Activities & Programs

Paddling

Amistad Reservoir has plenty of wide-open water along with steep-walled canyons, making a great place for paddling your canoe or kayak. The park boundary extends 74 miles up the Rio Grande, 25 miles up the Devil's River and 14 miles up the Pecos River. Protected coves provide superb fishing and ideal camping spots. The lake is an international reservoir; the United States-Mexico border is marked by buoys that follow the historic channel of the Rio Grande. Amistad NRA does not require a lake use permit for non-motorized craft under 14 feet in length.

Mexican Permits
For current Mexico boat permit and fishing license information, go to www.conapescasandiego.org or call 619.233.4324.

Information on Mexican permits can also be obtained at:
Amistad Marine (Ranger boat dealer�on Hwy 90 West across from Spur 454), 830.775.0878, or Fisherman's Headquarters (Chevron at the�intersection of Hwys 90 & 277 N) 830.774.5670.

Rentals

Amistad Water Sports
Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Single and Double
10401 Hwy 90 W
Del Rio, TX 78840
carlcourtney21@aol.com
830-734-1445
830-734-6533

PADDLE ROUTES

The following routes are suggestions only; they are not marked on shore or in the water.

Current wind conditions should be considered before choosing an area to paddle. Most of the time, winds average 15-20 mph from the south or southeast. North winds occur, especially in the fall and winter, but do not last more than a day or so. In both cases, 20-30 mph winds are not uncommon.

Important: For all of these trips, be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, a large brimmed hat for shade, sunglasses, a long sleeved shirt and pants. Please be environmentally conscientious and pack out all of your trash. Do not use glass containers. Remember that all things living and nonliving are protected under federal law. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

Remember- Cell phone coverage is very limited, and if you get stranded on the Mexican side of the reservoir Park Rangers cannot respond for assistance.

See Lake Conditions for current water levels and river flow links.

Hanging out below the high bridge waiting for trains to go by is also one of the highlights of this trip. A short way up river from the bridge, and on the right, are the remnants of an old pump house that pumped water from the river up to the water tank for use in the old steam engines of days gone by. The concrete pilings of the rickety, old, steel bridge of the 1890s can still be seen on both sides of the river near the pump house (if not submerged).

If you want to make the trip longer and camp out, the Pecos offers breathtaking scenery up river to Dead Mans Canyon and ultimately to Shumla Bend at the end of the park boundary 14 miles from the confluence of the Rio Grande. It can be done in one day (if you are an experienced paddler), but is best enjoyed when you have several days to explore the beauty the Pecos River offers. The fishing is good, too.

Hunting

IMPORTANT NOTES: The following information remains on our website as a general guideline ONLY.  Hunters must review and follow next season's regulations when they become available.

Amistad NRA's Hunt Areas are public land and are accessible year-round for hiking and exploration.

Hunting at Amistad NRA is ARCHERY ONLY except a shotgun with birdshot may be used for for dove, quail and duck. The use of rifles and handguns is not permitted. Hunting is allowed in designated areas of Amistad National Recreation Area during specified seasons.

The remaining shoreline and adjacent private lands are not open to public hunting. Regulations are enforced by the National Park Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Hunting Permits

• Permits are issued in person only at the park Visitor Information Center. The center is open 7 days a week, 8 am- 5 pm�and is located on US Hwy 90W, across from 3 Rivers RV Park. Applicants must bring a current Texas hunting license, a state-issued drivers license or state issued photo identification card. If required by the State of Texas, you must show proof of Hunter Education, or a hunter education deferral. Plan ahead to obtain your permit.
  
• A permit fee of $20 (no discounts for GA/GACC passports) is required. This is not a recreation use fee, it is a "cost recovery" fee.
  
• Failure to comply with federal hunting regulations will result in immediate cancellation of your hunting permit.
  
• Please do not litter the hunt areas. Pack it in, pack it out. Empty shotgun shells and cigarette butts are considered litter too. Please pick them up.
  
• Amistad NRA Annual Hunting Permit is valid from September 1, 2007 through February 24, 2008 for whatever game is in season according to state laws.
  
• Please take note that all 5 of Amistad NRA's hunt areas are considered "Central Zone" in the TPWD Hunting and Fishing Guide.
  

Hunting Regulations

Pick up a copy of the hunting regulations from Amistad Visitor Information Center, located on Hwy 90 W, across from Three Rivers RV Park, open 7 days, 8 am-5 pm, closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Or download regulations, seasons and a map on the right column of this page.

Below is only a summary of the regulation highlights. You are responsible for knowing and following all current State of Texas and Amistad National Recreation Area hunting regulations, seasons, and hunt area boundaries. You are also responsible for correctly identifying game species. KNOW BEFORE YOU SHOOT!

