The word frío is Spanish for cold, a clear reference to the spring-fed coolness of the river.

Along the way, the Frio River provides water to the Choke Canyon Reservoir in McMullen and Live Oak Counties.

[4] The cool and consistent flow of the Frio River has made it a popular summertime destination.

Garner State Park,[5] on the river about 10 miles (16 km) south of Leakey and 75 miles (121 km) west of San Antonio, provides camping, fishing and other activities.

Numerous other privately owned campgrounds are also found along the river.