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Lake Amistad
Lake Amistad is one of the great boating lakes of Texas: a huge, clear-water reservoir on the Rio Grande just northwest of Del Rio, where the Devils and Pecos rivers flow in through limestone canyons. When it is full, it is the second-largest reservoir in Texas, with about 65,000 acres of water and 851 miles of shoreline shared between the United States and Mexico. It has long been a houseboating lake, and groups often spend several days exploring its canyons, coves and open water.
The lake sits inside Amistad National Recreation Area, run by the National Park Service. It is about 15 minutes from Del Rio and roughly two and a half hours west of San Antonio, so most visitors make it a long weekend or a full lake vacation.
Reserve Your Lake Amistad Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Lake Amistad Quick Facts
| Where | Val Verde County, about 12 miles northwest of Del Rio, on the U.S.-Mexico border |
| Nearby towns | Del Rio, Comstock, Brackettville and Ciudad Acuña, Mexico |
| Size | About 65,000 surface acres and 851 miles of shoreline when full; the level rises and falls with rain upstream |
| Rivers | Rio Grande, Devils River and Pecos River |
| Managed by | National Park Service (Amistad National Recreation Area); the dam is run by the International Boundary and Water Commission |
| Since | 1969 |
| Best for | Clear-water surfing, canyon cruising and multi-day lake trips |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
The Park Service runs the public boat ramps. Which ramps are open depends on the lake level, so check the park’s boat ramp status before you go.
- Diablo East: off US 90 west of Del Rio, the busiest ramp on the lake and the usual starting point.
- Rough Canyon: north of Del Rio, the other main launch on the lake.
- Other park ramps: Box Canyon, Black Brush Point, the US 277 ramps and several others open and close as the water rises and falls.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Run the open main lake. The water near the dam and the US 90 bridge is wide and deep, with plenty of room for surf passes and long jet ski runs.
Explore the Devils River arm. Clear water and limestone cliffs make the Devils River arm one of the prettiest boat rides in Texas. Cruise it at a relaxed pace.
Watch for rocks when the lake is low. Lower water exposes rocks and reefs, especially near points and in the canyons. Slow down in unfamiliar water.
Plan around the wind. Big open water can kick up waves in the afternoon. Surf early, then tuck into a canyon or cove.
Rentals That Fit Lake Amistad
Lake Amistad is made for big days on the water. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people and throws a great wave in the calm coves, and a few Sea-Doo jet skis are the best way to explore the canyons and the Devils River arm. Add tubes, wakeboards and a floating lily pad, or book a captained charter so your group can relax while someone else drives. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for everyone on board.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Check the ramps first. Lake levels at Amistad change with rain far upstream, and the Park Service opens and closes ramps to match. Check the park’s ramp status the week of your trip.
- Make it a multi-day trip. Amistad is a long way from the big cities and too big to see in one day. Plan a long weekend.
- Respect the rock art. The canyons around the lake hold some of the oldest rock art in North America. Look, take photos and leave it untouched.
- Bring sun protection. Desert sun on open water is intense, so pack shade, hats, sunscreen and lots of water.
Rules on the Water
- A Park Service lake use pass is required for every boat and jet ski on the U.S. side of the lake.
- The U.S.-Mexico border runs down the middle of the lake and is marked by buoys along the old Rio Grande channel. Stay on the U.S. side unless you have the permits Mexico requires.
- A few marked coves are closed to jet skis. Watch for the buoys.
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise. Everyone riding wears a life jacket, and the driver keeps the safety lanyard clipped on.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Life jackets are available for everyone on board, and kids should wear one any time the boat is moving.
- Clean, drain and dry the boat and all gear every time you leave the water. Draining is required by Texas law and helps stop the spread of invasive mussels.
More South Texas Lakes
Closer to San Antonio, Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe Valley lakes, including Lake Dunlap and Lake McQueeney, make easy day trips. See our San Antonio boat rentals page, or browse every lake we serve on our destinations page.