Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area, located in Texas, is a sprawling landscape showcasing the magnificent Amistad Reservoir. This recreation area is situated near Del Rio, in Val Verde County, and covers a staggering 64,508 acres.

The historical background of Amistad National Recreation Area dates back thousands of years. It was initially home to indigenous people, who left behind incredible rock art that can still be admired today. The area also played a significant role during European exploration and settlement, serving as a gateway for the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

One of the main draws of Amistad National Recreation Area is the Amistad Reservoir itself. This large body of water, spanning across Texas and part of Mexico, is a popular spot for various water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. There are also scenic hiking trails that wind through the picturesque landscape, offering breathtaking views of the reservoir and its surrounding cliffs.

Aside from the recreational opportunities, visitors can explore the park's rich cultural history. The Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, located nearby, features ancient Native American cave dwellings and rock art. The site offers guided tours, providing insight into the lives of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted by the park's diverse avian population, making it a prime spot for observing different species.

Additionally, the US-Mexico border is within reach, allowing visitors to explore the border town of Del Rio. Del Rio itself has a vibrant culture, offering visitors a chance to experience Mexican-American history and heritage. The nearby Amistad National Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center is another noteworthy attraction, where visitors can learn about the conservation efforts aimed at preserving the area's diverse aquatic life.

Amistad National Recreation Area, with its stunning reservoir, historical significance, and abundant water and land activities, provides a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration for visitors to Texas.

Located along the border between Texas and Mexico, Amistad National Recreation Area is situated within the southwestern region of the state. This picturesque area spans across the Del Rio region, encompassing parts of Val Verde County. Nestled within the vast and arid Chihuahuan Desert, it lies in close proximity to the Rio Grande, which serves as a boundary between the United States and Mexico. Offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, the recreational area is characterized by its sprawling landscapes, including the majestic Amistad Reservoir, rugged canyons, and desert terrain. This unique geographical location provides visitors with a distinct and awe-inspiring experience within the heart of Texas.

Address & Contact

10477 Highway 90 West
Del Rio, TX 78840
Driving Directions
Phone: (830) 775-7491
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Amistad National Recreation Area is in March or April. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 76°F to 84°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is 1.7 inches, which is relatively moderate compared to other months.

Visiting during March or April allows you to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably while avoiding the large crowds that typically occur during the peak summer months. It is worth noting that the visitor count gradually increases starting from January and reaches its peak in May. Therefore, visiting in March or April strikes a balance between favorable weather conditions and manageable crowd levels.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Amistad National Recreation Area are: Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Swimming Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Sailing SCUBA Diving Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing Jet Skiing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Amistad National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Architecture and Building Archeology Laborer and Worker Native American Heritage Transportation Westward Expansion Fish Tortoises and Turtles Canyons and Canyonlands Explorers and Expeditions Military US Army African American Heritage Asian American Heritage Lakes Scenic Views Infantry and Militia Wars and Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Hispanic American Heritage Latino American Heritage Trains and Railroads Migrant Workers

Visitor Centers

Amistad National Recreation Area Visitor Center

The Visitor Center offers several park-related movies. _Transparent Border_ is the park's official movie about how the reservoir came to influence a relationship between the US city of Del Rio and Mexico's Ciudad Acuña. It is available in English and español and is 35 minutes long. The Visitor Center takes credit or debit card only and sells America the Beautiful National Park and Federal Lands passes, lake use passes, Amistad hunting permits, and camping permits. There is also a bookstore with souvenirs.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Amistad National Recreation Area Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Amistad National Recreation Area

277 North Campground

277 North Campground is generally open year-round and rarely fills up, except possibly on holiday weekends. A boat launch ramp off the campground may be available depending on lake levels. 277 North offers 17 primitive sites, which are first-come, first-served only. Each site has a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill. A group site is available with reservation only. No ground fires are allowed. The sites are suitable for tents or RVs. Vault toilets are available. No drinking water or hookups are available.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (277 North Campground Standard Site, Nightly Rate (Regular)), 3.00 (277 North Campground Standard Site, Nightly Rate (with Interagency Sr/Access Pass)), 35.00 (San Pedro Campground Group Site, Nightly Rate (Only with Recreation.gov Reservation))
Total Campsites: 18
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Governors Landing Campground

