Devils River State Natural Area

HC 01, Box 513
Del Rio TX 78840
830/395-2133

History: Devils River State Natural Area, in Val Verde County north of Del Rio, was officially acquired in May 1988. The area's acreage is approximately 19,988.6, with 447.73 held in a trust.

The site possesses good biological diversity, and the scenic river corridor offers a rugged river experience. The archeological significance appears substantial and preserves sites similar to those lost when Lake Amistad was impounded. Archeological evidence suggests that cultural influences from the west and east met at Devils River.

Activities: Access to the river (0.9 miles from the parking area) is by hiking, biking or pre-arranged tour only; no public vehicle access permitted. The SNA is a put-in point (no take-out) for canoes and kayaks only (no motorized boats). The nearest take-out point is about 32 miles downriver from the SNA at Rough Canyon Marina on Lake Amistad; there is no cost to take your boat out there. No live bait is permitted in the park. This is a flash-flood area; exercise caution. The nearest hospital is 70 miles away. Only containerized fuel fires allowed.

Tours: Visitation of archaeological pictograph sites will be permitted on a pre-approved basis only. Tour fees apply. Contact the park for times and prices. For tour arrangements, call the park.

• Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
• More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.

Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Amistad National Recreation Area, and the cities of Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña. More information on Lake Amistad can be found at the Amistad National Recreation Area web site, the International Boundary & Water Commission web site and the T.P.W.D. Amistad Reservoir web page.

Facilities: There are 7 primitive campsites available with limited shade (vehicle accessible). Potable water is not available, so bring your own drinking water. There are also primitive campsites by the river that are available only for canoe/kayak campers who have come downriver. All tap water is unsuitable for drinking, bring your own drinking water; restroom facilities are very limited. There is a 12-mile hike-and-bike loop on doubletrack Jeep roads and the park road. The older, rustic group dining hall contains a large kitchen area with two sinks, two ice boxes, one reach-in cooler, an older gas stove, and an electric range. There is also a meeting room and dining area in this facility containing 2 eight-foot and 2 ten-foot tables, along with 20 folding chairs. Building size is approximately 1,800 square feet. The bunkhouse contains 5 rooms with 2 single bunk beds per room. Mattresses are provided, although linens and pillows are not. Two restrooms with showers and lavatories are available on either side of the building. Rooms are now being rented out separately with a nightly fee plus hotel tax.

• Fees
• Map of Park (PDF 57.1 KB)

Make reservations on-line for Devils River S.N.A.
You can also make E-mail Reservations, Fax Reservations or Phone Reservations.

Special Conditions: This is a natural area with no picnic areas, concessions, or other amenities found in traditional state parks. All trash generated by visitor use must be carried out of the park. As with all Texas State Parks, collection of plants, rocks, firewood or materials of any kind is strictly prohibited. No ground fires are allowed; High Clearance vehicles vehicles with 8 ply rating minimum (to prevent flats and blowouts) recommended. Nearest service station is 25 miles away and is not open all the time. The nearest full service station is 65 miles away. Camping & facility stays are by reservation only. Reservations and payments must be made at least 2 days in advance. This Park is unable to accept payments of any kind. Texas State Park Pass discount coupons are not valid at this park. Web reservations are not available for this Park, you can make E-mail, Fax or Phone Reservations.

There is no Access to Dolan Falls from the park. Access to Dolan Falls is through the Nature Conservancy of Texas only.

Natural Features: A series of springs provides up to 80% of the river's flow. Three types of stream conditions characterize the river: long, deep pools; wide shallow areas; and relatively deep, turbulent rapids. The river is free of impoundments, generally inaccessible, essentially primitive and unpolluted. Ecologically, the area combines elements of the Edwards Plateau to the east, the Trans-Pecos to the west and south Texas brush to the south. There are large, dense stands of live oak and pecan trees adjacent to the river, plus semidesert grassland vegetation on the ridges and slopes away from the river and numerous springs and seeps with mosses, ferns, various herbs, and vines.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

• Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Elevation: 1300 ft.- 2080 ft.
Weather: As a warning to anyone visiting Devils River, it gets very hot in this part of Texas during the summer, so dress and prepare accordingly. Rainfall: 17.2; January minimum 38 degrees; July maximum 98 degrees.

• National Weather Service forecast for the Del Rio area.

Schedule: Beginning September 1, 2011, the Park will be open from 8 a.m. Friday - 5 p.m. Monday. The gate will be locked from 5 p.m. Monday - 8 a.m. Friday. Primitive campsites by the river are available 7 days a week for paddlers who have come down the river only; permits are required and need to be reserved and paid for at least 2-days in advance. Note: In addition to their regular schedule, the Park will also open the Tuesday & Wednesday before and after New Years, and will extend their schedule during Spring Break & Thanksgiving holidays. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.

All camping and facility stays are by reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance. This Park is unable to accept payments of any kind.

Directions: From Del Rio, go north on State Highway 277 for 45 miles, turn left on Dolan Creek Road (gravel) and go 18.6 miles to the park boundary. All visitors should be aware that the park is accessed by a county road, Dolan Creek Rd. (a rough 22 mile gravel/dirt surface with low water crossings.) High Clearance vehicles vehicles with 8 ply rating minimum (to prevent flats and blowouts) recommended. Nearest service station is 25 miles away and is not open all the time. The nearest full service station is 65 miles away.

More Promotions.