Camping near Devils River State Natural Area

100% (2 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Devils River State Natural Area adventure.

Whitewaters, dark skies, and a rugged wilderness reward Devils River campers.

Popular ways to camp

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Top-rated campgrounds near Devils River State Natural Area

Booked 1 time

Apache Rock Wilderness Lodge

3 sites · Lodging, Tents425 acres · Brackettville, TX

Welcome to our outdoor enthusiast's paradise! With multiple hiking and ATV trails, as well as numerous spots for rock climbing, there's no shortage of adventure to be had here. The terrain ranges from moderate to steep, offering challenges for all skill levels. For accommodations, we offer several options. Choose from camping in the valleys with tents or stay in our 6-room lodge, which features beds for 4 to 2 people, one shower, two bathrooms, and an outdoor kitchen. Please remember to bring bottled water for drinking and cooking, as we are off-grid in the higher elevations. Cool off in our large cistern converted into a swimming pool, or simply take in the breathtaking views. From the Southwest, you can admire the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico and catch a glimpse of the silhouette of the laying lady on clear days. At night, marvel at the lights of Del Rio, located 37 miles away, and enjoy unparalleled stargazing opportunities. While we're off-grid in the higher elevations, phone service is available for AT&T and T-Mobile users. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of our remote haven.

100%

(3)

Deerview Ranch

25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Lake View, TX

Perfect spot to view the April 2024 Eclipse, with little to no light pollution. Perfect view of the Lake Amistad from your camp site. With 100 acres of rolling desert hills, mesquite trees, sage brush and cactus the scenery will be sure to revive you. Situated 8 miles from town and 8 miles to our favorite swimming hole at Lake Amistad - perfect for boating, swimming, and record breaking fishing. Yet still close enough to get to the rodeo.

Saved 4 times

Star Gazer's Primitive Camping Site

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Rocksprings, TX

Small Acreage (23 Acres) High Dessert Property. Beautiful views and an amazing night sky. Completely primitive, there are great camping spots right off the road. However, if you prefer - we have several great camping spots just a short hike away.

American Campground RV and Mobile Home Park

101 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Del Rio, TX

Located moments away from beautiful Lake Amistad, American Campground features tent, cabin and RV camping as well as one of Del Rio’s few Mobile Home parks. Due to its sprawling acreage, the park boasts plenty of room to enjoy all the fun of the camping and RV’ing lifestyle without disturbing the peaceful community of our mobile home residents. On the camping side, we have tent grounds, 9 cabins and 88 RV pads, some covered. We offer daily, weekly and monthly rates. We have a separate fenced area for dry storage. Our mobile home park (with its own separate driveway entrance) has 48 lots. American Campground truly has something for everyone. Our amenities include: Well-maintained, sparkling pool with sun chairs and covered eating area Full kitchen facilities with recreation and dining area Laundry facility Large, separate restrooms with showers WiFi Access Points throughout Park WiFi in kitchen & recreation area Pets are welcome American Campground is located in Val Verde County, minutes from Del Rio, home of Laughlin Air Force Base. Our park is on Hwy 90, across from Black Brush Boat Ramp, Amistad National Recreation Area and Diablo East Boat Ramp, home to world class bass fishing and tournaments. Val Verde Winery, minutes away in historic downtown Del Rio is the oldest, continuous-running winery in Texas.

Bar K Texas Ranch & River Cabin

1 site · Lodging3600 acres · Ozona, TX

The Bar K is a West Texas cattle and goat ranch. Our River Cabin is perched on a bluff above the iconic Lower Pecos River in West Texas. It has riverfront deck, two bedrooms, a full sleeper sofa, a kitchen, and a full bath. Stays are self-catered, but we can usually arrange for a ranch cook for a few nights if you'd rather not cook after a day of adventure. You'll have easy, private access to the river for outstanding fishing, swimming, rafting, kayaking, etc. Enjoy the two miles on the ranch or take a day and paddle down to the Pandale crossing (we can help arrange shuttle service if needed). In addition, the river canyon portion of the Bar K Ranch offers 1,000 acres for outdoor recreation: cliffs, canyons, caves, birding, wildlife photography, hiking, mountain biking, birding, drone flying, etc. If you like to ride horses, you can bring your own and ride miles of trail and backcountry.

Rancho Los Venados

2 sites · Tents20 acres · Lake View, TX

In the path of the April 2024 Eclipse. Perfect view of the sleeping lady from your camp site. With 20 acres of rolling desert hills, mesquite trees, sage brush and cactus the scenery will be sure to revive you. Situated 12 miles from town and only a 1/4 of a mile to Lake Amistad dam. You'll be less than a mile to Lake Amistad for boating, swimming, and record breaking fishing. And still close enough to get to the rodeo.

The best camping near Devils River State Natural Area guide

Overview

About

Deep in southwest Texas, the Devils River State Natural Area is one of the most pristine wildernesses in all the Lone Star State. Set at the convergence of the Chihuahuan Desert, Edwards Plateau, and the Tamaulipan mezquital, the spring-fed Devils River is a paddler’s paradise with green and blue waters, swift rapids, and Texas’ famous Dolan Falls. The park also has an International Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, mountain biking and equestrian trails, swimming holes, and excellent fly fishing. River campsites accommodate kayaks and rafters, while a primitive drive-up and hike-in campground is also available.

Notable campgrounds

Best for landlubbers: The primitive Drive-Up Campsite
Best for paddlers: The four riverside Paddler’s Campsites
Best for glamping: The bunkhouse, which has electricity, AC, and heating.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations for the park’s Drive-Up, Hike-In, and Paddlers Campsites must be made at least one day in advance by calling (512) 389-8901.
Reservations for the Drive-Up and Hike-In campsites can be made five months in advance. Reservations for the bunkhouse can be made 12 months in advance.
For the easiest way to coordinate your trip to this remote work, call the park rangers to discuss current conditions.

When to go

Devils River State Natural Area is open year-round, but summer can make for sweltering daytime experiences thanks to highs in the mid-90s. Spring and fall are the best times for paddling the Devils River. Winter camping at Devils River is a great option when many other parks are snowed in. At any time of year, closely monitor forecasts and changing weather conditions when heading into this remote area.

Know before you go

The park requires day-use entrance reservations, which can be made up to one month in advance.
Aside from a bathroom and shower at the visitor’s center and electricity at the bunkhouse, Devils River offers no amenities. Camping is primitive, with no potable water available. Campers must bring in all supplies and drinking water, and pack out all garbage.
Paddling permits are required on the Devils River. Because of its backcountry setting and rapids that can reach Class III when the river runs high, only experienced paddlers should travel on Devils River. Various local outfitters offer guided paddling trips.
As it flows south, the Devils River eventually feeds into the Amistad Reservoir. The surrounding Amistad National Recreation Area also has a variety of camping options.