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Amistad National Recreation Area
Boating
 

Boaters Paradise
From open water to narrow, steeply walled canyons, Amistad NRA 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 that follow the historic channel of the Rio Grande.

 

Lake Use Fee
Amistad NRA charges a "Lake Use Fee" for all watercraft requiring State registration. Lake use fees for the US side of Amistad Reservoir are $4/day (24 hours from time of purchase) or $40 for an annual permit. The annual permit is good for one year from the month of purchase. Amistad NRA also offers a "3 day" (72 hours from time of purchase) lake use permit for $10.

Senior and Access Pass holders
are entitled to a 50% discount on user fees.

Boating permits can be purchased at Amistad Visitor Information Center 7 days a week from 8 am-5 pm, or at automated teller machines located at Diablo East, Rough Canyon, Box Canyon and the Pecos.

Mexican Permits
For current Mexico boat permit and fishing license information, go to www.conapescasandiego.org or call 619.233.4324.

Information on Mexican permits can also be obtained at:
Amistad Marine (Ranger boat dealer on Hwy 90 West across from Spur 454), 830.775.0878, or
Fisherman's Headquarters (Chevron at the intersection of Hwys 90 & 277 N) 830.774.5670.

Launch Ramps
The main launch ramps are located at Diablo East, Rough Canyon, Box Canyon, and Southwinds (LAFB) Marina. Ramps are also available at Blackbrush 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. more»

Water Skiing
Water-skiing is permitted at Lake Amistad. There is no commercial skiing available, so you must bring you own boat and skis or rent them from the marina at Diablo East or Rough Canyon.

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 to know all boating safety rules and regulations.

Marinas
Lake Amistad Marina at Diablo East, and Rough Canyon Marina provide boats and slip rentals, and sell fuel, bait, ice, snacks and beverages.

Lake Amistad Marina (830) 774-4157
Rough Canyon Marina (830) 775-8779
Southwinds (LAFB) Marina   (830) 775-7800

Zebra
Help Keep Amistad Mussel Free
Zebra & Quagga Mussels are Trouble! Click below for more on protecting our fabulous fishery.
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Park Maps
Download Amistad NRA Maps
Click below for official park maps.
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Topo Maps
Amistad Reservoir Topo Maps
The USGS sells topographic maps of the reservoir. Order Product # 99788 or # 99789.
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Tournament Schedules
Tournament Schedules
Follow the link below for tournament schedules (Adobe PDF)
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American and Mexican Eagles Monument on top Amistad Dam  

Did You Know?
Amistad National Recreation Area is one of 390 National Park Service areas that protect natural and cultural resources and provide for public enjoyment of those resources.
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Last Updated: April 30, 2008 at 14:26 EST