Devils River State Natural Area

Devils River State Natural Area is a remote, reservation-only park in Val Verde County, north of Del Rio, about 5 hours from San Antonio. It protects a spring-fed stretch of the Devils River for paddling, swimming and desert hiking. It’s open Friday to Monday only, at the end of rough gravel roads, so book ahead and plan for no cell signal.

On This Page

• Del Norte and Dan A. Hughes Units
• Paddling the Devils River
• Swimming and Fishing
• Hiking and Biking
• Dark Skies and Rock Art
• Camping
• Best Time to Visit
• What Visitors Say
• Getting There
• Know Before You Go
• Nearby Parks
• FAQ
• Sources and Official Links

Del Norte and Dan A. Hughes Units

Devils River State Natural Area has two units on the river, covering more than 37,000 acres, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD). Each needs its own reservation, and they’re about 2 hours apart by road.

• Del Norte Unit: about 19,000 acres, the original unit, at the end of 22 miles of gravel on Dolan Creek Road. It has the bunkhouse and most of the trails
• Dan A. Hughes Unit: 18,000 acres, 13 river miles downstream, about 9.5 miles of gravel off US 277. TPWD held its official opening on October 9, 2026. Older guides call it the Big Satan Unit
• Both units: closed Tuesday to Thursday, with an orientation at headquarters on arrival. The park can’t take payment on site

Paddling the Devils River

Overnight paddling trips on the Devils River need a Devils River Access Permit, and TPWD says only experienced paddlers should try them. The river runs mostly slow pools and short Class I to II rapids, with a few drops worth carrying boats around.

The Devils River Access Permit

• Who needs it: anyone on an extended paddling trip who uses either unit or a TPWD paddler camp
• Cost: $10 per paddler. A trip leader can buy permits for the whole group
• How to get one: call (512) 389-8901 and ask for the Devils River agent. Permits open up to 5 months ahead
• Daily limit: at most 12 overnight-trip and 12 day-trip permits a day, depending on river flow
• Order: book the shuttle first, then the permit, TPWD says. Refunds only within 72 hours
• Conditions: carry and use WAG bags (sealed human-waste bags), no glass, and secure all trash and gear

Day visitors who only want to float near the access points need a day pass, not the permit.

Route and Access Points

TPWD numbers the river by miles below Baker’s Crossing, the SH 163 bridge. The full run to Lake Amistad is 47.7 river miles and takes at least four full days, longer when the flow drops below 75 cubic feet per second.

TPWD allows Devils Back in an itinerary only with an authorized guide or shuttle, and self take-outs at the Dan A. Hughes Unit only during park hours, 8 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Monday.

Hazards and Dolan Falls

• Game Warden Rock (Sycamore Chute): a 4-foot drop about 13.3 miles below Baker’s Crossing. TPWD suggests carrying around it
• Dolan Falls: a 10-foot, Class IV waterfall about 16.4 miles down. TPWD recommends a portage (carrying boats around) at every water level, on private banks, so keep the stop short
• Three-Tier Waterfall: Class II to III, about 20.4 miles down. Headwinds and low water slow trips too
• Floods: the river can flash-flood from rain more than 100 miles away. Check the West Gulf River Forecast Center before launching

Dolan Falls can’t be reached on foot. The Nature Conservancy’s Dolan Falls Preserve around it is closed to the public, so the falls are seen only from the river.

Private Land and Outfitters

Nearly all riverside land outside the two units, Baker’s Crossing and Lake Amistad is private. Camping or walking above the riverbank is trespassing, and TPWD says landowners press charges.

TPWD’s approved outfitters for shuttles, rentals and guided trips are:

• Amistad Expeditions: shuttles and boat rentals, (830) 703-0127
• Angell Expeditions: guided kayak and canoe trips, (432) 384-2307
• Far West Texas Outfitters: guided paddling and fishing, (512) 632-4041
• Imagine That Outfitters: guided fishing, (210) 792-5234

Unapproved services can bring fines and cancelled permits. TPWD’s paddler map (PDF) marks rapids and camps.