Weapons
Weapons must be unloaded and cased during transportation. A crossbow is allowed only for Upper Limb Handicapped Persons as per State Law during archery only season. Crossbows may be used by all hunters (for large game and rabbit only) during general season. Rifles and handguns are not permitted in hunting areas at any time.

Target Practice
Target practice (including skeet shooting and archery) is prohibited anywhere within Amistad NRA.

Baiting
The baiting and/or feeding of wildlife, cutting of vegetation, and trapping is prohibited. Hunting in an illegally baited area may result in a fine. If you see an area with bait report it to a ranger immediately.

Cleaning/Dressing Game
The cleaning and dressing of game is prohibited in the hunt area parking lots. You may field dress game only in the hunt areas.

Display of Game
The display of harvested game in the campgrounds is prohibited.

Dogs
You may use bird dogs to hunt dove, quail or waterfowl only. Dogs must be on a leash outside of the hunting areas and under control at all times while in the hunting areas

Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed outside of the hunting areas. You may also camp within the designated campgrounds, however, all weapons must be unloaded, cased and out of sight while at your campsite.

Game Species:

Deer
White-tailed deer may be hunted during both the archery and general seasons using a long or compound bow. Crossbows may be used only by upper limb handicapped persons during archery season. Crossbows may be used by all hunters during general hunting season.

Bird
Dove, quail and waterfowl may be hunted during season using a shotgun (birdshot) at all open hunt areas. Turkey may be hunted during the fall season only using archery equipment including cross bow. We do not offer�a spring turkey season.

Rabbit
Rabbit may be hunted during both the archery and general deer season using archery equipment. Rabbit may also be hunted with a shotgun, but only during dove, quail and waterfowl seasons.

Other
Javelina and feral hog�may be hunted during the both the archery and general deer season using archery equipment. Mouflon sheep and Aoudad sheep may be hunted in ALL HUNT AREAS during both archery and general deer season using archery equipment. There is no daily bag limit for Aoudad or Mouflon Sheep.

The hunting of any other species is prohibited.

Birding

Birding

The Amistad area is a transition zone between eastern, western, northern, and southern avifaunas. While there are no specific 'destination' species, the mix creates great opportunities to see a wide variety of birds. The area is also centrally located as a good base for some Texas specialties like Black-capped vireo, Golden-cheeked warbler, and Colima warbler.

See below for good birding locations within the recreation area. In Del Rio, the creekwalk along San Felipe Creek is great for riparian and migratory species. With luck, you can find all three species of kingfishers (Green, Ringed, and Belted) in one day. Zone-tailed hawk, Couch's kingbird, Black-bellied whistling-duck, Olive sparrow, Great kiskadee, and many others are likely. Park along US Highway 90 East where it crosses the creek at the railroad bridge. You can walk downstream on the east (left) side through Moore Park and beyond for a couple of miles.

FREE GUIDED BIRD WALKS

A guided bird walk is offered every third Saturday of the month from September to May. Participants meet at Amistad NRA Visitor Information Center on Hwy 90 W at 8:00 am, then carpool to the Rio Grande below Amistad Dam. Bring binoculars, birding books, checklists, drinking water, snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.

See our Schedule of Events for current programs.

BIRDING LOCATIONS WITHIN AMISTAD NRA

Park Campgrounds

The recreation area campgrounds, especially San Pedro, 277N, and Spur 406, are good for desert species and very good for wintering sparrows. Good for butterflies in season.

Spur 454 and Spur 406

At the end of these roads (where they enter the reservoir) use a spotting scope or strong binoculars to scan the water for Interior least terns, which nest on rocky islands in the summer.

Rio Grande Below Amistad Dam

Very good for riparian birds. You can scan the reservoir and the river below the dam for a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. See Things to Do for more information about visiting Amistad Dam.

Other Activities

Viewing Native American Rock Art
Prehistoric Native American paintings abound in the Amistad area. Visitors may view these 4,000 year-old pictographs by boat or on foot.

Panther Cave, located on the Rio Grande near the Pecos River, is accessible only by boat. Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site one hour west offers walking tours of a rock art site Wednesdays through Sundays at 10am and 3pm (morning tours only during summer). The Rock Art Foundation, a non-profit conservation organization, also offers guided tours to regional pictograph sites.

Swimming
Swimming at Amistad is a great way to escape the desert heat. Water temperatures range from 54 degrees F in winter months to 86 degrees in late summer.

Unsupervised swim areas are located at Governor's Landing and at Diablo East. Swimming is permitted anywhere except in coves with boat ramps.

Swim Safe!

• Stay within reach of children.
• Don't swim alone.
• Diving from the cliffs is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
• If you swim from a boat, make sure the boat is anchored. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
• There are no lifeguards on duty; all swimming is at your own risk.
• Small children and non-swimmers should wear Coast Guard approved life jackets; some areas in Amistad Reservoir have sudden drop offs.
• Remember: Water activities and alcohol do not mix. Many drownings are alcohol-related and can be prevented by not drinking alcoholic beverages before or during water sports. 