Governors Landing Campground is open year-round and rarely fills up, except possibly on holiday weekends. It is suitable for tents and RVs up to 28 feet in length. Governors Landing is the only campground in the park with potable water available, though there are no hookups. This campground has access to some of the most popular swimming areas in the park. Picnicking at vacant sites in Governors Landing Campground is allowed 7am to 3pm. Occupying sites outside these times requires payment of camping fees.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Governors Landing Campground Standard Site, Nightly (Regular)), 5.00 (Governors Landing Campground Standard Site, Nightly (with Interagency Sr/Access Pass))
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Rough Canyon Campground

Rough Canyon Campground is generally open year-round and is in close proximity to a boat ramp. There may be a camp host on duty in the winter, and a Ranger Station is staffed intermittently. This campground offers 4 primitive sites, each with a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill. The sites are suitable for tents or RVs. No drinking water or hookups are available. Comfort station and running water available nearby at the Ranger Station.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Rough Canyon Campground Standard Site, Nightly (Regular)), 3.00 (Rough Canyon Campground Standard Site, Nightly (with Interagency Sr/Access Pass))
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

San Pedro Campground

San Pedro Campground is open year-round and rarely fills to capacity. Of Amistad's campgrounds, it is the best suited for large RVs. This campground is accessed via a 1¼ mile graded, gravel road and offers 34 sites suitable for tents or RVs. There are also 8 walk-in (tent only) sites. Each site has a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill. Ground fires are prohibited. Vault toilets are available. No drinking water or hook-ups.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (San Pedro Campground Standard Site, Nightly (Regular)), 3.00 (San Pedro Campground Standard Site, Nightly (Interagency Sr/Access Pass)), 35.00 (San Pedro Campground Group Site, Nightly (Only with Recreation.gov Reservation))
Total Campsites: 41
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Spur 406 Campground

Spur 406 Campground is generally open year-round and rarely fills up, except possibly on holiday weekends. It may close on occasion due to high water events. A boat launch ramp off the campground may be available depending on lake levels. This campground offers 6 primitive sites, each with a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill. No ground fires are allowed. The sites are suitable for tents or RVs. Vault toilets are available. No drinking water or hookups are available.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Spur 406 Campground Standard Site, Nightly (Regular)), 3.00 (Spur 406 Campground Standard Site, Nightly (with Interagency Sr/Access Pass))
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Rock Quarry Group Campsite

Rock Quarry Group Campsite is open year-round and is a limited development campsite. It offers a private space for a group of up to 35 people. Amenities include a pavilion-covered picnic area with tables and an accessibility ramp, a grill, trash receptacle, vault toilet, and a campfire ring.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Rock Quarry Group Campsite Fee Up to 15 People), 75.00 (Rock Quarry Group Campsite Fee 15-35 People)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Amistad National Recreation Area

Ramada by Wyndham Del Rio

With a stay at Ramada by Wyndham Del Rio in Del Rio, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and Val Verde County Courthouse. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Del Rio? This hotel has facilities measuring 6000 square feet (557 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 2101 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Del Rio

When you stay at La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Del Rio in Del Rio, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and Val Verde County Courthouse. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Del Rio? This hotel has facilities measuring 888 square feet (82 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2005 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

Quality Inn & Suites Del Rio

Located in Del Rio, Quality Inn & Suites Del Rio is a 4-minute drive from Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and 5 minutes from Val Verde County Courthouse. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3616 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

Best Western Inn of Del Rio

With a stay at Best Western Inn of Del Rio in Del Rio, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and Val Verde County Courthouse. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 810 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

Del Rio Executive Inn

Located in Del Rio, Del Rio Executive Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and Val Verde County Courthouse.
Address: 2000 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Del Rio, an IHG Hotel

A stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Del Rio, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of Del Rio, within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and San Felipe Springs. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2410 N Bedell Ave, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

Whispering Palms Inn

With a stay at Whispering Palms Inn in Del Rio, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and Val Verde County Courthouse. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1300 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link

Motel 6 Del Rio, TX

With a stay at Motel 6 Del Rio, TX in Del Rio, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Fresenius Medical Care at Val Verde Medical Center and San Felipe Springs. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2115 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas 78840
Web: Link