Due to low water levels, only the left side of Diablo East and Rough Canyon boat ramps are open. Please use caution with Spur 406 and Spur 454 launches, as the water may be too shallow to launch most boats. To see a list of open ramps, click on "more."
Full details →+2 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
For anyone traveling through Texas, Amistad National Recreation Area provides a refreshing and educational outdoor adventure. This national recreation area is highly recommended for visitors who want to learn about the area's heritage while enjoying scenic trails and local wildlife.
About Amistad National Recreation Area
Amistad National Recreation Area is a national recreation area located in Texas. Weather in Southwest Texas can change in a matter of minutes. It is best to check the local weather report. Amistad National Recreation Area usually has hot summers and mild winters. For more information, please visit the park's Current Conditions page at https://www.nps.gov/amis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
Amistad National Recreation Area is located on the US-Mexico border 7 miles west of the Del Rio city limit and 6 miles west of the US Highway 90 and 277 North intersection. The park is 160 miles west of San Antonio on US Highway 90 and about 230 miles east of Big Bend National Park via US Highway 90 and US Highway 385. Access to Amistad from the north or south is via US 277/377. The visitor center address is 10477 Highway 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78840.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Amistad is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Amistad National Recreation Area offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Motorized Boating, Sailing, Jet Skiing, and 25 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Amistad
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Amistad
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Amistad before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 3 active alerts for Amistad. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Amistad get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Amistad. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, a Spanish word meaning "friendship," is known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, and rich cultural history dating back nearly 5,000 years. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life both above and below the water.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Amistad
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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