Devils River State Natural Area

The park is open seven days a week, except the Park is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. Also 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. Collection of plants, rocks, materials of any kind, or firewood on the park site is strictly prohibited on the natural area. No ground fires are allowed; no pets are allowed.

Attractions - Attractions to this remote reservation only State Park relate to the area's large size and geological beauty. Visitors have opportunities for day hiking, primitive camping, nature study, mountain biking, and 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 only for canoes.

The site possesses good biological diversity, and the scenic river corridor offers a rugged river experience. The archeological significance appears substantial and preserves sites similar to those lost when Lake Amistad was impounded. Archeological evidence suggests that cultural influences from the west and east met at Devils River.

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; and relatively deep, turbulent rapids. The river is free of impoundments, generally inaccessible, essentially primitive and unpolluted. Ecologically, the area combines elements of the Edwards Plateau to the east, the Trans-Pecos to the west and south Texas brush to the south. There are large, dense stands of live oak and pecan trees adjacent to the river, plus semidesert grassland vegetation on the ridges and slopes away from the river and numerous springs and seeps with mosses, ferns, various herbs, and vines.

Facilities: There are 7 primitive campsites ( vehicle accessible)available. Potable water 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 and 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, and an electric range. There is also a large conference room and dining area in this facility containing 2 eight-foot and 2 ten-foot tables, along with twenty folding chairs. Building size is approximately 1800 square feet. The bunkhouse contains 5 rooms with 2 single bunk beds per room. Mattresses are provided, although linens and pillows are not. Two restrooms with showers and lavatories are available on either side of the building. Rooms are now being rented out separately with a nightly fee plus hotel tax.

Adult entrance fee (13 years and older) per person, per day. TCP no longer required per person. For facilities reservations, call 512/389-8900. For tour arrangements, call the park. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Camping fees; entrance fees. For reservations call 512/389-8900. Current conditions including water levels can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities offered by the Devils River State Natural Area includes, primitive camping, nature study, mountain biking, nature study, canyon tours, hiking and canoeing.

Climate - The Devils River State Natural Area is located at an elevation between 1300' - 2080 feet. As a warning to anyone visiting Devils River, it gets very hot in this part of Texas during the summer, so dress and prepare accordingly. The average yearly rainfall is 17.2 inches. Temperatures within the park range from a January minimum temperature of 38 degrees to a July maximum temperature of 98 degrees. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - The Devils River State Natural Area is situated within the San Angelo area of Texas. To reach the park from Del Rio, go north on State Highway 277 for 45 miles, turn left on Dolan Creek Road (gravel) and go 18.6 miles to the park boundary.