Picnic By the Lake
Relax and enjoy lakeside views at any of Amistad NRA's eight picnic areas. Each area is equipped with tables, grills, and shelters. There is no charge for picnicking. Group picnic shelters are available by reservation only.

Camping
Amistad NRA operates four primitive campgrounds that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Three group campsites are available by reservation no more than 90 days in advance.

Hiking
There are three established trails, at Diablo East, at the Pecos, and the new Sunrise Trail connecting the visitor center and San Pedro Campground. See Hiking for more information.

Birdwatching
The Amistad area is a transition zone between eastern, western, northern, and southern avifaunas. While there are no specific 'destination' species, the mix creates great opportunities to see a wide variety of birds. The area is also centrally located as a good base for some Texas specialties like Black-capped vireo, Golden-cheeked warbler, and Colima warbler.

Monthly guided bird walks below Amistad Dam are offered the third Saturday of each month, September to May.

Nature Photography
Amistad's desert-like environment offers photographers vast landscapes, beautiful skies, and the surprise of cactus flowers after a good rain.

Visit Our Bookstore

Fishing

Activities at Amistad NRA

Most visitors come to Amistad National Recreation Area for world-class fishing and boating, but there are a variety of other activities both in the park and surrounding area.  For example, spectacular prehistoric Native American paintings are accessible by boat or by foot.

Fishing
Pro anglers have recently discovered the secret of Amistad Reservoir- top-quality year round fishing, especially for largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass. Boaters and anglers on shore also try for channel and blue catfish, crappie, various species of sunfish like bluegill, and alligator gar. To maintain the high-quality fishery, 'Catch and Release' is encouraged.

A valid Texas fishing license is required for the United States side of Amistad Reservoir. See our Fishing section for more information.

Boating
Good weather most of the year makes Amistad a boater's paradise. Typical lake levels sport around 60,000 surface acres of water. Even at record low water levels, there was 25,000 surface acres. Personal watercraft, ski boats, sail boats, and house boats are commonly seen on the lake. Houseboats and other craft can be rented from Forever Resorts.

A Lake Use Permit is required required for the United States side of Amistad Reservoir.  Boating permits can be purchased at Amistad Visitor Information Center 7 days a week from 8 am-5 pm, or at automated teller machines located at Diablo East, Rough Canyon, Box Canyon and the Pecos.

For current Mexico boat permit and fishing license information, go to www.conapescasandiego.org or call 619.233.4324.

Camping
The recreation area provides four campgrounds- all primitive without RV hookups. Campgrounds are not located next to the water except at maximum lake levels. Campgrounds are first-come-first-served and cannot be reserved. RV parks and campgrounds with full facilities are located nearby.

Camping is permitted by boat on undeveloped shorelines. Group campsites are available and may be reserved up to 90 days in advance.

See our Camping and Fees section for more information.

Hiking

Amistad National Recreation Area offers hikers a variety of trails to explore, even though the recreation area was created primarily for water-based recreation.

Two short nature trails, at the Pecos River Picnic Area, and just east of the Diablo East Ranger Station, have interpretive signs identifying common plants.

The new Sunrise Trail is 2.1 miles long and connects the park Visitor Center and San Pedro Campground. Click here for a map, and here for a brochure with plant information.

Other informal hiking options exist. Visitors can walk the shoreline, and the park's Hunt Areas are open to the public year-round. Hikers will only encounter hunters during hunting seasons (see Hunting for maps and more information).

 Be sure to have a copy of Amistad NRA's Official Map and Guide, which shows the park's boundaries, since hiking on adjacent private land is not permitted.
 
 

Hiking Safety Tips

• Always carry enough water (1 gallon per person per day).
• Hike during cooler hours of the day.
• Always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
• The landscape is full of plants with thorns; wear heavy-soled hiking boots.
• Watch out for venomous snakes. If you encounter a snake do not make any sudden movements. Stop, then slowly back away from it. Do not kill the snake. Snakes are protected by federal law, and play a very important part in the desert ecosystem.
• If you plan to hike alone, always let somebody know where you are going and when you will return.
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints. All things inside National Park Service boundaries, living and non-living, are protected by federal law. The removal of plants, animals, artifacts, rocks, etc. is prohibited.

Things To Do

Amistad National Recreation Area is best enjoyed out on the water, however there are some things you can do if you don't own a boat. See map in the right-hand column for locations.

Visit Amistad Dam
Visitors can drive across Amistad Dam for a great view and to visit the commemorative eagles marking the border with Mexico. The dam is open most days from 10am until 6pm. Please note that half the dam is in Mexico, and is an official Port-of-Entry. If you do not intend to enter Mexico, you can park or turn around before passing the United States flag.