Camping near Del Rio, Texas centers around Amistad National Recreation Area, where the Rio Grande and Devils River converge at an elevation of 1,117 feet. The climate features extreme seasonal variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter lows occasionally dipping below freezing. Limestone formations characterize the landscape, creating unique camping conditions where three ecosystems meet: Chihuahuan Desert, Tamaulipan thornscrub, and subtropical woodland.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Access the water at 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 one San Pedro Campground visitor.
Bass fishing: Lake Amistad is renowned for professional bass fishing tournaments. A visitor at Governors Landing Campground explains, "This lake...is really a reservoir. Lake Amistad was a joint project between the US and Mexico. It covers almost 65,000 acres, 851 miles of shoreline (574 in Texas...rest in Mexico) and has a max depth of 217' and is well known for fantastic bass fishing."
Hiking trails: Explore the Figueroa trail system and nearby dirt roads. "You can also get over to Diablo East, Governor's Landing, and the Figueroa trail for good hiking by driving maybe 10 minutes," shares a San Pedro Campground camper.
Swimming: Several designated swimming areas exist throughout the recreation area. A Governors Landing visitor recommends, "Best swimming area is under the bridge. Just a short hike down to the water."
What campers like
Affordability: Most Amistad Recreation Area campgrounds offer low nightly rates. "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," reports a San Pedro Campground reviewer.
Desert ecology: The convergence of three ecosystems creates unique plant and wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor at San Pedro Campground notes, "This park is a confluence of three distinct ecosystems, which makes the flora extra special."
Dark skies: Away from Del Rio's city lights, stargazing is exceptional at most campgrounds. "Sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous, stars are fantastic," shares a camper at Governors Landing, though they also note "some light pollution from the highway."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between campsites. 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."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Extreme heat affects summer camping. "It was hot, 89 on March 6 so we didn't stay longer," reports a San Pedro camper, highlighting that even spring can bring uncomfortable temperatures.
Lake level fluctuations: Drought conditions significantly impact water access. "The lake as of October 2021 is so dried up you cannot see it from the tent sites," notes a San Pedro visitor.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. At Governors Landing Campground, "The sites that were on top of hill have a lot of road noise. The sites that sit lower and also further away would be your best bet."
Fire ant awareness: Some campsites have fire ant problems. "Fire ants EVERYWHERE. We just pitched a tent by the pavilion where we found the least ants," warns a San Pedro camper.
Border patrol presence: High security is normal in this border region. A visitor notes, "Crime rate is reportedly almost non-existent around here. I did notice a TON of border patrol agents and police cruising everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Covered picnic areas: Heat protection is essential for family meals. San Pedro Campground provides "a grill, picnic table and shade shelter" at each site, making midday activities more comfortable.
USB charging stations: Some day-use areas offer modern amenities. A Governors Landing visitor discovered "the picnic tables on the way down to the water have USB charging that is solar powered and umbrellas built in. Perfect spot to have morning coffee/breakfast."
Cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, several private campgrounds offer cabin rentals. At American Campground, a visitor stayed "in regular cabin number 8 for $63 per night. Nice AC because it was blazing hot. No bathroom in the regular cabins but the bathhouse was nice."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening offer chances to spot desert wildlife. "We heard lots of coyotes in the distance just after sunset," reports a San Pedro camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. At Broke Mill RV Park, visitors find "facilities are mediocre" but it works "if you're in a pinch."
Converted sites: Some RV parks were previously mobile home parks. "Hidden Valley RV Park is a hidden gem of a park in Del Rio. 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."
Hookup variations: National recreation area campgrounds lack hookups. A San Pedro visitor advises, "There are no electrical hook-ups (bring your solar!), and no water available at this campground."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "No dump station (but free dump station 4 miles away at devils river day use)," notes a San Pedro Campground reviewer.
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