Plan Your Visit

Plan like a Park Ranger. Park Rangers don't just hit the trail, they plan their trips carefully. Now, you can, too!

NPS Infographic

There is a richness and beauty that exists at Amistad. World-class fishing and boating draw visitors from across the continent to its clear waters, while ancient pictograph sites attract visitors from around the world.

Fishing

Pro anglers have recently discovered that Amistad Reservoir is a hidden gem with top-quality, year-round fishing--especially for largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass. Some fishermen also try for channel and blue catfish, crappie, sunfish, and alligator gar. To maintain the high-quality fishery, catch and release practices are encouraged.

A valid Texas fishing license is required when fishing on the U.S. side of Amistad Reservoir. A Mexican fishing license is required when fishing on the Mexico side (Presa Amistad).

Visit our Fishing page for more information.

Boating

With approximately 60,000 surface acres of water and good weather most of the year, Amistad is a boater's paradise. Houseboats, ski boats, sail boats, and personal watercraft are commonly seen on the lake. A Lake Use Permit is required to launch motorized craft.

Visit our Boating page for more information.

Native American Pictographs

Amistad and its surrounding area is home to dramatic 4,000 year-old pictographs. These mysterious rock paintings adorn rock shelter walls in numerous sites throughout the Amistad region. Panther and Parida caves are accessible by boat (depending on lake level), and hikers can go on a guided tour at nearby Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site.

Visit our How to See Pictographs page for more information.

Still looking for ideas?

Visit Things To Do for other activities including hiking, paddling, hunting, and bird watching. Or, drop into the Visitor Center to learn more about the park. More information can also be found at the links below.

Basic Information

Find links to operating hours, fees & passes, current conditions, permits, NPS App, weather, pets, and more.

Directions & Transportation

When you visit Amistad National Recreation Area, you can visit numerous surrounding National Park Service sites and State Parks, too.

Eating & Sleeping

Learn more about staying overnight at Amistad.

Current Conditions

Want to know about the current conditions in the park, like the official, weekly weather forecast? Check this out!

Event Calendar

When we have programs or park events, we'll post them here.

Safety

Conditions here can be hot, plants can be pokey, and animals can be angry, Check out some safety tips for your trip to Amistad NRA.