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Amistad NRA/San Pedro
Overview
Amistad National Recreation Area is a hidden gem in Southwest Texas, known for its expansive water and striking limestone cliffs. The San Pedro Campground offers a rustic way to experience this landscape, providing a quiet retreat right on the shores of the reservoir. This park serves as a gateway to international friendship and outdoor adventure. As part of the National Park Service system, this area emphasizes the preservation of the unique desert ecosystem while offering recreational opportunities for visitors traveling through the rugged Del Rio region.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of Del Rio, Texas, San Pedro occupies a prime spot along the Amistad Reservoir. The surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate with scrub brush and rocky terrain that meets the clear blue waters of the lake. Visitors will find themselves near the international border, where the Rio Grande, Devils, and Pecos Rivers converge. The wide-open skies provide breathtaking sunsets and some of the best stargazing in the state due to the lack of light pollution.
Amenities & Park Features
San Pedro is a primitive campground, which means it is ideal for RVers who are prepared for dry camping. While there are no water, electric, or sewer hookups at the individual sites, the park offers essential features for a comfortable stay:
- Vault toilets located centrally within the camping loops.
- Paved parking spurs designed to accommodate various RV lengths.
- Individual sites featuring covered picnic tables and fire rings.
The lack of modern distractions makes this an exceptional spot for night sky photography and peaceful evenings by the fire.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw here is the water. The San Pedro Boat Ramp is located nearby, making it easy to launch for a day of world-class bass fishing or leisurely kayaking. History buffs should not miss Seminole Canyon State Park, which features ancient Native American pictographs just a short drive away. For those interested in local infrastructure, the Amistad Dam offers a unique look at the shared water management between the United States and Mexico.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is a perfect fit for self-contained RVers who enjoy boondocking and value solitude over resort-style amenities. It is especially popular with avid anglers looking for easy access to the reservoir's famous fishing grounds. Nature photographers will also find endless inspiration in the stark contrast between the desert flora and the deep blue water. If you are a traveler who appreciates natural beauty and bird watching, San Pedro offers an authentic Texas wilderness experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Mo T
Such a beautiful lake, never been on a lake with such beautiful water and in the shallow areas the water is so clear. The view is perfect for a picnic. Had so much fun. Depending on where you enter the walk will be long to the water, the water levels have been low.
Jb
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 awesome too!
Nelida Safrit
I went to different entrances of this recreation area. I found them all to be very serene. They were clean not much to do but relax and take in the views. Rio grande is very low. I didn’t see any boats in it.
Lucille Thomas
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 great views.
Stephannie Wood
We had a good time first time here it was at Diablo East swimming area... It was a area that I found on the Amistad Recreational Area. It was windy that day we planned on running a boat but they wouldn't ran to us for caution in the winds. I would say that you have to be an experienced swimmer to swim here They do not have any kind of beach to sit on or playing the water is deep within just a couple of feet I recommend if you take children to make sure they have a life vest on.
