Devils River State Natural Area
Devils River State Natural Area
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
29 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
6
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1
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1
Terrible
1
Billy L
6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We entered Devils River Del Norte and were met by a volunteer “ranger” who immediately began to yell and point her finger demanding permits. Of course we had them and she then said let me tell you what, pointed her finger and began to yell pack in pack out, wag bags and no fires. We almost started laughing thinking it was a joke the way she was acting but her demeanor never changed. Very sad such a beautiful place is run this way. We continued on and enjoyed the river which was very beautiful.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mtfriess
Dallas, TX42 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
I camped on the Devil's River north of Baker's Crossing 15 years ago (the campground property has been sold and closed) so the only place to camp on the Devils River is the Devils River State Natural Area. With an eye on a future canoe trip, I wanted to scout the area by staying at the state park, hiking, walking down to the river and do some fishing. First off, the Devils River State Natural Area is ONLY OPEN ON THE WEEKENDS. Next, the TPWD closes the park, sells hunts and the campgrounds for all of November, December, and January. There are 16 sites by the river but those are reserved for canoers and if they are not being used, they are not being used. So as long as you can go on a weekend for the other 9 months of the year, campsites in the park might be available. I am very disappointed in the management of this park by the state of Texas.
Written December 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer F
San Antonio, TX20 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We were looking for something to do on a Saturday, and decided to go hiking (we love hiking) at Devil's River State Natural Area. In searching for information, we really only found information on kayaking there. We went anyway, and were so glad we did. Once you turn off 277, it's 22 miles to the Ranger Station where you get your permit for exploring the park (it's free!) and that 22 miles is a slow 22 miles. We did about 25 miles an hour, so expect it to take some time. Also, they are only open Fri-Mon, and we hadn't seen that!
It's not a difficult hike, fairly stable ground on the way to the river with some hills that will get your hamstrings chattering a little. :) On our way in, the Rangers stopped us and told us it was .9 miles from the parking area to the river, and there was a mile of river frontage.
On arrival to the river, we skipped the first area where people were swimming to head off and explore the frontage. So, SO glad we did. We both wore Keen hiking sandals (highly recommend, certainly for this) and we found ourselves splashing through puddles along the side of the river. To our delight, we noticed closer to the end of the frontage that the water in the little stream running alongside the river we were walking through was getting cooler. And cooler. And colder. It was about 95 degrees out, full sun, so the water felt AMAZING. We could hear water rushing as we moved forward, but it wasn't coming from our left, where the river was. It was coming from our right, where the cliffs were.
We found several 'springs' where icy cold, clear water ran from the cliffs to eventually find it's way to the river. Such an awesome treat on such a hot day!
You'll find lots about the kayaking opportunities, but don't overlook the lovely hike!
It's not a difficult hike, fairly stable ground on the way to the river with some hills that will get your hamstrings chattering a little. :) On our way in, the Rangers stopped us and told us it was .9 miles from the parking area to the river, and there was a mile of river frontage.
On arrival to the river, we skipped the first area where people were swimming to head off and explore the frontage. So, SO glad we did. We both wore Keen hiking sandals (highly recommend, certainly for this) and we found ourselves splashing through puddles along the side of the river. To our delight, we noticed closer to the end of the frontage that the water in the little stream running alongside the river we were walking through was getting cooler. And cooler. And colder. It was about 95 degrees out, full sun, so the water felt AMAZING. We could hear water rushing as we moved forward, but it wasn't coming from our left, where the river was. It was coming from our right, where the cliffs were.
We found several 'springs' where icy cold, clear water ran from the cliffs to eventually find it's way to the river. Such an awesome treat on such a hot day!
You'll find lots about the kayaking opportunities, but don't overlook the lovely hike!
Written September 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
riverdog
3 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
gerald bailey, "devils river outfitters", was the initial consessionaire for the tpwd for 19 years........he dropped that concession and is still doing it from bakers crossing to his riverhouse in blue sage, about a 22 mile trip......so; there is more than one shuttle provider who has much more exerience of the river than anyone else........820-395-2266
Written January 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NTraveler56
72 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
This river is absolutely gorgeous!! Crystal clear water, nice falls and rapids, plentiful fish, and beautiful scenery. If you want a secluded long weekend adventure this is a must! We used Amistad Expeditions as a shuttle service because only concessionaire have access to the river. They had the most fair pricing of the services I looked into. $480 may seem a little pricey but after considering they travel about 4.5 hrs per kayak group through some rugged terrain in their own vehicles, well I can see why. Darren and Nicki are both super friendly and very knowledgeable about the river and helped out of ton with all my questions. As a warning, you must be a somewhat skilled kayaker and camper to do this trip because it is a challenge but well worth it. Make sure you plan ahead as you have to get river and camping permits from the state. Way fun...Just do it!!
