We have been here twice. The setting is great. We went on the wagon ride and even when asked, there wasn't a explanation from the driver. Would have liked a tour with history. The bands are great. There isn't enough wait staff. They are overwhelmed. People usually end up going to get their own drinks. The food was fine. Chicken wings were tough but the buffalo burger was excellent both times. Second time we were there, the frozen margarita machine was not working? Think customers would eat and drink more if you could get a server. read more

Be for warned this is lengthy and read on only if you're interested in fun. Rancho El Charco Park is a gem in hiding as far as I'm concerned. My family has lived in McAllen for 40 plus years and knew nothing of this sweet, fun in the sun hideaway. Most likely you've never heard of either. Luckily my niece found online and recommended we check it out. It's a quick trip just 15 minutes West of McAllen in LaJoya off Expressway 83. You say, where? Turn South at LaJoya Whataburger and follow the well-marked signs. You'll find yourself on a 150 acre park with unlimited train ride transportation from entrance to 3 pools, cane pole fishing, petting zoo, and feed the buffalo (wildlife throughout park). Or a mule drawn wagon tour to a beautiful waterfalls with swing bridge, tropical lagoon, BBQ Cookout picnic site on Walker Lake and let's not forget The Grand Palapa and Boca Paila Bar and Grill. Are you exhausted yet? Do as much or little as you want. If you're looking for an event venue, definitely consider for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and distinctive weddings. You cannot bring in your own beverages whether alcohol or nonalcoholic. They sell both onsite by pool area along with snack foods (nachos, raspas, fruit, hot cheetos, and jalapeno beer poppers). We took advantage of the humongous pizza for $15 that feed 7 adults and 2 children. Looking for more substance checkout the full chicken plates being sold for $8.99. I've read, and heard, complaints of individual pricing for everything. IMHO, there isn't a problem or reason to complain. Pricing is affordable and you pay for the activities YOU want. I prefer this rather than jacking up the price for things I have no interest in today but maybe on the next trip. Compare their prices to petting zoos, pools, living museums, or similar parks and I think you'll agree. First, parking is FREE. We're starting off on the right foot. Admission Pricing is Adults $10, Children $8, 3 & under Free. This covers unlimited access for train rides from entrance to 3 pools, fishing area and petting zoo. Watch for the buffalo, and other wildlife, along the train ride. Throw your towels in one of the many pool side chairs provided for free. Or rent a cabanas if you prefer a shaded table ($10) for the day. We did and thought it a good value. Prefer a leisurely day of cane pole fishing under a large Palapa (only $3) before or after swimming? Of course you'll have the activities listed directly above included with admission. FYI, a Palapa is a traditional Mexican open-sided shelter roofed with palm leaves or branches. Looking for a historical, bumpy adventure then try the authentic Mule Drawn Covered Wagon tour to a beautiful waterfalls and tropical lagoon you enter by crossing a long swing bridge. (Cost $3, only three dollars). Spend some time under the waterfalls cooling off like we did but leave a few minutes to appreciate the large Palapa where events are held. And take advantage of the historical and CLEAN restroom on the stop if needed. If you feel like a cookout on the lake then you'll want to call ahead to reserve a cook site. Price $20 per cook site and the mule drawn wagon will take you to your cook site away from the hustle and bustle of the pools and petting zoo. Me, if you're hungry just order the pizza, snacks or plates. LOL! And the pizza was surprisingly good! Now for the Grand Palapa and Boca Paila Bar and Grill. We were hot, tired and ready to leave when we stopped to check out the Grand Palapa. Take the stairs for a gorgeous view of the lake and take a few photos. Downstairs, inside the Grand Palapa are several tables or sit at the bar and enjoy food, drink and cocktails. The courtyard is beautiful, on the water, DJ playing music, and we can order food and drink you say. All of a sudden we're staying for a while. It started with beers and pina coladas, moving on to requesting songs for the DJ to play then my 8 year old niece requested and turned her favorite song into Karaoke. The DJ was terrific, gave her the mic and she performed beautifully. The other guests, including us, were quite surprised and found ourselves singing and applauding enthusiastically. Line dancing persuaded and suddenly it was a party. We decided to stay here for dinner rather than leaving and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The menu is small however there's something for everyone and you'll leave happy and full. The beef nacho order was large, fish and fries were tasty and everyone was happy with their order. Nighttime settles in and the courtyard is even more inviting and romantic with the lighting, music, moonlight on the water and candlelight from the trees. Perfect evening with family and friends, cocktails, dinner, dancing, music and entertainment. Exhausted but ever so happy we realize "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here" time has arrived. It's now 10:00 p.m. What a lovely birthday party I had with many, many beautiful memories here. read more

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Ever heard of Boca Paila at Rancho El Charco? Yea, I hadn't either. It's a must-go in the valley for a relaxing day in the sun with family and friends for drinks and food. The property is gorgeous. How can I say this? Oh we took a double mule pulled wagon ride around the property. I never even imagined I would see numerous palapas (thatched-roof, open-sided structures) used for big events and weddings AND a beautiful waterfall in addition to all the wildlife out there. There were javalina, deer, ducks, birds, buffalo, and bobcats...oh my! Go to their website, you'll see what I'm talking about and then go enjoy the view on Walker Lake (which I believe feeds into the Rio Grande). It's such a relaxing environment. Remember to buy some fish food at the bar so you can feed all the catfish! Now onto the restaurant: The place was pretty empty, a few small parties coming in for a while having a few drinks then leaving. We didn't call ahead to say such a big party (20 people) would be arriving, but they did a great job accommodating our large party, however, the service was less than desirable. It seems like we had to ask multiple times for our drinks (beers, margaritas, water). In fact, I just went to the bar to get our drinks and refills since it took soooo long for the waitress to get them. I really wish the service had been up to par, because this place would have received a rip roaring 5 stars, but the service was so bad I had to knock it 2 stars. The food was good. The menu isn't very big, but it has the staples you need- burgers, fries, tacos, ceviche, botanas, enchiladas, etc. We ordered the botana for 4 ($36.00). That's a bit expensive for a botana, but that thing is HUGE. It can easily feed 6 people. All in all, I don't know if the service is usually so slow with an adequate number of waitstaff, but I will definitely go back to enjoy the sun and drinks on Wharton Lake! I'll update soon about the service. For as great as this place is, I'm hoping it was just an off night. read more

Having my grandfather's 90th Birthday tonight!!! We are looking forward to it so we will see how it goes!

The place is ok but seriously lacks of sanitary conditions which is a mayor issue. Toddlers with soggy dirty diapers in the pool (no water diapers), kids and adults with regular clothes (or just regular diapers) in the water, specially adults of all ages soaking in the kid's pool drinking alcohol and with no proper swimming attire. The petting area is totally unsupervised, you have to let yourself in and out and again, no sanitary conditions here nether. Petting animals are just a dozen goats without drinking water and in overall the few animals look in poorly kept conditions. It's just a nice set up with mediocre management and hygiene is not a priority which is a problem specially if taking children. I would not recommend to anyone going with a family. read more