BOATING and fishing
Amistad National Recreation Area is great for boating and fishing , however, the staff would like to remind you that there are plenty of other fun activities if you don't own a boat or don't want to fish. Grab your cameras, binoculars, swimsuits and fins and let's have some fun!

Birdwatching
If birding is your thing, you're in the right place! If you're interested in becoming a birder, this is a great place to start! Amistad National Recreation Area is home to many species of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds. Whether you are hiking around or out boating on the lake, you are likely to spot birds anywhere you look. Bring binoculars, dress comfortably, and bring lots of drinking water. If you forget your field guide, the BBNHA has a great selection of guides and books for sale at Amistad Visitor Information Center.*

Birding highlights of Amistad NRA and Del Rio, Texas: Amistad NRA hosts numerous colonies of nesting Interior least terns.  They nest on exposed, cobbly islands and are visible April through August foraging around the lake. Without a boat, try using spotting scopes from lakeside at Spur 454 and Spur 406. Ringed and green kingfishers are occasionally seen in riparian areas, such as the Rio Grande below Amistad Dam (scope from the dam; open 10am-6pm daily), along San Felipe Creek in Del Rio, and along other streams in Val Verde County.

Amistad has a wide diversity of avian species; some southern species are near their northern limits.  Kiskadees are common in wooded areas, such as south Del Rio, and green jays have been seen in various locations around the river and town.  Olive sparrows skulk in heavy brush while painted buntings add brilliant color. Changing seasons bring wintering bald eagles or summering osprey. Eastern residents such as Carolina wrens meet western cactus wrens. Since Amistad and Del Rio are lightly birded areas, careful observers may find rare or unusual sightings.

Free Birding Activity: On the third Saturday of each month, starting Sat .Sept 18, 2004 and ending Sat. May 21, 2005,  there will be a birding walk along the Rio Grande or other locations to be announced. Meet at Amistad NRA headquarters at 8 am to caravan to the specific locations.  Bring: binoculars, birding guides, snacks and drinking water. Wear sturdy shoes.

hikingAlthough there are no established trails, hiking is permitted throughout Amistad National Recreation Area. Be sure to pick up a copy of Amistad NRA's Official Map and Guide, which shows the park's boundaries since hiking on adjacent private land is not permitted.

Hiking Safety Tips:

• Always carry enough water (1 gal/person/day).
• Hike during cooler hours of the day either early morning or evening.
• The sun can burn you; always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long pants and long sleeved shirt.
• The desert is full of plants with thorns; wear heavy-soled hiking boots.
• Watch out for venomous snakes. If you encounter a snake do not make any sudden movements, stop, then slowly back away from it.  Do not kill the snake. Snakes are protected by federal law, and play a very important part in the desert ecosystem.
• If you plan to hike alone, always let somebody know where you are going and when you will return.
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints. All things, living and non-living, inside National Park Service boundaries are protected by federal law. The removal of plants, animals, artifacts, rocks, etc is prohibited.

Swimming at Amistad is a great way to escape the desert heat. Unsupervised swim areas are located at Governor's Landing and at Diablo East. You may swim in other areas of the lake as well, except in harbors and around docks.

Swim safe! 

• Stay within reach of children.
• Don't swim alone.
• Diving from the cliffs is extremely dangerous and is not recommended at any time.
• If you swim from a boat, make sure the boat is anchored. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
• There are no lifeguards on duty; all swimming is at your own risk.
• It is recommended that small children and non-swimmers wear Coast Guard approved life jackets; some areas in Lake Amistad may suddenly drop off into deeper water.
• Remember:  Water activities and alcohol do not mix. Many drownings are alcohol-related and can be prevented by not drinking alcoholic beverages before or during water sports.Water temperatures range from 54 degrees in winter months to 86 degrees late in summer.