Written November 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurecritic
142 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
I had turned down many invitations to kayak along the Devil's River and visit the Devil's Canyon Park and camps. Finally, after much pressure I finally gave in and I'm glad I did, because it was one of the few waterways in Texas I had not yet kayaked but had always had stuck in the back of my head. The area is quite difficult to access and it is a two day trip with only one rest area before you exit near the Devil's Canyon by Amistad Lake. The entire natural area is astoundingly beautiful and peaceful, except maybe during the moments you're traveling down some rapids on a kayak. There is a waterfall with a drop of approximately 10 feet called Dolan's Falls, it is very scenic but it looks very dangerous and difficult or impossible to to cross without proper training or equipment. Large kayaks are definitely not adequate, so I'd recommend that if you take a trip down the river you do not attempt to go over the falls and simply walk yourself and your gear around. Below the falls is a very nice deep hole where you can take a refreshing swim and take some great pictures. I'd highly recommend having some waterproof photographic equipment on this trip instead of relying on your cell phones. The trip down Devil's River is not for everyone, you should be in good health and relative good shape. There are few places to rest, eat, use the restroom (camping waste bags are highly recommended), there is no cell phone reception, you cannot camp or linger on the banks of the river because it is all private property and the owners around those lands are exceptionally sensitive to trespassing, the river itself has some challenging sections and inherent dangers, you have to lug around all your provisions for those two days as well as your boat, and you need a camping permit in advance for the dates you plan to take your trip down the river. The Devil's Canyon area is not one of the most accessible or simple to traverse or make arrangements for. You can book an expert guide for a trip down the river, and if you are considering to row down the river for the first time, and no one in your party is familiar with travel down the river, you should really consider a guide. You should absolutely prepare in advance and inform yourself well before exploring the Devil's Canyon and Devil's River. Obtain weather forecasts in advance and stay away if flash floods are expected... you do not want to be in the river during an expected flood. There are many reasons why I postponed a visit to this beautiful natural area many times, but in the end, after finally having visited, I say that if you love the outdoors and nature, this is an amazing, must visit and must see destination in Texas.
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah P
21 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
First off, this park is very rugged and not for the casual park visitor. You have to drive around 20 miles on a gravel road to get to the park from the highway and the nearest gas station is something like 25 miles away. You have to bring in your own food and water. There's a bathroom at the ranger station and a composting toilet at the canoe/kayak campsite on the water.
That being said, this park is absolutely gorgeous. If you want solitude and beautiful, pristine scrub hills then this is the place for you. You can hike down along the river and fish for bass or you can hike part of the long loop trail up to the hilltops and enjoy the views. This park is not easy to get to and visits require planning in advance, but it's an amazing place. We spotted a vermilion flycatcher, a grey fox, and an aoudad sheep.
If you choose to visit this park, make sure to preserve it for other future visitors and don't litter or remove any plants, rocks, etc. We picked up some trash along the river that was left by fishermen, but the rest of the park was completely free of trash. I believe no pets are allowed in the park, so leave them at home.
That being said, this park is absolutely gorgeous. If you want solitude and beautiful, pristine scrub hills then this is the place for you. You can hike down along the river and fish for bass or you can hike part of the long loop trail up to the hilltops and enjoy the views. This park is not easy to get to and visits require planning in advance, but it's an amazing place. We spotted a vermilion flycatcher, a grey fox, and an aoudad sheep.
If you choose to visit this park, make sure to preserve it for other future visitors and don't litter or remove any plants, rocks, etc. We picked up some trash along the river that was left by fishermen, but the rest of the park was completely free of trash. I believe no pets are allowed in the park, so leave them at home.
Written March 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marney E. Mason
Del Rio, TX340 contributions
This place is a "natural area"! Don't go looking for a park store or concession stand. It is a long way from town. The road in is "interesting" but not nearly as awful as described on the state website. You could drive it in most sedans if you took it easy. The facilities are primitive. The camp sites are nicely isolated, private and quiet. There is no water, electricity or sewer. There are showers and toilets available at a central location, but it might be a couple of miles from your camp. The camp sites are more suitable for tents, small class B motor homes, drop in campers, and the smallest of trailers. The entrances are narrow and the turn are tight. This is an excellent location for birding. The river is the focus though, it is one of the cleanest, clearest rivers in the country. At the parking lot for the trail to the river, there were three other cars! And 5 people were leaving when we got there. The loop road, indicated on the TPWD map, is blocked, you will not be able to drive all the way around. You can go "most of the way" in both directions, but you just can't drive all the way around. In short, this is a remote, isolated, uncrowded, wilderness area. Well worth the drive if you are a fan of such things.
