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.
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.
*** 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.
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 (830) 775-7800 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 (325) 450-2968
Justin Elkins (325) 710-6046 If no answer, please text. Will call when back in cell service.
roughcanyonrentals@gmail.com
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.
Climate and hydrology shape ecosystems and how they function. This report summarizes Water Year 2022 climate, groundwater, reservoir level, and springs data. We monitor climate and water by taking measurements throughout the year, which helps us track changes over time.
Locations:Assateague Island National Seashore, Cape Cod National Seashore, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Fire Island National Seashore, Gateway National Recreation Area, National Parks of New York Harbor
Join the National Park Service and apply to be a lifeguard today!
Join Ranger Kierra as she shares about the crucial roles that Mussel Dogs; Clean, Drain, Dry; education; early detection; and you play in preventing aquatic invasive species invasions at Amistad National Recreation Area and other parks and waterways.
Whether you’re floating down a lazy river, fishing, or cooling off from a long day's hike, it is important to understand water safety in and around these tempting waters.
