Amistad National Recreation Area spans over 60,000 acres along the Texas-Mexico border, featuring limestone cliffs and semi-arid terrain typical of the Chihuahuan Desert. Water levels in this massive reservoir can fluctuate seasonally, with recent drought conditions causing the shoreline to recede significantly in some camping areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking and paddle sports: Access the water from Governors Landing Campground, where there's a boat launch just below the campground. "This small campground sits high above the banks of the Amistad Reservoir... The campsites enjoy a stunning view of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape and the water," notes camper Shari G. in her review of Governors Landing Campground.
Hiking nearby trails: Explore the desert landscape on foot at Broke Mill RV Park. "It's above my level of expectation for the price. It is well kept with the usual amenities but also has a hiking trail and bird watching blinds," shares reviewer Mark in his assessment of Broke Mill RV Park.
Wildlife observation: Bird watching is popular throughout the recreation area. The Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. "The grounds are very pretty," notes camper Mimi B. about Fort Clark Springs, adding that the area offers good opportunities to explore the natural surroundings.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: San Pedro Campground offers primitive camping at minimal cost. "Just $6 ($3/night with senior or access pass). Only one other camper during our stay. Dry camping only. Vault toilets. Nice covered picnic tables and grills," explains Phillip C. in his review of San Pedro Campground.
Swimming spots: Some areas offer good swimming access despite fluctuating water levels. "Great views of the lake. Just a short hike down to the water. Best swimming area is under the bridge," notes Phillip C. about Governors Landing Campground.
Dark night skies: The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "Sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous, stars are fantastic," writes Kera P. about camping at Fort Clark Springs Camping World, where the distance from major cities creates excellent conditions for night sky viewing.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Exposed campsites can experience severe winds. "The wind was a challenge. I learned it's more efficient to cook in a charcoal grill than a gas stove with high winds. The winds were so high, the overhang of my roof top tent lifted up taking the ladder up with it," cautions Richard T. about Governor's Landing.
Highway noise: Some rv parks near Amistad National Recreation Area experience traffic noise. "We found the numerous trucks along the highway a little disruptive of our sleep starting around 4 am, when they begin to hit the road," warns Shari G. about camping at Governor's Landing.
Water levels: Drought has impacted lake access at some campgrounds. "The lake as of October 2021 is so dried up you can not see it from the tent sites. But everything is clean," reports Stacy M. about San Pedro Campground.
Insects: Fire ants can be problematic in certain areas. "Fire ants EVERYWHERE. We just pitched a tent by the pavilion where we found the least ants," warns the same reviewer about San Pedro Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Check bathroom conditions before setting up camp. "First bathroom completely trashed, second bathroom, someone left the door open and the seat of the pit toilet up...was swarming with flies," warns Tamera about a visit to Langtry Wagon Wheel RV Park.
Swimming safety: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. "We woke up to beautiful views of the blue/green water and took a morning hike down to walk right out onto one of the natural jetty's that goes right out into the middle of the water," describes Brodie D. about Governor's Landing.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate local history into your visit. "Across the street from where this listing is located there is a community center, the Vashti Skiles (old Langtry schoolhouse)... In town, you can use the visitor center for restrooms, wifi, and very friendly staff. The museum there is free and is actually very interesting with a beautiful cactus garden and butterfly garden in the back," explains Kera P. about facilities near Langtry Wagon Wheel.
Tips from RVers
Overnight staging options: Use San Pedro for economical overnight stays while traveling. "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," reports Laura F.
Site configuration: Be prepared for unusual hookup arrangements at Hidden Valley RV Park. "It is a converted mobile home park, so the sites are very long and not necessarily level. Water/sewer is on one side and electric is on the other side," explains HandL C.
Water access: Fill water tanks at designated locations if staying at parks without hookups. "Drinking water can be filled at the Diablo East Campground dump station, about 4 miles away for no charge, and of course the town is full of water filling kiosks like all southern desert towns," advises Shari G. about options when staying at San Pedro.
