Devils River State Natural Area

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Devils River State Natural Area

  • Kayaking the Devils River
    Paddle the pristine Devils River - but prepare carefully for the trip.
  • Devils River
    The Devils River winds through remote and wild Texas countryside.
  • Prickly Pear
    Wildflowers and wildlife abound at this natural area.
  • Hiking at Devils River
    Hike this rugged and remote country - and bring your binoculars!
  • Devils River Golden Hour
    Bring your fishing pole to catch a fish. Or bring your sketchbook or camera and capture some memories.

River Wild

In southwest Texas, far from all cities and most people, lies one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. Clear spring-fed water tumbles past rugged ridges, scenic canyons and brushy banks. It’s not easy to get here, but it’s worth the effort.

Things to Do

Devils River State Natural Area offers a wilderness ex­per­i­ence, on the river and on land. Be prepared to pack in all supplies and water, and pack out all trash.

Only credit cards are accepted at the park; no cash or checks.

Reservations are highly recommended. To guarantee entrance, you can reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

On the river

You can go swimming, fishing and paddling in the river. Note: It’s a one-mile hike from the parking lot to the river. You’ll need to carry all your gear, so pack lightly!

If you plan to swim or paddle at the park, read through our water safety tips. Be sure to check the fishing regulations for the Devils River before fishing.

Paddling

Paddling the wild and scenic river can be strenuous. Only experienced paddlers with at least three days of supplies should attempt extended down-river trips.

Visit Preparing for a Devils River Trip if you are planning to paddle outside the natural area’s boundaries.

You must have a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) if you plan to access the Devils River State Natural Area or our paddler camps on an extended paddling trip. The DRAP costs $10. Read more about the Devils River Access Permit.

On land

Explore on foot or bike to see this land where ancient native people lived. The river and surrounding wilderness sup­ports a wide array of plants and an­i­mals, so you’ll enjoy nature watching, as well. Learn more on the Trails Information page.

Campsites & group barracks

Drive-up campsites in the park are primitive, with no water, elec­tri­city or restrooms. We have a bathhouse with showers near the Visitor Center.

The rustic barracks has five bedrooms with two single beds in each room. It has water and elec­tri­city, as well as an ADA bath­room with shower.

Natural Area

State natural areas protect special places and species. As such, they offer limited amenities and unlimited nature.

The river connects two Devils River State Natural Area properties. Del Norte and Dan A. Hughes units en­com­pass 37,000-plus acres in Val Verde County.

At Del Norte, you can visit for the day or camp at drive-up sites. This unit also has a visitor center and other amenities.

Pending further development, you can only access the Dan A. Hughes Unit from the river, with a DRAP. We some­times lead special programs at this unit; check our Events page.

Learn more about these units on the Publications page.

Help us protect the Devils River and this natural area by leaving no trace of your stay.

Support state parks and state natural areas by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We occasionally lead programs on the nature and history of the Devils River area. Check our Events page for up­com­ing programs.

Learn more about the park:

Area Attractions

Nearest cities are Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña.

The Amistad National Recreation Area is downstream. Find more information about the reservoir on the International Boundary & Water Commission website and TPWD's Amistad Reservoir page.

Dark Sky Sanctuary Logo


Burn Ban in Effect

21715 Dolan Creek Rd.
Del Rio, TX 78840

Latitude: 29.939694

Longitude: -100.970206

(830) 395-2133

Entrance Fees
  • 13 years & older: $5 Daily
  • Children 12 and under: Free
Hours

Open: 8 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

 

We only accept credit cards; no cash or checks.

We highly recommend reservations. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.


River campsites are open daily for paddlers with advance permits to camp on their way downriver.

Permits are also required to camp at Amistad National Recreation Area; call (830) 775-8779.

Climate

It gets very hot in this part of Texas during the summer, so dress and prepare accordingly. Rainfall: 17.2 inches; January minimum: 38 degrees; July maximum: 98 degrees. Current campsites offer minimal shade.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

1,300 feet - 2,080 feet.