Even if it’s your first visit, there’s something nostalgic about a weekend getaway to 7 Bluff Cabins. Maybe it’s the pecan grove in the center that anchors all the cabins that reminds me of my grandparents’ backyard. Maybe it’s watching the kids bounce from cabin to cabin like they own the place. Or maybe it’s looking up to the star-filled sky as the smell of campfire and the sound of kids giggling and chasing each other fills the air. It’s certainly a magical place.
Located in Concan, Texas, 7 Bluff Cabins offers a peaceful retreat from the city. Casey Chapman Ross photo
7 Bluff is a simple, beautiful riverside getaway. Whether you arrive by car or by bike — which my husband says is some of the best road biking in the state — the journey there alone will not disappoint. Driving through some of the biggest hills in Texas was quite different than the Hill Country I am used to nearer to Austin.
Eventually, the rise and fall of riverside roads leads to Concan, Texas, a sweet little spot nestled on the Frio River and home to family-owned 7 Bluff Cabins.
Located on the Frio River, 7 Bluff Cabins offer family friendly fun. Casey Chapman Ross photo
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Named after the rusty “7” landmark on the limestone bluff that towers over the 50-acre property, this riverside getaway was founded in 1988. It is more than just a collection of cabins to its loyal guest following — 7 Bluff is home to family traditions. Some of the RV park guests have been coming here to enjoy the shaded river views for over 30 years, although, over time, cabins have been added and renovated. The proof is in the pudding, or in the pecans in this case, because a vast majority of the bookings each season are from returning guests.
We started each day with play in the river, beginning new or building onto dams the visiting children built before us and climbing the labyrinth of cypress roots along the banks. Even in December the afternoons were filled with playground visits, swimming pool bliss, and fishing — because, well, it is still Texas after all. After siesta, we’d fire up the grill, spread the deer feed and wait for what was sure to be an epic sunset each night.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical at 7 Bluff Cabins in Concan, Texas. Casey Chapman Ross photo
It just doesn’t get better than warming your toes by the fire pit among friends, eating barbecue, swapping stories while the kids run around looking for deer or hogs with headlamps in the dark, and satisfying that sweet tooth with a s’more or two.
S’mores around the campfire at 7 Bluff Cabins are among the highlights of a visit. Casey Chapman Ross photo
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The camp holds quiet time in high regard, so once the festivities have wrapped, you are certain to achieve a quiet night’s rest to recharge or a retire to a peaceful porch to enjoy the passing wildlife. The stars at night are big and bright in Concan and likely to put on a show not long after the sun goes down. I learned Concan, and 7 Bluff specifically, is a popular hub for astronomers for this reason. I took my chances down by the very dark river to grab some shots looking up at the cabins under the bluff and night sky.
The stars at night are big and bright at 7 Bluff Cabins in Concan, Texas. Casey Chapman Ross photo
Wading in the river, building dams, throwing a football under massive trees, cooking together, fishing, and creating a crackling campfire — these experiences are uplifting in any season of life. Whatever ails you, a restorative getaway to 7 Bluff is the perfect reset.
If You Go
Info:
Learn more about 7 Bluff Cabins at https://7bluffcabins.com/.
