Boating

 

Boating is a popular activity at Amistad National Recreation Area.

NPS Photo

Boater's Paradise

From open water to narrow, steeply walled canyons, Lake Amistad is a great place for boating. The park boundary extends 74 miles up the Rio Grande, 25 miles up the Devils River, and 14 miles up the Pecos River. Protected coves abound providing superb fishing and ideal camping spots.

Amistad is an international reservoir. The United States–Mexico border is marked by buoys numbered "RG1" to "RG28" that follow the historic channel of the Rio Grande. All Texas State boating rules and regulations are followed on the United States side of the reservoir and good recreational boating safety practices are expected. Boaters need to purchase and carry Amistad Lake Use Passes and follow the Clean, Drain, Dry guidance to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. It is recommended that all passengers wear life jackets (also called life vests, PFDs, or Personal Flotation Devices) while on the water. And, be sure to adequately prepare yourself and your vessel for a great time on the reservoir! Our brochure on boating will provide additional information.

 

Amistad Lake Use Passes

Amistad National Recreation Area charges a lake use fee for all watercraft requiring State registration. This does not cover any fees required by Mexico on their side of the international boundary as marked by the Rio Grande buoys.

 

A Quick Note about Boat Registrations

Though our rangers will verify registration paperwork when you are preparing to launch or are on the water, Amistad National Recreation Area does not process vessel registrations. The information below is provided as a starting point for visitors wishing to boat in the park. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) is the final word on vessel registrations. Questions should be directed to TPWD, and their website should be consulted for current information and specifics of the process.

According to the TPWD webpage, the following vessels are required to have registration when on Texas public water (including vessels that are docked or moored); therefore, they also would be required to have a valid Amistad Lake Use Pass:

• All motorized vessels, regardless of length, including any sailboat with an auxiliary engine (motorized boats include boats propelled by a trolling motor); and
• All non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer.

Vessels Exempted from Registration— All non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length), or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown; and vessels exceeding 115 feet in length.

 

Boat Ramps

The main boat ramps are located at Diablo East, Rough Canyon, Box Canyon, and Southwinds (U.S. Air Force) Marina. Ramps are also available at Black Brush Point, 277 North, 277 South, Spur 406, Spur 454, and the Pecos River. Depending on lake conditions, these ramps may or may not be open.

Boat Ramp Status

*** Because of fluctuating lake levels, boat ramp status may change quickly; keep checking this page for updated boat ramp conditions.

As of July 17, 2024, the reservoir hit a new historic low. The water surface was 1,047.15 feet above mean sea level (ams), and the reservoir was 24% full.

Please continue to remain vigilant for potential water hazards and—of course—clean, drain, and dry boats and all equipment every time you leave the water.

♦ These are not true boat ramps but are old roadways that run into the reservoir and may be used when conditions permit to launch boats. Because of this, they do not close like regular boat ramps, even when the reservoir may be too low to launch boats. Launch with caution.

_^$ Automated fee machines are available at these locations. In addition, Lake Use Passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center and on Pay.gov.

* Right side of ramp is closed to all craft.
Unless otherwise posted or identified above, closed ramps may be used for launching small, lightweight craft that can be carried to the water's edge.

Boat Ramp	Open	Closed
Black Brush Point		X
Box Canyon $		X
Diablo East $	✓*
Pecos River		X
Rough Canyon Marina (High Water)		X
Rough Canyon Marina (Low Water) $	✓*
Southwinds (U.S. Air Force) Marina $		X
Spur 406♦ $	✓
Spur 454 (High Water)♦		X
Spur 454 (Low Water)♦	✓
277 North $		X
277 South		X

 

Boating: Diablo East Boat Ramp - Amistad National Recreation Area

Current image of Diablo East boat ramp, which is one of the busiest ramps in Amistad National Recreation Area and a favorite location for tournaments.

View Webcam

 

Commercial Boat Rentals

See our list of Guides and Rentals with Commercial Use Authorizations to operate within Amistad National Recreation Area.

 

Marinas

Southwinds Marina

Southwinds (U.S. Air Force) Marina is available to active and retired military personnel. U.S. Air Force does sell marine gas to the public at Southwinds Marina. This is the only location on the lake where marine gas is available. Marine gas is available to the public Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please call [phone] for more information.

Rough Canyon Marina

Rough Canyon Rentals, LLC, has a lease with the park and rents boat slips and mooring buoys at the Rough Canyon Marina. They also have a sewage pump-out dock at their facility. They do not sell boat gas, and there are currently no boats available for rent. They are located 23 miles northwest of Del Rio, about seven miles west of U.S. Highway 277 N on Recreation Road #2.

Rough Canyon Rentals, LLC
Shay Elkins [phone]
Justin Elkins [phone]
If no answer, please text. Will call when back in cell service.
[e-mail]

 

Water Skiing

Water skiing is permitted at Amistad. However, there is no commercial skiing available, so you must bring your own boat and skis.

When skiing, please be courteous to all others on the lake and ski safely by staying out of dangerous and shallow areas and by learning hand signals to communicate with your driver and spotter. Always wear a PFD and never ski under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid fatigue; know when enough is enough and listen to your body. Skiing all day in the hot sun can lead to injuries. It is your responsibility be familiar with boating safety and know all State of Texas rules and regulations.