Swimming and Fishing

Swimming is allowed in the Devils River at both units, at visitors’ own risk, with no lifeguards. The Del Norte map marks a swimming spot near San Pedro Point, and the Dan A. Hughes Unit has river access at its campground and Paffords Crossing.

• Water: visitors most often praise the clear blue-green water. It clouds after rain, and silt, algae and hydrilla (a water weed) show up in places
• Footing: rocks are slick and the bottom drops off suddenly. TPWD says closed-toe water shoes, not sandals
• Best spots: visitors say the Del Norte put-in is muddy and the rockier stretches nearby are clearer
• Gear: visitors bring snorkels and floats. Only non-motorized boats are allowed
• Rules: no glass at the river or along the riverfront

Fishing

The Devils River is known for bass. From Baker’s Crossing down to the Big Satan Creek confluence, black bass are catch-and-release only, according to TPWD fishing regulations, and the reservation site adds no live bait there. TPWD’s statewide rule waives the fishing license on state park property; the park doesn’t say whether that covers the river itself, so ask at check-in.

Hiking and Biking

Devils River State Natural Area has more than 25 miles of trails open to hikers and mountain bikers, according to TPWD, across both units. Most of it is hot, shadeless desert with rocky footing, so carry a quart of water per hour on the trail.

With two Dan A. Hughes spurs (Little Satan, 0.9 mile; Gage Canyon, 0.4 mile), TPWD’s named trails add up to 29.5 miles.

• Finegan Springs: the springs pour 12,000 to 22,000 gallons a minute into the river, according to TPWD. Visitors call the wade upriver to them a highlight
• 12-Mile Loop: visitors say most of it follows the gravel park road, away from the river
• River walk: TPWD gives the Del Norte walk from parking to the river as 1/3 mile on one page and about a mile on others; recent visitors report a quarter to half mile. Bring a dolly or an inflatable boat
• Biking: helmets required; check trail difficulty with headquarters first. Stay on marked trails, since the rest of the land is closed
• Timing: hike early. Visitors say the climb back from the river in afternoon heat is the hard part

Dark Skies and Rock Art

Devils River State Natural Area is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary with a Bortle 2 sky, among the darkest ratings, according to TPWD. Day-pass visitors can stay past the 10 p.m. gate time for stargazing with a $5 ticket for the Dark Sky Viewing Area near the Del Norte headquarters.

TPWD asks for minimal lighting from 2 hours after sunset. Visitors report a large telescope at the Del Norte visitor center and the best views around the new moon.

The park also protects Lower Pecos rock art, painted by people who lived along the river for thousands of years. TPWD advertises weekly guided tours to the pictograph shelters plus river and night-sky programs, but none is bookable online. Call the park to ask. At the Dan A. Hughes Unit, caves and rock shelters are closed except on tours.

Camping

All camping at Devils River State Natural Area is primitive: a primitive site has no water, electricity or restrooms at the site. Prices are per night plus the $5 daily entry fee, and every stay is by reservation.

Campsite Types

• Del Norte drive-up (8 sites, $10): 4 people each, with a picnic table and shade shelter. Self-contained trailers and motor homes up to 16 feet only. Showers are at headquarters
• Del Norte hike-in (2 sites, $10): 4 people each, about 1.5 and 2 miles from River Gate parking on foot or bike. Tent pad and bear box; WAG bags preferred
• Del Norte bunkhouse (sleeps 10, $150): five bedrooms with two single beds each, electricity and 2 bathrooms with showers. No kitchen, no pets; bring linens and a camp stove
• Dan A. Hughes drive-up (3 sites, $10) and walk-in (3 sites, $10): 4 people each in the Devils Back loop near the river, with composting toilets nearby
• Paddler camps ($5 a person): river miles 12, 15, 20 and 29, up to 16 paddlers each, one night only, with a permit. Baker’s Crossing has 3 free first-come sites for the night before launch

