Amistad National Recreation Area
Park Reservoir and recreation area on the Rio Grande
Near Del Rio, Amistad National Recreation Area centers on Amistad Reservoir and the Rio Grande; visitors boat, fish, camp and birdwatch along rocky shoreline and canyon scenery.
Amistad National Recreation Area surrounds the Amistad Reservoir on the Rio Grande near Del Rio, Texas, and preserves shoreline, water-based recreation and natural and cultural resources. The reservoir and surrounding recreation area are used for boating, fishing and shoreline camping.
The area offers marinas and boat ramps, fishing for sport species, scuba diving sites and shoreline camping along rocky canyons and coves. Visitor facilities include campgrounds and interpretive information about the reservoir and local natural history.
The reservoir was created by an international dam project, and the recreation area was later designated to provide public access and resource protection for the reservoir and adjacent lands. Management balances recreational use with conservation of shoreline habitats and cultural sites.
Located on the Rio Grande near Del Rio in southwestern Texas, the recreation area lies along the U.S.-Mexico border and includes shoreline on both sides of the reservoir.
- Cross-border reservoir: The recreation area centers on the Amistad Reservoir on the Rio Grande near Del Rio, Texas, with cross-border waters and access points on both U.S. and Mexican shores; boating and fishing regulations vary by location so check local rules.
How to Get to Amistad National Recreation Area #
Amistad National Recreation Area is on the Rio Grande near Del Rio, Texas. The town of Del Rio is the primary gateway for the park and its reservoir; vehicle access to park units is by local and state roads that radiate from Del Rio (US‑90 runs through Del Rio and is the primary regional route). Del Rio International Airport provides the nearest air service; most visitors drive into the recreation area from Del Rio by rental car or private vehicle.
Because the recreation area covers a large shoreline, driving distances and road names vary by launch site and unit - check the National Park Service or park visitor center in Del Rio for directions to specific boat ramps, campgrounds and day-use areas.
Tips for Visiting Amistad National Recreation Area #
- Launch early in the day for calmer water and lighter winds - afternoons on Amistad can get breezy, which affects boating and shore fishing.
- Use the official public boat ramps and marinas (check the park's website for locations and seasonal hours) rather than informal shore access; some coves and ramps are managed and maintained by the park or concessionaires.
- If you plan to overnight boat‑camp, contact the park office for required permits and up‑to‑date safety and shoreline‑use rules - backcountry and boat‑in camping is regulated.
Best Time to Visit Amistad National Recreation Area #
Spring and fall (March-May, September-November) are the best times to visit to avoid extreme summer heat while enjoying water activities.
Weather & Climate near Amistad National Recreation Area #
Amistad National Recreation Area's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 36°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 14 mm.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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June
June is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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August
August is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with 71 mm of rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 14 mm.
