Amistad National Recreation Area — Attraction in Del Rio

I am personally not quite sold on the National Recreation Area concept, or at least as currently managed. These areas are able to be managed under the Forestry Service, Bureau of Land Management, or, as in this case, the National Park Service. It seems the idea has been that after a dam project, the area surrounding the newly-flooded reservoir region happens to be in federal hands and they don't have any other use for it other than allowing folks to boat on it. That seems to be the primary draw.

Now, this particular NRA is nice and certainly different in character than the landscapes I am used to in the Midwest, but it still feels like the human imprint inescapably stands out wherever one goes. The visitor center on US Route 90 was a well-kept facility showing off the wildlife that call these waters home, and what few trails we traveled along the overlooks at the water's edge were quite nice. Even the bridge across to continue on our way to Big Bend National Park was pretty cool.

All in all, I am sure this area provides great recreation for the citizens of Del Rio and San Antonio, but for the visitor or road tripper, be sure to continue on to Big Bend National Park farther west on US Route 90. The drive getting there is half the fun in this very remote region...

It was fun making our way around the Lake Amistad National Recreation Area. The lake is very low, but what's left of it is very beautiful. The visitor's center is a wonderful place to start your visit since it is filled with lots of great information and historical data about the entire area. It's right off of Highway 90 and really easy to find. We decided to hike the Sunrise Trail after asking a ranger lots of questions because it is pretty easy to navigate and only about a mile and a half long. Even after talking to the ranger, it was very difficult to find this trail because it starts at a boat business parking lot and signage is not very good. The hardest part of the trail is finding it. It's mostly flat with a few hills. After the trail, we went to the Governor's Landing area and used our camp chairs to relax by the lake and watch others fish, including some people who were part of a big bass fishing tournament. This is a wonderful place to get close to nature and take in some...

Lake Amistad offers beautiful blue waters to cool down during hot summer days. Drive from I-10 exit Ozona go South on 163 to Del Rio. Once on 163 phone reception spotty. Make sure you gas up and bring in water and snacks. It is a remote location along border. As of June 2025 the border crossing is closed. On the way back from lake you’ll likely encounter a border checkpoint. If you’re paddling or SUP there’s a dock under the bridge to access water. The boat launch here near this location is Closed. Camping is 10.00 overnight otherwise day use is free. I highly suggest you bring a wagon to haul your stuff down because the water is low. Another suggestion is to bring swim shoes it’s very rocky and small sharp seashells. If you go here access is best if you cross over HUGE bridge and follow signs to underneath bridge Look for picnic area. It’s clearly marked. Hiking in this area is...