Sunset over Amistad Reservoir with Highway 90 bridge to left of photo going over the reservoir and i
Enjoy the serenity of sunset at Amistad National Recreation Area's Governors Landing Day Use Area. NPS / E Paola

Amistad National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Texas · National Park Service

An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, a Spanish word meaning "friendship," is known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, and rich cultural history dating back nearly 5,000 years. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life both above and below the water.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
(830) 775-7491
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Architecture and Building · African American Heritage · Archeology · Asian American Heritage · Explorers and Expeditions · Hispanic American Heritage · Laborer and Worker · Migrant Workers · Latino American Heritage · Military · Infantry and Militia · US Army · Native American Heritage · Transportation · Trains and Railroads · Wars and Conflicts · Indian and Frontier Wars · Westward Expansion · Animals · Birds · Fish · Tortoises and Turtles · Caves, Caverns and Karst · Canyons and Canyonlands · Geology · Lakes · Scenic Views

Activities & features: Boating · Motorized Boating · Sailing · Jet Skiing · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Paddling · Canoeing · Kayaking · Junior Ranger Program · SCUBA Diving · Swimming · Freshwater Swimming · Water Skiing · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Taken from a boat on the water, the image shows the underbelly of a bridge and the supports.
    NPS / M. Galvan
  • A view of the peaceful shoreline along Amistad National Recreation Area
    NPS / Cesha Hernandez
  • Firey Sunset over Lake Amistad.
    NPS / George Bruce
  • Looking out the stern of a dual engine motorboat banking starboard with large wakes following.
    NPS/JCA
  • Limestone shoreline along Amistad National Recreation Area
    NPS / Octavio Garcia

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12