Written January 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drasnia14
San Antonio, TX14 contributions
Aug 2020
This review is geared more towards families thinking of making this as a day trip.
***apply sunscreen, sunscreen, water, water, water****
First, forget the wagon, a few down hills are steep and very rocky. Next skip any chairs you are thinking about bringing and go with a towel or a blanket. If you make it up to the falls there are plenty of rock ledges to sit on.
To find this hidden gem, it is a 22 mile drive on Caliche (limestone) road (turn off 277), meaning potholes and some bumps before you get the ranger station. You will be passing through ranch lands with cattle guards and you may think you are getting lost but you aren't. Just don't go off the road.
your cell phone and your maps won't work. Use an old fashion map but you can trust the brown state park signs (though they are far an few between)
Cars would do "okay" as long as you aren't going over 25 mph. However, after the ranger station you will need the clearance of a truck or SUV. There is no getting around this, your car will thank me.
So if it's in the summer its going to be hot. I mean 107 degrees of hot. Not too bad in the morning but the hike out will be brutal. Pack light with a ton of water.
I'm 49, 240lbs, not in great shape, I would say average shape. The walk up the hills on the way out was a slow trek with our group. Some were having some breathing issues and were affected by the head. Luckily it was later in the day and the park rangers knew to send out trucks to check on people and offer rides back out. If you are carrying a child, plan accordingly. Water, trade offs etc, Again forget the wagon.
So once you make it down the hills to the gorgeous river there is a rest area off to the left. We traversed to the right up to the falls. It was a flat hike, but water was six inches deep (did I mention forget the wagon, you would be carrying it across long stretches of water. . . But hey you are thinking my and my buddy could do this. . . and I'm sure you are could but.... the rocks are slick under your feet) and I highly recommend you have both hands free to balance. Even one of our black belts took a half fall from the algae on the rocks.
So you trek around .8 of a mile and are at the falls. Enjoy! Go across the river and up it and you will find pools where you can sit and relax up to chest level.
***apply sunscreen, sunscreen, water, water, water**** you get the idea.
We spent the day relaxing here and it was nice.
Then the trek back had to happen. I have to admit the thought of a kayak and out was a good one at least being close to the water OR a Disney shuttle but hey, there we were.
So we made it almost back to the rest area and I went to wipe the sweat out of eyes and I didn't feel my wedding ring. %&#*)$& I must have taken it off too
***apply sunscreen, sunscreen, water, water, water****
So I head back, leaving my loving wife with the kids (after she asked about the life insurance making me feel oh so loved) and started to jog back.
Did I mention the rocks are slick? So I'm jogging back wind milling all over the place because those #$% rocks get slicker with heat, I'm sure of it (don't bring facts or science into it, I know as the day gets hotter the rocks get slicker. I'm doing my damn best to hurry and not fall.
I hear something and look back. Lo and behold my wife sent me a "buddy" a friend of ours who is runner. And by runner I mean one of those sick people that eat 5ks for breakfast and enjoys the marathons. Anyway she is jumping back and forth and running over the rocks like a freckin American Ninja Warrior contestant. She politely ignores my huffing and puffing and just smiles. I asked her "did my wife send you?" She nods her head and says "plus this way I get some quiet time away from the kids." So we move on (me thankful my wife thinks enough of me to send a buddy...oh wait I have the car keys)
Anyway, found the ring, but made the trek twice.
We make it up and out of the valley, damn hills were tiring (at least 3 hills and one of which we watched a wagon go out of control, though to be fair we did try and warn the guy).
***water, water, water**** make sure you have water and snacks in the car waiting. and probably dry shoes.
Was it worth it? Heck yes, the area was gorgeous but most likely a one and done trip for us.
***apply sunscreen, sunscreen, water, water, water****
First, forget the wagon, a few down hills are steep and very rocky. Next skip any chairs you are thinking about bringing and go with a towel or a blanket. If you make it up to the falls there are plenty of rock ledges to sit on.
To find this hidden gem, it is a 22 mile drive on Caliche (limestone) road (turn off 277), meaning potholes and some bumps before you get the ranger station. You will be passing through ranch lands with cattle guards and you may think you are getting lost but you aren't. Just don't go off the road.
your cell phone and your maps won't work. Use an old fashion map but you can trust the brown state park signs (though they are far an few between)
Cars would do "okay" as long as you aren't going over 25 mph. However, after the ranger station you will need the clearance of a truck or SUV. There is no getting around this, your car will thank me.
