Amistad National Recreation Area

[naturlvr]

We have a 35 ft MH and can dry camp. In fact we did just that at Big Bend Ranch last year and loved it! Although a shower is nice once in a while.


Do you know can you have campfires in Amistad and the NPS grounds?

[Joe]

Do you know can you have campfires in Amistad and the NPS grounds?

I don't know; you can call the Amistad Visitor Center at (830) 775-7491 and get the official word.

[badknees]

A boomerang float is one where you paddle upriver and float back.

So what do you call it when you float downriver and paddle back?

Stupid

[presidio]

A boomerang float is one where you paddle upriver and float back.

So what do you call it when you float downriver and paddle back?

Stupid

All depends which end you want to do the work on.

[aggiehiker]

I was out at Amistad last weekend and had a fire in the fire ring. I live in Del Rio and paddle Amistad all the time. There are a lot of great paddles launching from the various marinas. There isn't any current in the Devil's, Pecos or Rio Grande as the lake backs them all up for a long way.

The Pecos trip to Parida cave is only a couple of hours round trip and the cave has real good paintings. There is a small landing spot on the left-you have to get pretty close to it to see it. Also be sure to paddle up Parida Canyon on the Mexico side and check out the great erosion sculptures up high.

For short, interesting paddles: launch at Governor's Landing and head over to the Hiway 90 bridge, launch at Diablo East and check out the various coves around it, launch at the Mexican beach(across the dam and past the rain god) and explore the coves and climb the round mountain near there(you have to have two forms of ID and be back through US Customs by 6pm), launch at Rough Canyon and explore up the Devils and the high cliffs, or lauch at the Pecos bridge and head up the Pecos to see the high cliffs.

Call me if you need more advice. 830-775-2557 and I'll be glad to help.

[cjacob]

Lake Amistad is awesome! I had a great opportunity last year with Jim to see several areas of the great Lake with the Park's Archeologist. I recommend going into Deadman's Canyon and camp. Just be sure to get a permit from the HQ just on the other side of the bridge on the Del Rio side. Have fun!

Here are some interactive panos of said caves I did for the Park on that trip.

I know Joe loved his time with you.  He spoke very highly of you.  I need to drop some stuff for Joe on my way through on Friday. 

[Vista Grande]

Lake Amistad is awesome! I had a great opportunity last year with Jim to see several areas of the great Lake with the Park's Archeologist. I recommend going into Deadman's Canyon and camp. Just be sure to get a permit from the HQ just on the other side of the bridge on the Del Rio side. Have fun!

Here are some interactive panos of said caves I did for the Park on that trip.

I know Joe loved his time with you. He spoke very highly of you. I need to drop some stuff for Joe on my way through on Friday.

Thanks, tell him I said hello!

[Jim]

Lake Amistad is awesome! I had a great opportunity last year with Jim to see several areas of the great Lake with the Park's Archeologist. I recommend going into Deadman's Canyon and camp. Just be sure to get a permit from the HQ just on the other side of the bridge on the Del Rio side. Have fun!

Here are some interactive panos of said caves I did for the Park on that trip.

Yes, it was a great trip! And here's a picture of David doing his thing at Panther Cave with Archaeologist Joe lending a hand. Almost the entire wall was covered with rock art for hundreds of feet. Highly recommended for anyone who can negotiate river access to the caves. It was just about the best west Texas trip I've ever taken.

[Vista Grande]

It was just about the best west Texas trip I've ever taken.

yes, it was....I would agree, one of the best! Thank you Jim for making it happen! And, confidentially speaking here, Lake Amistad is one of the best kept secrets in the country.

[naturlvr]

Once again, youhave all been very, very helpful. I can't wait to get my kayak in the water. The temp her right now is hovering around freezing and it is sleeting.

[tjavery]

The Pecos gets my vote. We've done it twice.

Our first trip was down river to Parida cave:





Two years later, we went up river. We got almost to the railroad high bridge before our son (2 at the time) decided it was time to head back.







We rented kayaks from a very nice couple that live in a cabin out by the lake (somewhere just past the NPS HQ). I forget the name of their outfitting company, but it's on the NPS website for Amistad.

Both times we went, the Pecos was still and smooth. We had no trouble paddling up or down river.

[chisos_muse]

I really like this area and it's not so far (from SA), really. Sounds like a great place for a Bender!