Reservations and Camp Rules

• Book at least one day ahead; most sites open 5 months out. Paddler camps book by phone at (512) 389-8901
• Check in at the unit’s headquarters by 4 p.m. Checkout is noon. Overnight guests get a gate code in their confirmation
• No open fires. Cook on containerized-fuel stoves
• Park water isn’t safe to drink, and there’s no trash pickup. Pack in all water and pack out all trash
• No hammocks tied to trees, and no dump station
• Visitors report RVs over the 16-foot limit being turned away at headquarters

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are the best time to visit Devils River State Natural Area, for hiking weather and TPWD’s preferred paddling seasons. Summer is very hot with little shade, and winter brings hunt closures.

• Spring (March to May): mild days and good paddling, though strong winds are common. Early spring is a favorite for hiking
• Summer (June to August): highs average 98 degrees in July and can top 100. Visitors spend the day in the river
• Fall (September to November): cooler hiking and good paddling. TPWD says the Dan A. Hughes Unit is a good place to see the fall monarch migration. Storms can close roads: both units closed for flooding in October 2026
• Winter (December to February): January lows average 38 degrees, and fronts can drop temperatures 40 degrees in minutes. Hunts close each unit for about 10 days at a time from mid-November to late January

What Visitors Say

Devils River State Natural Area averages 4.7 stars across 107 Google reviews from December 2024 to October 2026: 84 for Del Norte (4.7) and 23 for Dan A. Hughes (4.9). Most say the river is worth the long drive, and most warn about the road.

• The water: the top praise, often called the clearest or prettiest river in Texas. A few found it cloudy or weedy
• The road: mentioned in almost every detailed review. Sedans and minivans have made it, but most advise high clearance and good tires
• Navigation: GPS apps send drivers toward locked ranch gates. Follow TPWD’s written directions
• Restrooms: several call the headquarters restrooms and showers the best they’ve seen in a state park
• Staff: strongly praised. Rangers helped one group with a burst radiator hose and brought a part from Del Rio
• Crowds: light. Even holiday weekends saw only a handful of people at the river, though the short public frontage means everyone shares it
• Downsides: heat, no shade at day-use tables, long drives from some campsites to the river, and nothing to do after dark but stargaze

Getting There

The Del Norte Unit is at 21715 Dolan Creek Road, Del Rio. From Del Rio, take US 277 north about 45 miles, turn left on Dolan Creek Road and follow the gravel about 22 miles. From San Antonio, take I-10 west to Sonora and US 277 south 43 miles.

The Dan A. Hughes Unit is at 15166 Private Road 1500, Del Rio, about an hour north of town. Take US 277 north 22 miles, turn left on Miers Ranch Road, veer left after 3 miles onto Private Road 1500, and go 6.5 miles to headquarters.

Drive times to the Del Norte Unit:

• Del Rio: about 2 hours 10 minutes (64 miles, about 22 on gravel)
• San Antonio: about 5 hours
• Austin: about 5 hours 50 minutes
• Dallas and Houston: about 8 hours 25 minutes

A few things to know before driving out:

• Vehicle: TPWD recommends high clearance and at least 8-ply tires, and an August 2026 alert says four-wheel drive is needed in both units after flooding
• Road: Dolan Creek Road has low-water crossings (road dips that flood after rain), cattle guards and loose livestock. It closes when it floods
• Fuel: the nearest station is 25 miles from Del Norte and not always open; full service is about 65 miles away in Del Rio
• Timing: no check-in after 4 p.m., and visitors say the gravel alone takes about an hour

Know Before You Go

Devils River State Natural Area is far from help and sells almost nothing on site. These fees, rules and tips matter most.

