Devils River State Natural Area

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Devils River State Natural Area

  • Kayaking the Devils River
    Paddle the pristine Devils River - but prepare carefully for the trip.
  • Devils River
    The Devils River winds through remote and wild Texas countryside.
  • Prickly Pear
    Wildflowers and wildlife abound at this natural area.
  • Hiking at Devils River
    Hike this rugged and remote country - and bring your binoculars!
  • Devils River Golden Hour
    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:

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 Del Norte Unit Trails Information page.

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.

Dark Sky Sanctuary Logo


Dan A. Hughes Unit
15166 Private Road 1500
Del Rio, TX 78840

Latitude: 29.730013

Longitude: -100.961094

(737) 289-3250

Del Norte Unit
21715 Dolan Creek Rd.
Del Rio, TX 78840

Latitude: 29.939694

Longitude: -100.970206

(737) 289-3250

Entrance Fees
  • 13 years & older: $5 Daily
  • Children 12 and under: Free
Hours

Open: 8 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Reservations are required to visit either unit of Devils River. Reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.


River campsites are open daily for paddlers with advance permits on their way downriver.

Permits are also required to camp at Amistad National Recreation Area; call (830) 775-8779.

Climate

It gets very hot in this part of Texas during the summer, so dress and prepare accordingly. Rainfall: 17.2 inches; January minimum: 38 degrees; July maximum: 98 degrees. Current campsites offer minimal shade.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

1,300 feet - 2,080 feet.