San Pedro Campground at Amistad National Recreation Area sits at approximately 1,140 feet elevation in the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. Summer temperatures regularly reach triple digits while winters can drop below freezing at night. The campground provides primitive camping with gravel sites situated on limestone terrain characteristic of the Del Rio region, where the average annual rainfall is just 19 inches.
What to do
Kayaking on Amistad Reservoir: Launch from the Spur 454 boat ramp near San Pedro Campground. "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," notes Laura F.
Hiking at nearby trails: Access multiple hiking trails within a short drive. "You can also get over to Diablo East, Governor's Landing, and the Figueroa trail for good hiking by driving maybe 10 minutes," explains a camper who stayed at San Pedro Campground.
Bird watching from specialized blinds: Broke Mill RV Park offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," writes Mark.
What campers like
Budget-friendly camping: San Pedro Campground offers exceptional value. "Just $6 ($3/night with senior or access pass). Only one other camper during our stay," reports Phillip C., who appreciated the quiet surroundings and affordable rates.
Spacious sites with shade structures: Most campers appreciate the well-designed sites at American Campground. "Sites are clear and clean, quite level for being gravel. Really close to Amistad. And any shopping needs you'll need in Del Rio," notes Alexander C., who found the park both clean and quiet.
Strong connectivity: Unlike many remote camping areas, several campgrounds maintain reliable service. "Since the Verizon signal was super strong we were able to get a ton of things accomplished while also squeezing in some hikes, bikes, paddles, and runs," explains Shari G. about San Pedro Campground.
What you should know
Lake levels fluctuate significantly: Water access can vary dramatically by season and year. "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. from San Pedro.
Limited water access: 277 North Campground provides access points to the lake, though facilities are basic. "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," says Jacob W.
Wildlife presence: Expect to encounter desert wildlife, particularly after dark. "We heard lots of coyotes in the distance just after sunset," notes a camper about their San Pedro experience. Fire ants can also be prevalent in certain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for hot weather: When temperatures soar, cabins provide relief. "Nice campground with RVs, trailers and concrete cabins. Nice AC because it was blazing hot. No bathroom in the regular cabins but the bathhouse was nice," writes Jacob W. about his stay at American Campground.
Swimming alternatives: The campground pool offers a convenient option when lake levels are low. "I did not swim in the campground pool, because I swam at beautiful Lake Amistad at scuba cove at Diablo East," mentions a visitor to American Campground.
Fire ant precautions: Prepare for insects, especially when tent camping. "Fire ants EVERYWHERE. We just pitched a tent by the pavilion where we found the least ants," warns Stacy M. about San Pedro Campground.
Tips from RVers
Military and law enforcement options: Southwinds Marina offers exclusive facilities for certain personnel. "The Southwinds marina is a nice area within the Amistad National Recreation Area with a boat ramp and camping. The boat ramp is open to the public but the camping options and boat rentals were reserved for military and law enforcement," explains Jacob W.
Easy payment systems: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Del Rio have modernized their payment processes. "Payment is easy at the kiosk. It's right there at the end of the camp sites. Takes credit cards," notes Jacqueline A. about the self-service system at San Pedro.
Hookup configurations: RV sites at some parks have unusual utility arrangements. "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. about Hidden Valley RV Park.
