2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
San Pedro Campground within Amistad National Recreation Area provides basic amenities for pets and their owners, with multiple reviewers confirming the area remains peaceful and uncrowded even during peak seasons. This $6 per night campground ($3 with senior pass) features covered picnic tables, grills, and clean pit toilets throughout the property. Pets must remain leashed in all public areas. Nearby American Campground and Southwinds Marina on Lake also welcome pets, with American Campground offering more amenities including laundry, showers, and cabin accommodations for those seeking additional comfort while traveling with animals. The ground at many sites is rocky but manageable, with most offering level spots for setting up tents or parking RVs.
Hiking opportunities with dogs exist throughout the recreation area, though water access from San Pedro Campground is limited due to drought conditions that have persisted for years. The lake has receded significantly, now requiring a 2-mile drive to reach water access points from San Pedro. Fire ants can be problematic at some campsites, particularly during warmer months. While camping, visitors should watch for wildlife including coyotes, which are frequently heard after sunset. Del Rio is only minutes away, providing access to veterinary services and pet supplies when needed. Cell service is strong at most campgrounds in the area, with AT&T users reporting particularly good connections at San Pedro, making it convenient for those needing to check weather conditions or find nearby pet-friendly activities.
"We stayed 2 nights at San Pedro, using it as a base camp to explore Amistad National Recreation Area. It's very close to the Spur 454 boat ramp, which we used to launch our kayak."
"It was weird seemingly being in the middle of nowhere, but hearing the neighborhood noises of dogs barking and such was weird."
Available next weekend
from $35 - $155 / night
"Really close to Amistad. And any shopping needs you’ll need in del Rio. Great WiFi too."
"I did not swim in the campground pool, because I swam at beautiful lake Amistad at scuba cove at Diablo east.  I post photos of nearby beautiful Lake Amistad, because I did not take any photos of American"
"Great location. Everything is close by. Ladies in the office were friendly. Thank y’all"
"We were only 5 spaces away from the ocean. We enjoyed the live band on Saturday night and then the church service on Sunday was very nice. I can understand why this place gets sold out so often."
"I tent-camped here once around 2010 when the lake was high with my then 10-year-old son. We enjoyed it and caught a yellow scorpion in a jar and waded in the lake atop the flooded spur 406."
from $6 / night
"The entrance was a bit narrow but fine from our 34’ tt. The ground is rocky but each of the four campsites had a more or less level spot in front of the covered picnic table."
from $6 / night
"I’ve never camped at 277 North, but we had a picnic here around 2010 and swam in the lake at the end of the spur. Good times. Right off Highway 277 but a nice place."
Available next weekend
from $35 - $75 / night
"It is well kept with the usual amenities but also has a hiking trail and bird watching blinds. It’s above my level of expectation for the price."
"Very welcoming hosts, great tree coverage, in town but still a very quiet area where you can go for walks. We’d definitely come back!"
GuideWe took the tour of the Fate Bell shelter which was amazing. You get to see the cliff art up close and hear about what they might have been depicting. Showers and restrooms were very clean. Gorgeous night skies. Don’t pass this campsite!
GuideI stayed here one night. there was only one other group there. It was weird seemingly being in the middle of nowhere, but hearing the neighborhood noises of dogs barking and such was weird. An orange and white house cat came up and ran away, but I did have a fun experience with a tarantula.
The vault toilet was clean, but zero running water anywhere.
I only paid $6. The pay station does do credit/debit.
ScoutStopped on the way to Big Bend. No issues with RV hookups. Great location. Everything is close by. Ladies in the office were friendly. Thank y’all
GuideSuper special. You probably should bring a high clearance vehicle for inside the park. Be prepared for 22 miles of dusty gravel road getting to the park this road took me an hour pulling a trailer. Everything will be covered with a white chalky dust. Don't bring a trailer to #2 there is no turn around. The river has spring water pouring out of the rocks and it makes a trail of spring water at the end of the walkway. Bring lots of water, there is none at the campsites. Plan on taking trash out with you
GuideEveryone always seems sophisticated here. There is a fancy museum at the check in. The trails are fun and if you can do a really long trail one goes down to the rio grande river. I stop for a halfway going to the big bend site 28 is the best if you don't need electricity
TravelerWe got a late start out of San Antonio so we arrived in the dark. You can’t see the rest area after you turn off, you’ll need to follow the asphalt road for about 1/4 mile. Nice pavilion with several picnic tables and overhead roof. Nice view of the Pecos River and bridge.
RangerThis is a state park literally in the middle of nowhere, get all your provisions before arriving. Even if you can purchase very few things locally be prepared to pay exponentially higher prices due to the cost so being so remote.
This is a desert campground at it's finest, even Big Bend could learn a few things about customer service and park maintenance from how this park is managed.
