Devils River State Natural Area
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Paddle the pristine Devils River - but prepare carefully for the trip. -
The Devils River winds through remote and wild Texas countryside. -
Wildflowers and wildlife abound at this natural area. -
Hike this rugged and remote country - and bring your binoculars! -
Bring your fishing pole to catch a fish. Or bring your sketchbook or camera and capture some memories.
River Wild
In southwest Texas, far from all cities and most people, lies one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. Clear spring-fed water tumbles past rugged ridges, scenic canyons and brushy banks. It’s not easy to get here, but it’s worth the effort.
Natural Area
State natural areas protect special places and species. As such, they offer limited amenities and unlimited nature.
The Devils River connects the two units of the state natural area: Del Norte and Dan A. Hughes. Together, the units encompass 37,000-plus acres in Val Verde County.
Help us protect the Devils River and this natural area by leaving no trace of your stay.
Things to Do
Devils River State Natural Area offers wilderness experiences on the river and on land. Be prepared to pack in all supplies (including water) and pack out all trash.
Reservations are required. Reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.
On the river
You can swim, fish and paddle the river.
Note: It’s a 1/3-mile hike from the parking lot to the river at the Del Norte Unit. You’ll need to carry all your gear, so pack lightly!
Before you visit:
- Read through our water safety tips.
- Check the fishing regulations for the Devils River.
Paddling
Paddling this wild and scenic river can be strenuous. Only experienced paddlers with at least three days of supplies should attempt extended down-river trips.
Visit Preparing for a Devils River Trip if you are planning to paddle outside the natural area’s .
You must have a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) if you plan to access the Devils River State Natural Area or our paddler camps on an extended paddling trip. The DRAP costs $10. Read more about the Devils River Access Permit.
On land
Explore over 25 miles of trails by foot or bike to see what makes this place so special! The river and surrounding wilderness support a wide array of plants and animals, so you’ll enjoy nature watching, too. Learn more on our trails information pages:
Campsites & group barracks
Del Norte Unit:
- Drive-up campsites at the Del Norte Unit are primitive, with no water, electricity or restrooms. A bathhouse with showers is near the Visitor Center.
- The rustic group barracks has five bedrooms with two single beds in each room. It has water and electricity, as well as an accessible bathroom with shower.
Dan A. Hughes Unit: Dan A. Hughes Unit campsites are under construction. Once complete, they will include backcountry hike-in campsites, drive-up sites with restrooms nearby, and walk-in campsites along the river. Water will not be available at any of these primitive sites.
Ranger Programs
We offer weekly tours to pictograph shelters, as well as other programs on river ecology and the night sky.
Check our Events page for upcoming programs at both units.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger! Visit the visitors center or headquarters to learn how.
- Borrow an explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal | PDF. Complete tasks to earn a .
- Aspiring astronomers can borrow our Dark Sky pack!
Learn more about the park:
Area Attractions
Nearest cities are Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña.
The Amistad National Recreation Area shares 5 miles of boundary with the Dan A. Hughes Unit and is 30 miles downstream of the Del Norte Unit. Find more information about the reservoir on the International Boundary & Water Commission website and TPWD's Amistad Reservoir page.
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