• Fees and passes: $5 a day for visitors 13 and older; children 12 and under get in free. The Texas State Parks Pass ($70 a year) covers entry. Paddlers pay $5 a day per vehicle, the access permit is $10 per paddler, and the stargazing ticket is $5. Confirm current fees on the TPWD fees page
• Booking: every visit needs a reservation, online or at (512) 389-8901. Day passes open 1 month ahead; campsites and permits 5 months ahead
• Hours: open Friday to Monday; closed Tuesday to Thursday. The gate is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Day visitors leave by 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday and by 5 p.m. Monday. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on open days
• Water: TPWD lists no drinking water at Del Norte as of May 2026. Bring all drinking water, and treat river water on paddle trips
• Fires: no wood fires, and Val Verde County is under a burn ban most of the year. Cook on a containerized-fuel stove
• Alcohol and glass: no public drinking, and no glass at the river
• Pets: on a 6-foot leash at all times and not in buildings or the bunkhouse. The reservation site says the river isn’t for pets or small children. Visitors report rattlesnakes
• Hunt closures (2026 to 2027): Dan A. Hughes closes 5 p.m. Nov. 16 to 8 a.m. Nov. 27, Dec. 7 to 18 and Jan. 11 to 22. Del Norte closes Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, Dec. 14 to 25 and Jan. 4 to 15. Only permitted hunters are allowed in
• Vehicles: no vehicles may be left in either unit while it’s closed. Anything still there after 5 p.m. Monday gets towed
• Emergencies: call 911, or the Val Verde County Sheriff at (830) 774-7513 on the river. The nearest hospital is about 70 miles from Del Norte. TPWD suggests a satellite messenger, since rescue can take hours or days
• What to bring: extra water, all food, a spare tire, water shoes, sun protection, offline maps and trash bags

Nearby Parks

These TrekTexas guides cover parks within a long drive of Devils River State Natural Area (road miles from Del Norte).

• Amistad National Recreation Area: about 60 miles south at Del Rio. Its Rough Canyon Marina is the take-out at the end of the river trip
• Kickapoo Cavern State Park: about 85 miles east, with guided cave tours and summer bat flights
• South Llano River State Park: about 130 miles northeast near Junction, for swimming, floating and paddling the South Llano River
• Lost Maples State Natural Area: about 155 miles east, known for fall color
• Garner State Park: about 160 miles east, on the Frio River
• More parks a day’s drive west of the city: Parks Near San Antonio

FAQ

Is a permit needed to paddle the Devils River?

Yes, for extended trips. Paddlers who use either unit or a TPWD paddler camp need a $10 Devils River Access Permit, sold by phone at (512) 389-8901. Day visitors floating near the access points need only a day pass.

Can visitors hike to Dolan Falls?

No. Dolan Falls is on private land with no public access from the natural area. Paddlers see it on a downriver trip and carry their boats around it.

Can a regular car make the drive?

Visitors report sedans and minivans making it in dry weather, but TPWD recommends high clearance and 8-ply tires. After the 2026 floods, TPWD’s alert says four-wheel drive is needed in both units.

What happened to the Big Satan Unit?

It’s now the Dan A. Hughes Unit. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission renamed it in 2015, and TPWD held its official opening in October 2026.

Are there cabins at Devils River State Natural Area?

No. The only indoor lodging is the 10-person bunkhouse at Del Norte. Everything else is primitive camping.

Sources and Official Links

Facts in this guide were last checked in October 2026 against these sources.

• Devils River State Natural Area (TPWD)
• Entrance fees, campsites, bunkhouse and paddler camps (TPWD)
• River trips, access permit and river trip guidelines (TPWD)
• Del Norte trails and Dan A. Hughes trails (TPWD)
• Directions and maps: Del Norte map (PDF), Dan A. Hughes map (PDF), paddler map (PDF) (TPWD)
• Dark skies and Dan A. Hughes Unit opening (TPWD)
• Park alerts (TPWD)
• Texas State Parks reservations
• Devils River fishing regulations (TPWD)
• Dolan Falls Preserve (The Nature Conservancy)

Featured photo: Nicolas Henderson, Flickr (CC BY 2.0), July 2012