Amistad's exceptionally clear water makes it an excellent place for scuba diving. A dive cove is located at Diablo East. Depending on lake levels there are several submerged ranch houses to explore. Register with a park ranger or at park headquarters before you dive, and pick up a copy of "Dive Amistad Safely." Use your dive flag, know your safe limits and never dive alone. Don't try scuba diving without training.

"Underwater Wonders of the National Parks", A diving and snorkeling guide compiled by the National Park Service, written by Daniel J. Lenihan, John D. Brooks, and the National Park Foundation is sold at Amistad NRA Visitor Information Center. *

 

Air and rentals are available at:
Amistad Scuba Divers
7410 Hwy. 90 W.,
Del Rio, TX 78840
Phone: (830) 775-0878.

camping
Amistad NRA operates four primitive campgrounds, that are available on a first-come, first-served basis and three group campsites which are available by reservation. Group sites require a minimum of 15 peple. Camping fees went into effect January 1, 1998.

Free Activity: Every Thursday morning at 10:00 AM, from January to March, there will be a "Coffee With A Ranger" program at either Governors Landing, San Pedro or 277 North Campground. This program consists of a different topic each week, cowboy-style coffee made by our friendly Campground Hosts, and lots of questions and answers. Bring your favorite coffee mug and a camp chair.

programs
Interpretive programs for the winter season are to be announced.
Free Activity: On the third Saturday of each month, there will be a free evening program at 7:30 PM at the Visitor Information Center. Topics will vary. For info call 830-775-7491 x 211.

nature photography
Bring your camera along! Don't miss out on the wonderful photo opportunities at Amistad National Recreation Area! Check at one of the ranger stations for sunrise/sunset information. Go to the lake on a calm day for some nice reflection photos. Wildflowers sprout up after a day of rain. Cactus blossoms are abundant in the springtime. There are many birds, mammals and reptiles at Amistad. Getting them to pose for you, however, may be a bit tricky. Use patience and caution. Visit our Natural Resources page for checklists.

Picnic by the lake
Relax and enjoy lakeside views at any of Amistad NRA's eight picnic areas. Each area is equipped with tables, grills, and shelters.Group picnic shelters are available by reservation only.

Archeology Rock Art
Panther Cave is located on the Rio Grande near Seminole Canyon
and is accessible only by boat. Nearby, Seminole Canyon State Historical Park offers walking tours of a rock art site Wednesdays through Sundays at 10am and 3pm. Rock Art Foundation , a non-profit conservation organization, also offers guided tours to regional pictograph sites. Contact them for more information.All archeological sites are protected by Federal and State Law. Help us protect this world-class heritage.

watchable wildlife
Amistad is full of wonderful animals, reptiles, birds and insects to watch. On the lake you may see bass jumping,  great blue heron wading in the shallow water, or gulls, pelicans, terns and cliff swallows flying in the summer sky. On land you may see lizards and jackrabbits scurrying about the desert floor as you walk by. If you are quiet enough, a white-tailed deer may raise her head and watch you too, as she feeds on some local brush. Tarantulas may show themselves in the cool spring evenings, and the ants are always busy building something. You may even get lucky and see a vinegarroon! Spur 454 has several unpaved roads you can walk on to view wildlife. Visit our Natural Resources page for checklists.

hunting
Hunting (archery only) is allowed in designated areas of Amistad NRA during specified seasons.

Stop in and visit our bookstore at the Amistad Visitor Information Center- Highway 90 W,  Del Rio, TX 78840 - (830) 775-7491. Located across from 3 Rivers RV Park on Hwy 90. The bookstore is operated by Big Bend Natural History Association, a non-profit organization which donates portions of the proceeds to Big Bend NP and Amistad NRA.

Big Bend Natural History Association (BBNHA) has a nice selection of sales items from Field Guides on numerous subjects, to books on local History and Lower Pecos Rock Art. There are also Postcards, Videos, Children's books, Screen Savers, Note Cards and More! 

Amistad Webmaster