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Boating and Fishing
Amistad National Recreation Area is known for great and . If you don't fish, or have a boat, there are plenty of other fun activities. Grab your cameras, binoculars, swimsuits, and fins and let's have some fun!
Viewing Native American Rock Art
Prehistoric Native American paintings abound in the Amistad area. Visitors may view these 4,000 year-old pictographs by boat or on foot.
Panther Cave, located on the Rio Grande near the Pecos River, is accessible only by boat. Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site one hour west offers walking tours of a rock art site Wednesdays through Sundays at 10am and 3pm (morning tours only during summer). The Rock Art Foundation, a non-profit conservation organization, also offers guided tours to regional pictograph sites.
Click for more information on visiting rock art sites.
Swimming
Swimming at Amistad is a great way to escape the desert heat. Water temperatures range from 54 degrees F in winter months to 86 degrees in late summer.
Unsupervised swim areas are located at Governor's Landing and at Diablo East. Swimming is permitted anywhere except in coves with boat ramps.
Swim Safe!
- Stay within reach of children.
- Don't swim alone.
- Diving from the cliffs is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
- If you swim from a boat, make sure the boat is anchored. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
- There are no lifeguards on duty; all swimming is at your own risk.
- Small children and non-swimmers should wear Coast Guard approved life jackets; some areas in Amistad Reservoir have sudden drop offs.
- Remember: Water activities and alcohol do not mix. Many drownings are alcohol-related and can be prevented by not drinking alcoholic beverages before or during water sports.
Picnic By the Lake
Relax and enjoy lakeside views at any of Amistad NRA's eight picnic areas. Each area is equipped with tables, grills, and shelters. There is no charge for picnicking. Group picnic shelters are available by reservation only.
Camping
Amistad NRA operates four primitive that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Three group campsites are available by reservation no more than 90 days in advance.
Hiking
There are three established trails, at Diablo East, at the Pecos, and the new Sunrise Trail connecting the visitor center and San Pedro Campground. See for more information.
Birdwatching
The Amistad area is a transition zone between eastern, western, northern, and southern avifaunas. While there are no specific 'destination' species, the mix creates great opportunities to see a wide variety of birds. The area is also centrally located as a good base for some Texas specialties like Black-capped vireo, Golden-cheeked warbler, and Colima warbler.
Click for more information.
Monthly guided bird walks below Amistad Dam are offered the third Saturday of each month, September to May. Click for more information.
Nature Photography
Amistad's desert-like environment offers photographers vast landscapes, beautiful skies, and the surprise of cactus flowers after a good rain.
SCUBA Diving
Amistad's exceptionally clear water makes it an excellent place for SCUBA diving. A dive cove is located at Diablo East. Pick up a copy of "Dive Amistad Safely" at the visitor center. Use your dive flag, know your safe limits and never dive alone. Don't try SCUBA diving without training.
The website has diving information and useful links. Two new local dive shops (Amistad Outpost and Amistad SCUBA Divers ) offer air and equipment rentals.
Hunting
Limited hunting is allowed in designated areas of the recreation area during specified seasons. Click for more information.
Visit Our Bookstore
Visit our bookstore at the Amistad Visitor Information Center. The bookstore is operated by Big Bend Natural History Association, a non-profit organization which donates portions of the proceeds to Big Bend NP and Amistad NRA.
Big Bend Natural History Association (BBNHA) has a nice selection of sales items from field guides on numerous subjects, to books on local history and Lower Pecos Rock Art. There are also postcards, videos, children's books, note cards and more!
Attend Our Free Programs
Guided Bird Walks: The third Saturday of each month, September to May, 8:00am. Meet at the visitor center. From there we will car caravan to an area below Amistad Dam. Bring bird books, binoculars, water, and sturdy shoes.
Evening Programs: The third Saturday of each month, September to May, 7:30pm. At the visitor center. Topics vary; see our for more information.
Coffee With A Ranger: Weekly at 10:00 AM, from January to March, at various campgrounds throughout the recreation area. Topics vary; see our for more information. Bring your favorite coffee mug and a camp chair.
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