What to Know About Permits and Visitor Resources at Amistad NRA

Amistad National Recreation Area, five miles northwest of Del Rio at International Amistad Reservoir, handles heavy and varied use while protecting a world-class archaeological record. The park receives over 1,000,000 visitors annually and issues approximately 5,000 lake use permits each year, creating real pressure on shoreline, submerged cultural resources, and visitor services.

The Amistad Visitor Center on Highway 90 West is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and accepts credit or debit card only. The center sells America the Beautiful passes, lake use passes, Amistad hunting permits, and camping permits and operates a bookstore with souvenirs and Jr Ranger items. "Transparent Border is the park's official movie about how the reservoir came to influence a relationship between the US city of Del Rio and Mexico's Ciudad Acuña. It is available in English and español and is 35 minutes long."

There is no general entrance fee to the park, but boating, camping, and hunting fees do apply. Individuals and groups doing filming, still photography, or audio recording "are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required." Projects that exceed eight people, do not meet the park's specifications, or do not fall under exclusions must complete a Filming and Photography Special Use Permit and send it to Amistad National Recreation Area, 10477 Highway 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78840, Attn: Ranger Activities. For questions call Amistad NRA Headquarters at 830-309-5861 or 830-775-7492, ext. 2202.

Boating at Amistad supports personal watercraft use, powerboating, waterskiing, houseboating, boat fishing, sightseeing by boat, sailboating, sailboarding, canoeing, and kayaking year-round. The Federal Register excerpt on proposed rulemaking notes a proposed alternative under which PWC use would be allowed with few locational restrictions; under that proposal PWC users "would continue to have access to archaeological and submerged cultural resources." Fishing on the Texas side follows current statewide regulations. If you boat into Mexican waters and fishing gear is on board, a Mexican fishing license is required for everyone in the boat; Mexico boat permits are no longer required. Mexican licenses are sold in Del Rio at Amistad Marine, Highway 90 West, 830-775-0878, and Fisherman's Headquarters (Chevron at 90 & 277 N), 830-774-5670. If you travel to Mexico remember you must have a passport to return and carrying firearms or ammunition into Mexico is prohibited.

Hunting is allowed in specified ways and locations. Archery-only hunting for white-tailed deer, javelina, turkey, and mouflon sheep is permitted in five designated areas. Shotgun and birdshot only are allowed for dove, waterfowl, and quail in season. Hunters must have an NPS hunting permit and a Texas hunting license; all regulations apply. Campgrounds provide shelters, tables, and grills but no hookups, and only Governors Landing has drinking water; campers must use designated sites only. The NPS text on "Camping by boat" is truncated in the records supplied, so confirm boat-camping rules with Ranger Activities before planning overnight shore stops.

Amistad protects significant cultural resources: four archaeological districts and one site within or immediately adjacent to park boundaries are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and additional identified sites remain unevaluated. Resource protection underlies the park's permit rules: "Special Use Permits are required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest." Visitors should also note wildlife hazards; the park warns "Please be careful. Don't put your hands or feet in places you can't see." Visitors are reminded to "Please respect the rights of private property owners next to the lake." The park boundary sits at about 1,144-foot elevation with a high-water mark visible near 1,124 feet.

For permits, applications, or clarification, mail materials to Amistad NRA, 10477 Highway 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78840, Attn: Ranger Activities, or call 830-309-5861 or 830-775-7492, ext. 2202. Contact the Visitor Center during its 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours for passes, permits, and exhibit schedules before you go.