Real County: Canyons, Rivers and History

Real County is defined by deeply incised canyon landscapes. Numerous streams, fed by springs that flow year-round, cross the landscape. In the west, the mountains and ridges are steeper and more rugged than around the eastern Frio Canyon. The rivers also provide a clear geographic orientation for the county: the headwaters of the Frio River and Nueces River lie in Real County. The Frio rises in the north-central area and flows south through the county; the Nueces River has its origins, among other places, in the northwestern part of the county.

Rivers, Activities and Scenic Routes

The Upper Frio River is a clear, spring-fed river. Canoeing and tubing are possible there, depending on water levels and conditions. A tubing trip on the Frio River, from Seven Bluffs Crossing to Kenneth Arthur “Frio Country” Crossing, is estimated to take about three hours; the actual duration varies with water levels. The stretch from Magers to Seven Bluffs is recommended for kayaking. These details distinguish two specific outings: an estimated duration for the tubing route mentioned and a recommended stretch for kayaking.

Public access to the Frio River is limited to roadside crossings. Check local access conditions and the rules of your accommodation in advance. For reference, Camp Wood is located on the Nueces River, at the intersection of Farm Road 337 and State Highway 55.

The road route between Leakey and Vanderpool also showcases the area’s scenic character: the picturesque Ranch Road 337 passes rocky slopes lined with Texas mountain laurel, mealy blue sage and rocky daisy. Seasonal blooms can vary. River stretches, canyon scenery and the plant life along this route offer different perspectives on the region without requiring the same kind of outing.

Places and History of Real County

The remains of Mission San Lorenzo de la Santa Cruz lie on a low ridge at the northern edge of Camp Wood, running parallel to the east bank of the Nueces River. The mission was founded on January 23, 1762. Its complex included a square plaza measuring 70 varas (64 yards) on each side. The ridge location and the recorded size of the plaza provide two specific points of reference for the history of the mission site.

The founding of the Camp Wood site is also part of the area’s history: it took place on May 20, 1857, to prevent Indian raids along the route between San Antonio and El Paso and in the Rio Grande Valley. In March 1924, Charles A. Lindbergh landed in Camp Wood while attempting to fly to California. The following day, during a takeoff attempt, he accidentally crashed into Warren Puett’s store. Camp Wood holds its Old Settlers Reunion every year at Lindbergh Park.

The Real County Courthouse is a Classical Revival-style building constructed of local limestone from Tucker Hollow. Architect H. A. Reuter designed it in 1918. The Real County Historical Museum offers insight into the county’s past through artifacts, tools and ways of life. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; check these opening hours before your visit.

Leakey Cemetery is the only public cemetery in the area around Leakey. More than 900 burials are documented there, including those of John Leakey and his wife, Nancy. These local sites complement the stories of the mission, courthouse and Camp Wood with the names and records associated with the area.

For the broader travel overview: Texas.