We stayed on site 14, nice high ground which means welcoming cool breezes at night.
The park has many hiking trails, we took the one to the canyon behind the ranger's office which I considered beautiful and moderately challenging. There is also one behind the upper campground bathhouse that was our favorite, it has a paved path with some small signs identifying local plants and takes you past a "Bird Watching Blind" where you enter a small shack and can view through a small opening many birds and javelinas.
Seminole Canyon is a Dark Sky Park and the night skies are absolutely awesome.
Nice way to experience all the beauty of desert camping.
TravelerThis is a rest area with a killer view of the Pecos River and the bridge crossing it. I am the only one camping here with room for maybe one more . So if you want this one you should come early. My Verizon only has 1 bar. If traveling east on 90 the turn is just after crossing the bridge. Easy to miss
GuideSelf pay, easy in and out!
Amistad National Recreation Area sits at approximately 1,115 feet above sea level, where limestone ridges meet the crystal blue waters created by the confluence of three rivers. The region experiences intense summer heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winters remain mild with occasional freezing temperatures. The rocky terrain presents challenges for tent campers, with most sites requiring careful placement to avoid sharp surfaces.
Paddling Lake Amistad: Launch from Rough Canyon Campground, where visitors can access the water despite drought conditions. "The lake was very low due to drought but there were still a lot of people out fishing," notes camper Teri S. The boat launch facilities remain functional even during lower water levels.
Bird watching and hiking: Broke Mill RV Park offers specialized facilities for bird enthusiasts. "It is well kept with the usual amenities but also has a hiking trail and bird watching blinds," shares Mark. The area attracts diverse desert species throughout the year.
Historical exploration: Visit Seminole Canyon State Park Campground to view ancient pictographs and learn about regional history. "We did the 8 mile hike around the park and it was easy, beautiful views of the Rio Grande river looking into Mexico. We also took the rock art/painting guided tour ($8.00 per person for adults)," writes Deborah C. The park offers daily guided tours during peak season.
Affordability and value: Most campers appreciate the low cost of camping at Amistad. "Just $6 ($3/night with senior or access pass). Only one other camper during our stay," reports Phillip C. about San Pedro, making it among the most budget-friendly options in the Texas state park system.
Spacing between sites: The distance between campsites receives consistent praise, allowing for privacy without isolation. At San Pedro Campground, campers find "ample space between each campsite," according to Marnie G., who appreciated the layout during a winter visit.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Sunsets were beautiful," notes Deborah C. about camping at Seminole Canyon State Park, where many sites offer unobstructed views of the horizon for sunset and subsequent stargazing.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Amistad's water level varies significantly with drought conditions affecting accessibility. "The lake as of October 2021 is so dried up you can not see it from the tent sites," reported Stacy M. Current water levels should be checked before planning water-based activities.
Insects and wildlife: Fire ants and other desert creatures require vigilance. "Fire ants EVERYWHERE. We just pitched a tent by the pavilion where we found the least ants," warns Stacy M. Coyotes are commonly heard and occasionally seen near camping areas after dark.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Most dog-friendly campgrounds at Amistad National Recreation Area offer basic facilities. At Spur 406 Campground, a camper noted issues with facilities: "another deleted review complained of a lack of toilet paper in the block bathroom." Bringing supplies is essential.
Best seasons: Avoid extreme summer heat with children, particularly July-August. "Don't do this trip when it's very hot," advises Emily M. about Seminole Canyon, where temperatures regularly exceed 95°F in summer months.
Educational opportunities: Schedule guided tours at Seminole Canyon State Park for children to learn about indigenous history. "We even enjoyed a snack overlooking the Rio Grande with Mexico across the river," shares Sarah D., describing an educational experience combining history and geography.
Swimming locations: Despite drought conditions, swimming remains possible at designated areas. "I did not swim in the campground pool, because I swam at beautiful lake Amistad at scuba cove at Diablo east," writes Jacob W., identifying one of the more reliable swimming spots during lower lake levels.
Leveling considerations: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites throughout the region. "Site 26 is a bit sloped," notes John T. about Seminole Canyon State Park Campground, suggesting RVers bring adequate leveling blocks.
Full hookup options: For extended stays requiring complete hookups, limited options exist within the recreation area. At American Campground, RVers find "Sites a clear and clean, quite level for being gravel. Really close to Amistad. And any shopping needs you'll need in del Rio. Great WiFi too," according to Alexander C.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs throughout the region, affecting work-from-road capability. "We have internet, but the lake is low and it was hot, 89 on March 6 so we didn't stay longer," reports Jacqueline A., indicating service reliability but suggesting seasonal timing for comfortable stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Amistad National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Amistad National Recreation Area is San Pedro Campground — Amistad National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Amistad National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dog-friendly camping locations near Amistad National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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