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Watercraft RatesLake Amistad National Recreation Area
Just 175 miles drive from San Antonio, straddling the Mexican and American border, lies a true gem in the desert, Lake Amistad. With over 850 miles of shoreline and 68,000 acres of sparkling water, it's one of the largest and most popular lakes in Texas. For houseboaters, Amistad may very well be one of the friendliest. In fact, the name Amistad means friendship in Spanish.
Lake Amistad National Recreation Area offers countless outdoor adventures for everyone. Lake Amistad boasts some of the best lake snorkeling and scuba in the state, the best bass fishing in the world, and one of the largest collections of archaeological sites anywhere. There are also over 400 Indian archeological sites, including caves, rock shelters, mounds and Indian pictographs for one to explore.
The limestone rock bottom, not mud, gives this lake a clarity unmatched in the nation. The calm, aqua-blue water is also helped out by two gushing underwater springs, Indian Springs and Good Enough Springs - which add over 2 million gallons of spring water to the lake every hour.
If you're a serious bass fisherman, you already know that Lake Amistad offers some of the best bass fishing in the world. Considered under-fished now for many years, as well as the recent increase in catch-and-release, Amistad is currently enjoying excellent stocks of America's most popular game fish, Large Mouth Bass, but also the hard-fighting Striped Bass, Crappie, and the popular Sunfish are plentiful. Because of the excellent fishing, people come from all over to participate in the many fishing tournaments year round.
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Houseboating at Lake Amistad is almost a year round treat! With over 850 miles of curvaceous shoreline, with more private coves and canyons that there are boats, this border lake is truly a houseboaters' paradise. Featuring sheer cliff walls dotted with ancient caves for exploring, and fossil markings dating back more than 360 million years.
The perfect destination for a houseboat vacation with your family or friends, Lake Amistad Marina also rents fishing boats, deck cruisers, and ski boats - so no matter what your vacation 'speed', we've got the craft for you.
Come and discover the Southwest for yourself on Lake Amistad, and you'll know why it's one of the finest family destinations in the country.
Marina Facilities at Lake Amistad
Just 160 miles west of San Antonio and 12 miles northwest of Del Rio, Lake Amistad with its 850 miles of spectacular limestone cliffs and secluded coves, is a great getaway for the outdoor enthusiast.
This true southwestern gem, situated on the United States-Mexico border, offers some unique additional vacation options, like a side trip to Old Mexico!. (Don't forget your passports!)
A Gem in the Texas Desert
Exploring the local scenery is only one of the many pastimes you'll enjoy at Lake Amistad. From boating, fishing, and swimming to scuba diving and waterskiing. the Amistad National Recreation Area offers endless opportunities.
Lake Amistad Resort & Marina Facilities Include:
- Houseboat Rentals - with houseboats from 50' to 70'
- Ski Boat, Deck Cruiser & Fishing Boat Rentals - available for hourly, daily and multi-day rental
- Full-Service Marina - we provide all of the services local boaters and houseboaters need on the water at Lake Amistad
- Boat Slip Rental - monthly slips available
- Dry Storage - secure and convenient to launch areas
- Convenience Store - last minute needs including, groceries, snacks, fishing tackle, bait, souvenirs and boating accessories
Come and discover the Southwest for yourself on Lake Amistad, and you'll know why it's one of the finest family destinations in the country.
Lake Amistad Resort & Marina is professionally managed by Forever Resorts and is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Lake Amistad National Recreation Area.
Lake Amistad Marina Slip Rentals
If your plans include bringing your own small boat along, Lake Amistad Resort & Marina is a full-service marina with slip rentals available to help keep your vacation moving along smoothly.
- Boat & Trailer: $20 / month
- Trailer Only: $10 / month
- Overnight slip rental rates vary between $10 - $15, depending on the size of the vessel
Call the marina at 830-774-4157 to reserve a boat slip.
National Park Service Kids Zone
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"Get Outdoors, It's Yours!" is a national campaign focused on getting America's youth outside and engaging with Nature. The goal of this initiative is to encourage children and their families to spend more time outdoors.
The Kids Zone site has information on Web Rangers, Junior Rangers and Park Fun and Activities. Click on the link below to get to know the National Park System and all of the information available for kids.
The History of Lake Amistad
History
San Felipe del Rio, the original name of Del Rio, was settled in 1635 by Spanish missionaries. Since then, this area has seen Indian attacks, the coming of the railroads, Judge Roy Bean, "Law West of the Pecos," Wolfman Jack, the Cuban Missile Crisis and NAFTA. The area is steeped in Western history.
San Felipe Springs is one of the largest continually fed springs in Texas and was a favorite watering hole for Indians, soldiers, and early travelers to the area since the beginning of time. It was named for the King of Spain in 1675.
In 1869, ranchers from the area harnessed the springs with an elaborate canal and irrigation system which remains today, the major water supply for Del Rio. The springs and San Felipe Creek provide unlimited swimming and recreation.
Prehistoric Adventure on Amistad
With over 360 million years of history for you to explore in the cliffs and caves, along the shore, and in the whole Amistad National Recreational Area it's easy to step out of the water and back in time. Humans have lived in this area for over 12,000 years, and there are over 400 recorded archaeological sites to seek out and explore.
Take advantage of this season's high water levels and and explore the many excellent examples of 4,000 year-old rock art located in the upper reaches of the reservoir. Pictographs in Panther and Parida Caves are local favorites.
To learn more about how to really explore and enjoy Lake Amistad any time of season, be sure to stop in at the Marina Shop and ask our locals. With everything from world-class fishing, miles of shoreline dotted with private coves, ancient rock art sites and seemingly endless watersports, it's tough to choose just how to spend your time here at Lake Amistad National Recreation Area.
7am to 6pm MST ~ Monday thru Friday
8am to 4pm MST ~ Saturday & Sunday
