Rough Canyon Campground

Find your riding pace on one of the old fire roads or designated trails throughout Amistad National Recreation Area. Whether you’re an extreme rider or looking for a casual spin, there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from. And on those unbearably hot Texas summer days? Let the sound of the lapping waves keep you motivated!

Explore the US-Mexico border by maneuvering through steep box canyons, narrow passages, and protected coves by boat. Considering Amistad Lake is over 100 miles long, you’ll need more than a few days to see everything. The domestic portion of the lake extends up the historic Rio Grande to the Pecos and Devils Rivers, so be sure to pick up a Mexico boat permit if you plan to venture further south. Mexico boat permits can be obtained at the Amistad Marina, Three Rivers RV Park, and online.

With over 100 miles of territory, the fishing opportunities at Amistad Reservoir are excellent. The clear water and sandy cliffs make for an unparalleled experience on boat, but there are plenty of great spots to cast out from the shore as well. Just stay away from harbours and designated swimming areas and you’re good-to-go! And because the reservoir flows through the US-Mexico border, don’t forget to pick up a fishing license for each country before you head out! You can snag them at the Amistad Marina, Three Rivers RV Park, and online.

For casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike, there are plenty of trails to choose from in Amistad National Recreation Area. For a quick jaunt, the Diablo East interpretive trail offers stunning reservoir views and luscious plant life that even a beginner would enjoy. The short, yet more challenging Pecos interpretive trail follows the Pecos River down the steep cliffs. In for a longer hike? The Sunrise Trail tallies in at 2.1 miles, connecting the Visitor Center and Spur 454 through the old Brite Ranch. The longest route in the park, Figueroa Trail, rolls through desert scenery before splashing out at Amistad Reservoir—just in time for a quick dip after a long hike!

Bring your own kayak or canoe to explore Amistad Reservoir on your own terms. With more than 100 miles of water at your feet, it’s common to spend days on the water and not see it all! Flowing up the historic Rio Grande River all the way up to the Devils and Pecos Rivers, there are endless box canyons and glistening coves to get lost in. They’re best explored by paddle, anyway! But before you head out, don’t forget to grab boating permits at the Amistad Marina, Three Rivers RV Park, and online. You’ll want to get a Mexico boat permit, too, just in case you paddle through the border.

There are countless swimming spots throughout Amistad Reservoir, both along the shore and directly off your boat. Look for designated swimming areas at Governors Landing and Diablo East, but they’re unsupervised, so swim at your own risk. While the cliffs look super appealing, it’s not recommended to jump them because of underwater dangers like fishing lines and hooks. But don’t worry—areas that are unsafe for swimming are clearly marked.

With abundant wildlife in every direction, you’ll experience a true desert environment at Amistad National Recreation Area. Whether it’s a jackrabbit or snake crossing your hiking trail, each sighting is unique and exciting. Amistad plays host to several migration patterns, bringing diverse bird species through the park year round. And each October provides a spectacular show of Monarch butterflies as they migrate towards their winter home in Mexico. No matter the time of year, there’s plenty to see throughout the park!