So if it's in the summer its going to be hot. I mean 107 degrees of hot. Not too bad in the morning but the hike out will be brutal. Pack light with a ton of water.
I'm 49, 240lbs, not in great shape, I would say average shape. The walk up the hills on the way out was a slow trek with our group. Some were having some breathing issues and were affected by the head. Luckily it was later in the day and the park rangers knew to send out trucks to check on people and offer rides back out. If you are carrying a child, plan accordingly. Water, trade offs etc, Again forget the wagon.
So once you make it down the hills to the gorgeous river there is a rest area off to the left. We traversed to the right up to the falls. It was a flat hike, but water was six inches deep (did I mention forget the wagon, you would be carrying it across long stretches of water. . . But hey you are thinking my and my buddy could do this. . . and I'm sure you are could but.... the rocks are slick under your feet) and I highly recommend you have both hands free to balance. Even one of our black belts took a half fall from the algae on the rocks.
So you trek around .8 of a mile and are at the falls. Enjoy! Go across the river and up it and you will find pools where you can sit and relax up to chest level.
***apply sunscreen, sunscreen, water, water, water**** you get the idea.
We spent the day relaxing here and it was nice.
Then the trek back had to happen. I have to admit the thought of a kayak and out was a good one at least being close to the water OR a Disney shuttle but hey, there we were.
So we made it almost back to the rest area and I went to wipe the sweat out of eyes and I didn't feel my wedding ring. %&#*)$& I must have taken it off too
***apply sunscreen, sunscreen, water, water, water****
So I head back, leaving my loving wife with the kids (after she asked about the life insurance making me feel oh so loved) and started to jog back.
Did I mention the rocks are slick? So I'm jogging back wind milling all over the place because those #$% rocks get slicker with heat, I'm sure of it (don't bring facts or science into it, I know as the day gets hotter the rocks get slicker. I'm doing my damn best to hurry and not fall.
I hear something and look back. Lo and behold my wife sent me a "buddy" a friend of ours who is runner. And by runner I mean one of those sick people that eat 5ks for breakfast and enjoys the marathons. Anyway she is jumping back and forth and running over the rocks like a freckin American Ninja Warrior contestant. She politely ignores my huffing and puffing and just smiles. I asked her "did my wife send you?" She nods her head and says "plus this way I get some quiet time away from the kids." So we move on (me thankful my wife thinks enough of me to send a buddy...oh wait I have the car keys)
Anyway, found the ring, but made the trek twice.
We make it up and out of the valley, damn hills were tiring (at least 3 hills and one of which we watched a wagon go out of control, though to be fair we did try and warn the guy).
***water, water, water**** make sure you have water and snacks in the car waiting. and probably dry shoes.
Was it worth it? Heck yes, the area was gorgeous but most likely a one and done trip for us.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peter n
29 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
this is one of the hidden treasures in Texas. after a 22 miles off road experience we found the headquarters. we met some friendly rangers they were a little surprised that we found this place because we're dutch. they give us a map and some instructions to the small parking area near by. after a hike of 1 mile we found the river. it's one of the most beautiful quiet places I've been. you need plenty of water and a good condition. but it's definitely worth it.
Written August 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danny S
Texas2 contributions
We are visiting Devils River SNA for a day. Can we walk in shallow water from San Pedro Paddler Camp to Dolan Falls or must we float down to see the falls? And if we float is it arduous to paddle back up to the San Pedro spot? We are not incapable but we are not all that young anymore either!
Detox01
Texas71 contributions
Is there good fishing in the park?
DannyWasserman
Virginia Beach, VA4,450 contributions
We did not do any fishing, but I am aware that you can definitely enjoy yourself.
Gagan G
London, UK22 contributions
Does this part not open in December at all for Day Time users as well? We almost had it on our itinerary for Christmas Trip next week. Please confirm. Thanks!
Gagan G
London, UK22 contributions
Hi, How much of your time is good to see the beauty of this park? Is 12-4 is all good in December's period. We would like to start early as to reach main road by sunlight. Is there enough hiking? I saw some comments about falls observed on the hiking (trails map actually do not much help). Please help us planning. We are planning to visit 3 of State Parks around Del Rio in Christmas weekend. Thank-you.
rbsafe2017
Longview, TX
How wide is the river from bluff to bluff
Rob M
San Antonio, TX55 contributions
Extremely varied is the best answer. Anywhere from points closer to the reservoir where it's upwards of a quarter mile, to portions in the rapids where it might only be 60'-100' and everything inbetween. There is also a significant difference between the Bluff-to-bluff distance and the bank to bank distance for most of the river because of the low water. The river most of the way is either quite narrow (Creek-like almost) or extremely shallow.
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