Falcon State Park

Copyright: Texas State Parks & Historical Sites An aerial view of Falcon State Park

Falcon Dam was dedicated by Mexican President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in October 1953. The waters of the Rio Grande River have formed a beautiful 60-mile-long lake behind the dam. This dam was built for conservation, irrigation, power, flood control, and recreational purposes.

The park is open 7 days a week year round.

Attractions - Attractions to this scenic State Park are based around its ability to provide a varied selection of outdoor recreational opportunities to suit differing tastes. Many activities are water based while others are land based; some are passive while others demand rigorous activity.

The area's gently rolling hills are covered by mesquite, huisache, wild olive, ebony, cactus native grasses. Falcon Lake is a big fishing paradise, especially for those seeking black and white bass, catfish, and stripers. The area is very popular with bird watchers; varied and interesting bird life consisting of common resident birds, which range throughout the American Southwest, and many of the tropical species for which this is the north westernmost outpost. Also, there are uncommon varieties such as the small green kingfisher and the varied bunting.

Facilities at the park include screened shelters; air-conditioned screened shelters; campsites with water, electricity, and sewage; campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water; restrooms with showers; a fish-cleaning shelter; playgrounds; trailer dump stations; a group recreation hall with kitchen for day-use or overnight-use, and a Texas State Park Store. There are 3 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that make a complete loop around the park. Signs detailing plant life provide a 1-mile self-guided nature trail. There is a new boat ramp with three 24' lanes to an elevation of 269' and a single 24' lane to an elevation of 259'. The new ramp is in use when the lake is above 261'.

The park is providing a temporary ramp that consists of improved lake shore launching when the lake is below 261'. Four-wheel drive is recommended for temporary ramp use. Sometimes changing lake conditions cause the temporary ramps to be unusable; if in doubt, contact the park.

Nearby points of interest include Lake Casa Blanca and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Parks; Falcon Dam, with a memorial to the joint US-Mexico project; Nuevo Guerrero, built across the border after Falcon Reservoir engulfed old Guerrero in 1953; Mexico; Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City, established in 1848; the City of Roma, which was founded in 1768 and is currently restoring several old buildings. Roma has many historical sites including the Roma Historical Museum with exhibits on American, Spanish and Mexican cultures.

Camping and entrance fees vary. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. Current conditions including fire bans and 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 Falcon State Park include, camping, swimming, fishing , waterskiing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, nature study, bird watching, picnicking, and a self guided nature trail.

Climate - Falcon State Park is located at an elevation of 325 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average January minimum of 44 degrees and a July maximum temperature of 99 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 20.6 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Falcon State Park is situated within the Gulf Coast region of Texas. From Zapata, take US Highway 83 to FM 2098, then go southwest for 3 miles to Park Road 46. From Roma, go 15 miles west on US Highway 83 to FM 2098 to Park Road 46.