of food. The cave sits on private land, so you’ll need to reserve a spot on a guided bat tour to visit.