Devils River State Natural Area

All camping and facility stays are by reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance. The park is unable to accept payments of any kind.

Things to Do

Fed by numerous clear springs within the region's karst topography, the Devils River is one of the most ecologically intact rivers in Texas. From the hilltops and water's edge of Devils River State Natural Area, visitors can revel in the sight and sound of the river's waters tumbling over limestone past rugged ridges, canyons and grassy banks, giving life to diverse plants and wildlife.

The 37,000-acre state natural area consists of three units--the original 20,000-acres state natural area, now called Del Norte; the newly acquired 17,000-acre unit known as Big Satan; and Baker's Crossing, the paddler access bridge area on State Highway 163. At Del Norte, which is open to the public, visitors can enjoy day hiking, primitive camping, nature viewing, mountain-biking, horseback riding, swimming, and guided rock-art tours (by appointment). Big Satan is not yet open to the public. Baker's Crossing provides a paddler put-in and limited primitive paddler camping for one night prior to trip launch.

Devils River State Natural Area is unique in that it is primitive and isolated, with few amenities and no landscaped playgrounds. Visitors should bring their own food and water and be prepared for a rugged wilderness experience.

Preparing for a Trip on the Devils River

The wild, scenic Devils River draws kayakers and canoers seeking to paddle 47 miles from the paddler put-in at Baker's Crossing, or 32 miles from Del Norte, downriver to Lake Amistad National Recreation Area. However, a Devils River trip is highly strenuous and recommended ONLY for experienced paddlers equipped to spend at least three days in a remote area.

Access to the river in Del Norte (0.9 miles from the parking area) is by hiking, biking or pre-arranged tour only; no public vehicle access permitted. No motorized boats are allowed.

Beginning February 1, a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) will be required for all trips on the Devils River which access TPWD-managed lands. The cost of a DRAP is $10. Read more information about how to obtain a DRAP and how to prepare for a trip on the Devils River.

Public Use and Planning

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is developing a General Management Plan for the Devils River State Natural Area (SNA) to allow for sustainable, resource-based recreation. The plan allows for put-ins and take-outs on the SNA properties at river miles 0, 15 and 30. TPWD has established shuttle service agreements that allow outfitters to shuttle river users to Baker's Crossing (river mile 0) or San Pedro Point (river mile 15) in Del Norte; and allow them to be picked up at Big Satan.

In order to prepare for the opening of the south unit and to preserve the ecological integrity of the Devils River and surrounding lands, Texas Parks and Wildlife has been working with stakeholders and the public to develop plans for Devils River State Natural Areas, as well as for responsible long-term public use of the Devils River.

Educational Programs

Visitation of archeological pictograph sites is permitted on a pre-approved basis only. For natural and cultural resource tour arrangements, call the State Natural Area at (830) 395-2133. There are no regularly scheduled educational programs. Availability of tours is limited due to staffing constraints.

Outfitters & Guide Services

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has established shuttle service agreements with two outfitters to provide shuttle service for put-in and take-out on state-managed lands.

• Gerald Bailey
  Devils River Outfitters
  P.O. Box 421923
  Del Rio, TX  78842
  Email: geraldbailey007@gmail.com
  Phone: (830) 395-2266
Mobile phone: (830) 703-0089
• Kevin Stubbs
  Expedition Outfitters
  Web: www.expedition-outfitters.net
  Phone: (210) 602-9284

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 website, the International Boundary & Water Commission website and the TPWD Amistad Reservoir website.