Is Rough Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rough Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rough Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Rough Canyon Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Rough Canyon Campground?

Rough Canyon Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Rough Canyon Campground?

Cell phone service at Rough Canyon Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Rough Canyon Campground have?

Rough Canyon Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Rough Canyon Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Rough Canyon Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Rough Canyon Campground?

Rough Canyon Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Rough Canyon Campground

4.09

11 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,106 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Amistad National Recreation Area (NPS)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,106 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Amistad National Recreation Area (NPS)Official Website

Get Directions

Rough Canyon Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(830) 775-7491AMIS_Interpretation@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Rough Canyon Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Rough Canyon Campground

29.5736, -100.9775

Nearby places

Del Rio, approximately 25 miles, about 30-minute drive.

Weather at Rough Canyon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Rough Canyon Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 65–85°F, nights 50–60°F) and active recreation — prime fishing, migrating birds and mild conditions for boating and hiking along the rocky rims. Water levels and weather are usually cooperative for launching boats and taking early-morning swims, while insect pressure and extreme heat remain low. Expect moderate crowds on weekends during April–May, but generally relaxed, intimate campsite use at this small, four‑c Peak months: April, May, October, March Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted as 'best conditions' — fishing up, migrating birds, good water levels.

Planning Tips

About Rough Canyon Campground

Rough Canyon Campground sits on the rocky shore of Lake Amistad in Amistad National Recreation Area, offering 4 primitive sites with flush toilets and direct boat ramp access. The terrain is rugged and uneven, but visitors appreciate the lake views, safety, and proximity to fishing and boating. Managed by the National Park Service with a 14-day stay limit.

Rough Canyon Campground offers a primitive camping experience suitable for tents and RVs, with no group or glamping options available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 65–85°F, nights 50–60°F) and active recreation — prime fishing, migrating birds and mild conditions for boating and hiking along the rocky rims. Water levels and weather are usually cooperative for launching boats and taking early-morning swims, while insect pressure and extreme heat remain low. Expect moderate crowds on weekends during April–May, but generally relaxed, intimate campsite use at this small, four‑c Peak months: April, May, October, March Avoid: July, August

Elevation1106 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDramatic cliffs rise from Amistad Reservoir at 1,106 feet elevation, creating a natural stone amphitheater. The semi-arid terrain supports mesquite, prickly pear, and hardy grasses in muted greens and browns against ochre rock. White-tailed deer appear along the shoreline, and goats navigate the rocky outcrops. Water levels fluctuate, sometimes revealing hidden coves and beaches, sometimes creating steep cliff-to-water drops. Reviews describe the view as lovely, though the rocky terrain can make setup challenging.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or other lodgings available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights maximum allowed per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

8persons per site maximum.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available.

AccessibilityThe campsites are level and consist of graded gravel. The comfort station is accessible and located a short uphill distance from the campground.

Site SizeThe sites are moderately sized with space for tents or RVs.

PrivacyThe sites offer limited privacy as there are only four designated spots.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are primitive with picnic tables and grills. Bring water and prepare for rocky ground.

Amenities available

Rough Canyon Campground, located within the Amistad National Recreation Area, offers a primitive camping experience with four designated sites. Each campsite includes a covered picnic table and a BBQ grill. There are no drinking water facilities or hookups available at the campground. A comfort station with running water is located a short distance away near the Ranger Station, which is intermittently staffed. The campground is generally open year-round.

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Rough Canyon Campground provides opportunities for several outdoor activities given its proximity to a boat ramp and the Amistad Reservoir, ideal for fishing, swimming, and observing wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

11 reviews

Satisfactory

Rough Canyon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.09 for camping-specific experiences. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting, wildlife presence, and access to recreational activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the 'lovely view,' flush toilets, and the proximity to the lake and boat ramp. Safety is noted as a highlight, and the campground is described as 'very pretty and safe.'

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have raised concerns about the rocky terrain making camping difficult and the lack of maintenance in certain areas.

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has four primitive sites, all equipped with covered picnic tables and BBQ grills. The sites are near a boat ramp, making them ideal for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing your own drinking water as there is no potable water available. Visitors also suggest bringing a kayak to enjoy the clear lake waters.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are described as quiet and beautiful, with unique wildlife sightings. Summer months may be challenging due to hot and humid weather conditions.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fishing was bountiful. Had bass for dinner.' 2. 'Very safe. Very pretty. I wish I was staying more than one night.' 3. 'Deer everywhere.'

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites are described as level and graded, with an accessible comfort station uphill. The accessibility features enhance the experience for campers with mobility challenges.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want lake access for fishing and boating in a small, safe campground and can handle rocky ground.

Skip if

You need level sites, hookups, or are visiting during low water levels.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.4

(42)

277 North Group Campground

10477 Hwy 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78840

277 North Group Campground sits in the foothills of Amistad National Recreation Area near Del Rio, offering group-only sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Managed by the National Park Service, this small seasonal campground provides quiet access to Lake Amistad's canyon scenery and is popular for group gatherings, fishing, and stargazing. The setting is basic and clustered, with lake access dependent on water levels.

Rock Quarry Group Campground

10477 Hwy 90 West, Del Rio, TX, 78840

Rock Quarry Group Campground sits in the Amistad National Recreation Area foothills near Del Rio, overlooking Lake Amistad. This primitive group site offers a large, private space with a pavilion, fire ring, and vault toilets—ideal for organized gatherings who bring their own water and power. The National Park Service operates this seasonal campground with spring and fall as the prime visiting windows before summer heat climbs past 100°F.

San Pedro Group Campground

10477 Hwy 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78114

San Pedro Group Campground sits in the foothills of Amistad National Recreation Area near Del Rio, Texas, operated by the National Park Service. This primitive group site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a serene setting ideal for organized gatherings. Winter brings the most comfortable conditions for group activities, with mild days and cool nights perfect for fishing, hiking, and evening campfires.

Seminole Canyon State Park And Historic Site

434 Park Road 67, COMSTOCK, Texas, 78837, United States

Seminole Canyon State Park sits at the eastern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, offering RV sites with water and electric hookups alongside primitive options. The park's main draw is guided tours of ancient pictographs in Fate Bell Shelter, paired with canyon hiking and clean facilities. Fees run $4/night. Cell service is nonexistent.

$4.00 - $4.00 / night

Campgrounds

Amistad National Recreation Area

Rough Canyon Campground

About Amistad National Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Rough Canyon Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, whose name comes from the Spanish word meaning friendship, is best known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, rock art viewing, and its rich cultural history. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life above and below the water.

Directions

Six miles west of the HWY 90 and 277 North intersection at 10477 Highway 90 West.