All regular campgrounds are OPEN.

Group Campgrounds--Rock Quarry--OPEN

San Pedro--OPEN

277 North--OPEN

Why does the lake level fluctuate?

It is normal for water levels at Amistad Reservoir to fluctuate. The reservoir is a man-made pool created to store water and prevent flooding. From 1992-2002, the reservoir dropped and remained low during an extended drought. A tropical storm system in 2003-2004 brought increased rain to southwest Texas and by 2005, the lake was near the conservation pool level of 1117 feet above mean sea level. Water continues to be released from Amistad Dam to provide for municipal use and irrigation for communities downstream along the Rio Grande.

Recent Flooding Caused Highest Lake Levels Since 1974

A significant rain and flooding event took place upstream from Amistad National Recreation Area from July 2 through July 6, 2010 as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Alex. Although downgraded to Tropical Storm Alex when in Mexico, bands of heavy rains persisted along the Rio Grande for four days. As a result, Amistad Reservoir rose over 16 feet. The lake level reached a high elevation of 1129.87 ft above sea level on July 6. Maximum capacity for the reservoir is 1144 feet above sea level. The lake elevation will continue to rise and fall based on any new rain that may fall on the watershed, and any changes to the release rate from Amistad Dam. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) and the Texas Water Master with TECQ are responsible for determining the rate of water released from Amistad. National Park Service has no role in the decision on how much and when water is released from the reservoir.