Amistad Recreation Area
Amistad National Recreation Area: A splash of blue stands out against limestone cliffs. The honking of a great blue heron, interspersed with the descending trill of a canyon wren, can be heard off in the distance. This landscape, which at times appears stark and desolate, comes alive with color after a rainstorm. Amistad is a land of contrasts…and of hidden treasures. The same water that draws people to boat and fish today, sustained over 300 generations of hunters and gatherers. They left behind a record of their existence through colorful rock art panels, bits of tools, and fibers preserved for thousands of years by the arid desert climate.
Situated on the United States-Mexico Border, Amistad NRA is known primarily for excellent year round, water-based recreation including: boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving and water-skiing. Amistad NRA also provides opportunities for picnicking, camping and hunting. The reservoir, at the confluence of the Rio Grande, Devils and Pecos rivers, was created by Amistad Dam in 1969. In addition to excellent recreation, this area is rich in archeology and rock art, and contains a wide variety of plant and animal life. So whether you come to boat, to ponder ancient mysteries, or to listen to bird song and watch the desert bloom, Amistad has something for you.
Please visit Amistad NRA’s Official Home Page:
http://www.nps.gov/amis/home.htm
DESIGNATIONS
Amistad National Recreation Area – November 28, 1990Operating Hours, Seasons
Park headquarters: Visitor Center is open daily , 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., year-round, 7 days a week. Closed only on Thanksgiving, Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Getting Around | more information »
Personal vehicle, bicycle, boat and motorcycle.
MAY WE RECOMMEND | more info»
Amistad National Recreation Area consists of 57,292 acres, most of which are underwater. Lake Amistad is an International reservoir and recreation area. 540 miles of lake shoreline is in the United States. At normal conservation level (1117 ft above sea level), Lake Amistad contains 67,000 acres of water, extends 74 miles up the Rio Grande, 24 miles up the Devils River and 14 miles up the Pecos River.
Boating, camping and fishing are the main activities at Amistad NRA. Other activities enjoyed by our visitors are; swimming, hunting, water-skiing, SCUBA, bird-watching, observing plants and wildlife, and picnicking at designated areas.
Kiosks with interpretive information panels on recreation, water safety and natural history are located throughout the park. Free interpretive / educational programs are offered from November through March. Stop by or call park headquarters for a schedule of programs.
Self guided trails and tours: Pecos Nature Trail (with pamphlet).
Pets: Are allowed on trails and most areas of the park as long as they are on a leash. Limestone is very rough on your pet’s feet, use caution near the lake and unpaved areas. Fleas and ticks are abundant in the grassy, brushy areas of Lake Amistad.Please be courteous and clean up after your pet.There are several veterinarians and boarding kennels available in Del Rio.
