Affordable spring break fun in our own backyard

Numerous Central Texas State Parks and privately owned local cabins offer a scenic Hill Country outdoor getaway to local college students looking for fun and affordable Spring Break options that many overlook.

Rob McCorkle, a media relations coordinator with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, acknowledges that Garner State Park usually holds the No. 1 spot for overnight camping in the state. Nestled on the banks of the crystal-clear Frio River, this park’s popularity remains high among the younger crowd for the inner-tube river floats and nightly outdoor dances.

“Our customer service center for camp reservations has been fielding over 3,000 calls a day lately. I can’t really say for certain, but the numbers do suggest an increase in people seeking a cheaper vacation,” said McCorkle.

You can find more information on Garner State Park and even purchase an official T-shirt here.

Maryalice Partain, a public relations representative with Blanco State Park, discusses how this particular park stretches roughly one mile along the Blanco River, another beautiful fresh water gem in the Hill Country.

Planning a trip to Blanco State Park gives people “a chance to be outside and on vacation, but not too far from Austin or San Antonio,” said Partain.

Adrienne Brammer, a staffer of three years at McKinney Falls State Park, believes the close proximity to Central Austin adds a great deal to the day visitor traffic and campers in the park. Spring break brings increased visitation, as does the annual South by Southwest Music Festival in the spring.

“We have been full for the last two weeks and have even had musicians playing in the festival staying out here instead of a hotel in downtown,” said Brammer.

Lisa Yaklin, proprietor and manager of Frio River Cabins, highlights the slight differences offered by her cabins. The traffic at Frio River Cabins generally peaks in the summer, though some do plan Spring trips.

“Frio River Cabins is a family-oriented mom and pop operation with generally families visiting, though we welcome all to check us out,” said Yaklin.

Whether visiting a Texas State Park, or privately owned area cabins, a wealth of fun outdoor activities for a lot less money than spring break trips to Florida or Mexico can be found right in our own backyard.