Amistad National Recreation Area
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Located in Del Rio, Texas, Amistad National Recreation Area is a scenic travel destination that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. It contains the region around the Amistad Reservoir at the meeting point of the Pecos River, the Rio Grande, and the Devils River. The reservoir came about when the Amistad Dam was constructed in 1969. The dam is located by the United States-Mexico border along the Rio Grande across from Ciudad Acuña, a city in Coahuila. Amistad is the Spanish word for “friendship,” and it is a reference to the close connection that Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña have shared over the course of history. The premises of the national recreation area offer a rich landscape, prehistoric rocks, and a variety of wildlife and plants.
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Things To Do Near Amistad National Recreation Area
Lake Amistad, one of the most popular attractions in the national recreation area, offers activities such as swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, boating, and fishing. With the necessary equipment and preparation, more advanced scuba divers can explore the vast system of underwater caves that lie below the surface. Moreover, the park has concessionaires that allow visitors to rent houseboats and other water-based equipment. The many acres of greenery offer pleasant opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing. Hunting is also a major attraction at the park, and some of the animals that roam the area include aoudad sheep, feral hogs, turkey, rabbit, white-tailed deer, and blackbuck antelope.
Hiking Trails
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Sunrise Trail
Sunrise Trail is a great hiking path for a relaxing, scenic stroll through nature. The route offers an interesting variety of both plants and wildlife. It stays open throughout the year and is a great trail to explore with the entire family.
Location
Del Rio, TX 78840
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Diablo East Loop Trail
Diablo East Loop Trail is a lightly trafficked path that includes a lake along the way. The main uses for the trail are hiking, running, biking, and bird watching. There are also several benches and shaded areas on the path if you find yourself in need of a rest.
Location
Del Rio, TX 78840
Length
1.7 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Figueroa Trail
Figueroa Trail is the longest hiking path at Amistad National Recreation Area. It involves one main trail as well as several smaller ones that branch out from it. You will see a vast array of intriguing wildlife and desert plants as you make your way through the trail. The hilly terrain also makes it an ideal route for biking.
Location
Del Rio, TX 78840
Length
7.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Moore Park
Moore Park is a beautiful spot near the national recreation area that includes a railroad bridge. A social pavilion and grills are available to guests, making it a great place for an afternoon picnic. There is also a well-kept public swimming pool.
Location
100 Swift Street, Del Rio, TX 78840
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Val Verde Winery
Val Verde Winery has been running continuously for longer than any winery in Texas. The wines here are made with traditional techniques passed down by generation, and several of the wines produced here have won awards. Tastings and detailed tours of the winery are available throughout the year.
Location
100 Qualia Dr, Del Rio, TX 78840
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San Felipe Springs
San Felipe Springs is a charming park that features a natural spring, which happens to be the fourth largest in the state of Texas. Ten more springs are located within walking distance along San Felipe Creek. Visitors enjoy getting in to experience the scenery and cool, natural waters.
Location
401 Mario Salas Ave, Del Rio, TX 78840
Museums
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Whitehead Memorial Museum
Whitehead Memorial Museum is a nonprofit organization and frontier village that covers 2 acres of land. It was founded in 1962, and it features interesting historical exhibits. The livery stable, for instance, contains equipment that was used for transportation during the 1800s. There is also a railroad that was essential to trade in Del Rio in the 1880s.
Location
1308 S Main St, Del Rio, TX 78840
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Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum
The Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum preserves and educates the public about the Laughlin Air Force Base. It was chartered in 1983, and it works to inform visitors about the significance of airpower in United States national security. It is named after Jack Thomas Laughlin, an accomplished Deputy U.S. Marshall and Texas Ranger.
Location
309 S Main St, Del Rio, TX 78840
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Ajillos Restaurant
Ajillos Restaurant is a local spot near the national recreation area that offers a friendly staff, a clean facility, and delicious cuisine. It provides authentic Mexican options such as tacos with corn tortillas and spicy salsa.
Location
611 E De La Rosa St, Del Rio, TX 78840
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Blue Oasis Bar & Grill
Blue Oasis Bar & Grill is a homey restaurant that offers a welcoming atmosphere and quality comfort food. A few items that are often ordered at the establishment include fish tacos, steak, Cobb salad, and sweet potato fries.
Location
3806 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, TX 78840
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Del Rio Golden Dragon
Del Rio Golden Dragon offers large portions of fantastic Asian cuisine for affordable prices. The sweet and sour chicken, beef and broccoli, and hot and sour soup receive positive reviews from guests.
Location
504 E 9th St, Del Rio, TX 78840
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A Ramon Imports
A Ramon Imports is one of the best shops in the region for memorabilia related to Del Rio and the Amistad National Recreation Area. It has a large selection of unique antiques and other creations for any type of budget.
Location
5601 US-90, Del Rio, TX 78840
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Hibbett Sports
Hibbett Sports is a quality destination that sells outdoor equipment at affordable prices. You can shop here for gear to assist with fishing, hiking, and more.
Location
2205 Veterans Blvd, Ste G4, Del Rio, TX 78840
How to Get There
How To Get To Amistad National Recreation Area
Many visitors of Amistad National Recreation Area end up traveling there from San Antonio, Texas. To begin, get onto I-37 S/US-281 S from W Market St. Follow US-90 W to FM2369 W in Uvalde County. Turn right onto FM2369 W, and then turn right onto US-90 W. Follow N Bedell Ave to Veterans Blvd, and you will reach the destination.
Amistad National Recreation Area remains open throughout the year. However, certain areas can close temporarily because of low water levels.
Address
4121 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, TX 78840
Fee: Entry fee $0
Anyone who loves the great outdoors should consider taking a trip to Amistad National Recreation Area. The expansive park is full of exciting recreational opportunities that are sure to keep you entertained. Scuba diving, water skiing, and hiking are just a few examples of the many options you can explore here. Coupled with an RV, your trip to the recreation area can be an incredible experience you will never forget.