| History: Devils River State Natural Area, in Val Verde County north of Del Rio, was officially acquired in May 1988. The area's acreage is approximately 19,988.6, with 447.73 held in a trust.
The site possesses good biological diversity, & the scenic river corridor offers a rugged river experience. The archeological significance appears substantial & preserves sites similar to those lost when Lake Amistad was impounded. Archeological evidence suggests that cultural influences from the west & east met at Devils River.
Activities: The park's large size & remoteness support day hiking, primitive camping, nature study, mountain biking, & canyon tours. Access to the river (1.5 miles) is by hiking, biking, or park tour only; no vehicle access permitted. The park is a put-in point (no take out) for canoes & kayaks.
TPWD Photo
Tours: Visitation of archaeological pictograph sites will be permitted on a pre-approved basis only. Tour fees apply. Contact the park for times & prices.
Facilities: There are seven primitive campsites ( vehicle accessible)available. Potable H2O is not available so bring your own drinking water. There are also primitive campsites by the river that are available only for canoe campers who have come down river. Bring your own drinking water; restroom facilities are very limited. There is a hike & bike loop trail 12 miles in length. The group dining hall contains a large kitchen area with two sinks, two ice boxes, one reach-in cooler, a gas stove, & an electric range. There is also a large conference room & dining area in this facility containing two eight-foot & two ten-foot tables, along with twenty folding chairs. Building size is approximately 1800 square feet. The bunkhouse contains five rooms with two single bunk beds per room. Mattresses are provided, although linens & pillows are not. Two restrooms with showers & lavatories are available on either side of the building. Rooms are now being rented out separately with a nightly fee plus hotel tax.
Flora/Fauna: A series of springs provides up to 80% of the river's flow. Three types of stream conditions characterize the river: long, deep pools; wide shallow areas; & relatively deep, turbulent rapids. The river is free of impoundments, generally inaccessible, essentially primitive & unpolluted. Ecologically, the area combines elements of the Edwards Plateau to the east, the Trans-Pecos to the west & south Texas brush to the south. There are large, dense stands of live oak & pecan trees adjacent to the river, plus semidesert grassland vegetation on the ridges & slopes away from the river & numerous springs & seeps with mosses, ferns, various herbs, & vines.
Directions: From Del Rio, go north on State Highway 277 for 45 miles, turn left on Dolan Creek Road (gravel) & go 18.6 miles to the park boundary.
Elevation, Weather, & Schedule Information: Elevation: 1300' - 2080' Weather: As a warning to anyone visiting Devils River, it gets very hot in this part of Texas during the summer, so dress & prepare accordingly. Rainfall: 17.2; January minimum 38 degrees; July maximum 98 degrees.
Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Amistad National Recreation Area, & the cities of Del Rio & Ciudad Acuña.
Special Conditions: The park is open seven days a week, except when closed for public hunts (call or check Calendar of Events for dates). It is a natural area with no picnic tables, concessions, or other amenities found in traditional state parks. All trash generated by visitor use must be carried out of the park. As with all Texas State Parks, collection of plants, rocks, firewood or materials of any kind is strictly prohibited. No ground fires are allowed; no pets are allowed. |
Campground: Devils River State Natural Area in Del Rio Texas *