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https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river
https://www.reelfly.com/devils-river-1
https://texashighways.com/things-to-do/hiking-biking/exploring-the-devils-river-state-natural-area-by-foot/
https://texashillcountry.com/devils-river-state-natural-area/
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Vireo/lifehistory#habitat

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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.

Things to Do

Devils River State Natural Area offers a wilderness experience, on the river and on land. Be prepared to pack in all supplies and water, and pack out all trash.

Only credit cards are accepted at the park; no cash or checks.

Reservations are highly recommended. To guarantee entrance, you can reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

On the river

You can go swimming, fishing and paddling in the river. Note: It's a one-mile hike from the parking lot to the river. You'll need to carry all your gear, so pack lightly!

If you plan to swim or paddle at the park, read through our water safety tips. Be sure to check the fishing regulations for the Devils River before fishing.

Paddling

Paddling the 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 Tri p if you are planning to paddle outside the natural area's boundaries.

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 on foot or bike to see this land where ancient native people lived. The river and surrounding wilderness supports a wide array of plants and animals, so you'll enjoy nature watching, as well.

Campsites & group barracks

Drive-up campsites in the park are primitive, with no water, electricity or restrooms. We have a bathhouse with showers near the Visitor Center.

The rustic barracks has five bedrooms with two single beds in each room. It has water and electricity, as well as an ADA bathroom with shower.

Natural Area

State natural areas protect special places and species. As such, they offer limited amenities and unlimited nature.

The river connects two Devils River State Natural Area properties. Del Norte and Dan A. Hughes units encompass 37,000-plus acres in Val Verde County.

At Del Norte, you can visit for the day or camp at drive-up sites. This unit also has a visitor center and other amenities.

Pending further development, you can only access the Dan A. Hughes Unit from the river, with a DRAP. We sometimes lead special programs at this unit; check our Events page.

Learn more about these units on the Publications page.

Help us protect the Devils River and this natural area by leaving no trace of your stay.

Support state parks and state natural areas by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We occasionally lead programs on the nature and history of the Devils River area. Check our Events page for upcoming programs.

Learn more about the park:

Area Attractions

Nearest cities are Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña.

The Amistad National Recreation Area is downstream. Find more information about the reservoir on the International Boundary & Water Commission website and TPWD's Amistad Reservoir page.

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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. Devils River State Natural Area offers a wilderness ex­per­i­ence, on the river and on land.

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climate at the devils river is usually warm and sunny with a little breeze. Considered to be the most unpoiled river in texas, isnt much pollution.

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Texas persimmon-->Black-capped vireo-->Black-headed tantilla snake.
Proserpine shiner-->conchos pupfish-->hooded skunk

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Known for their high tolerance of heat, greater earless lizards are found throughout the park from the Rio Grande floodplain to the foothills of the Chisos Mountains. They can often be seen basking on the roads at night. True to their name, they have no external ear openings. Their lifespan ranges from 1 to 3 years. The primary reason for their short lifespan is the failure to keep warm throughout the months of hibernation. They love the heat!

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The Big Bend Canyon Lizard (Sceloporus merriami annulatus) is one of 3 varieties of Canyon Lizard that inhabits this state, and as the common name implies, it dwells within the confines of the mountains of the Big Bend region, primarily the Chisos, Christmas, and Del Norte Mountains.

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Tantilla is a large genus of harmless New World snakes in the family Colubridae. The genus includes 65 species, which are commonly known as centipede snakes, blackhead snakes, and flathead snakes.

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The Rio Grande darter is a small species of ray-finned fish, a darter from the subfamily Etheostomatinae, part of the family Percidae which includes the perches, ruffs and pike-perches. It is endemic to the lower Rio Grande drainage of the United States and Mexico.

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The hooded skunk is a species of mammal in the family Mephitidae. Mephītis in Latin means "foul odor", μακρός in Greek translates to "long" and οὐρά translates to "tail".

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The hoary bat is a species of bat in the vesper bat family, Vespertilionidae. It lives throughout most of North America, possibly including Hawaii.

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Texas snowbells is a rare, endemic shrub of the Edwards Plateau of Texas. V.L. Cory discovered the plant in 1940 and described it as a species, Styrax texana, in 1943 (Cory 1943). It was listed as an endangered species on October 12, 1984 (49 FR 40036).

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A small-but-mighty tree, anacacho orchid tree is an all-star focal point plant for foundation planting areas or for anchoring a garden bed. Count on its silver-gray bark to provide interest in winter while its fragrant, white or pink, orchidlike flowers steal the show in spring.

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The Proserpine shiner is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. Its natural habitat is rivers.

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There's not much information on the fish because they're endangered.

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The black-capped vireo is a small bird native to the United States and Mexico. It was listed as an endangered species in the United States in 1987. Successful conservation efforts on the U.S. Army's Fort Hood and Fort Sill led to delisting the black-capped vireo in 2018. Their diet consists of adult and larval moths, butterflies, beetles, and flies, katydids, and spiders, along with small amounts of plant matter.

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Diospyros texana is a species of persimmon that is native to central, south and west Texas and southwest Oklahoma in the United States, and eastern Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico. Common names include Texas persimmon, Mexican persimmon and the more ambiguous "black persimmon".

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Facts:
The devils river is 93.8 miles long.
363.7 ft deep.
Named after Saint Peter, thought the river was carved by Lucifer himself.
Considered the most unspoiled river in texas.