Rough Canyon Campground

4.09

11 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,106 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Amistad National Recreation Area (NPS) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,106 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Amistad National Recreation Area (NPS) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Rough Canyon Campground

$3.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard nightly campsite fee is $6.00; reduced to $3.00 with Interagency Senior or Access Pass. Fees must be paid within 30 minutes at the self-pay...

Standard Site Fee$6.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(830) 775-7491AMIS_Interpretation@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

89 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rough Canyon Campground

29.5736, -100.9775

Driving directionsFrom Amistad National Recreation Area's Visitor Center- Head east (turn left out of parking lot) and drive 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Highway 377 North and travel 12.1 miles (follow signs to Sonora). Turn left onto Recreation Road 2 (also called "R 2") and travel 7.4 miles. Campground is located at the end of Recreation Road 2 just before the boat ramp area.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, ending at Recreation Road 2, which leads directly to the campground and boat ramp. No seasonal closures are mentioned for road access.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available near the marina and store within the recreation area. Additionally, Del Rio has full amenities including groceries and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Rough Canyon Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Texas weather at Rough Canyon, where endless summer days invite early morning fishing and late afternoon swims. From April through October, nature puts on spectacular shows with rolling thunderstorms that paint the sky – though visitors should stay weather-aware as flash flooding can occur. Winter brings a gentler side to the landscape, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Throughout the year, expect temperatures that dance between a comfortable 40°F on crisp mornings to a sizzling 98°F during peak summer afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers long days, fishing and swimming but can be hot and humid.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely pleasant temperatures and strong scenery; fewer crowds implied outside peak heat.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (April onward) noted as good season for fishing and pleasant weather.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Open year-round; reviewers call winter visits quiet and beautiful with wildlife sightings.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: County-wide burn ban prohibits all fires, including charcoal fires, until July 8. Due to low water levels, only the left boat ramp at Rough Canyon is open.

About Rough Canyon Campground

Escape to Rough Canyon Campground, where rugged beauty meets lakeside tranquility at Amistad National Recreation Area. This intimate primitive campground offers four thoughtfully appointed sites, each featuring its own covered picnic table and BBQ grill – perfect for savoring sunset dinners after a day on the water. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll appreciate the convenience of the adjacent boat ramp for easy lake access and nearby comfort station with modern flush toilets.

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

Historical SignificanceWhile Rough Canyon's story may not be etched in historical markers, its significance lies in the timeless connection between people and this dramatic landscape, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solitude and adventure along the reservoir's edge.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Texas weather at Rough Canyon, where endless summer days invite early morning fishing and late afternoon swims. From April through October, nature puts on spectacular shows with rolling thunderstorms that paint the sky – though visitors should stay weather-aware as flash flooding can occur. Winter brings a gentler side to the landscape, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Throughout the year, expect temperatures that dance between a comfortable 40°F on crisp mornings to a sizzling 98°F during peak summer afternoons.

ElevationThe campground's position along the reservoir creates a unique microclimate where desert meets water, offering campers varied terrain to explore and photograph throughout their stay.

Natural Features and SceneryRough Canyon reveals the raw beauty of Texas's semi-arid wilderness, where weathered rocks tell ancient stories and hardy desert plants dot the landscape. From your campsite, watch for white-tailed deer picking their way along the shoreline at dawn, or catch glimpses of nimble goats navigating the rocky outcrops. The ever-changing water levels of the reservoir add an element of discovery to each visit – sometimes revealing hidden coves and beaches, other times creating dramatic cliff-to-water vistas that photographers dream about.

Geological RegionPerched on the edge of Amistad Reservoir, Rough Canyon showcases the stunning contrast of semi-arid subtropical terrain meeting vast waters. Dramatic cliffs rise from the reservoir, creating a natural amphitheater of stone and sky. The sparse desert flora – resilient mesquite, prickly pear, and hardy grasses – creates a tapestry of muted greens and browns against the ochre rocks, painting a landscape that's both harsh and hauntingly beautiful.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

24/7 access
self-pay station requires payment within 30 minutes of occupancy.

Check-out

11:00 AM

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

Site layoutFour primitive campsites arranged near a boat ramp and comfort station.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system in place.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are available; all sites are first-come, first-served only.

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

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

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.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Rough Canyon Campground. As one reviewer noted, 'Fishing was bountiful. Had bass for dinner.'

SwimmingSwimming is available, with clear and cool water providing an enjoyable experience. Reviewers describe it as 'incredible.'

BoatingThe campground is next to a boat ramp, making it suitable for boating activities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife, such as deer and goats, are commonly seen around the campground, adding to the natural experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo drinking water available; visitors need to bring their own. Wildlife encounters possible. Rocky terrain and low lake levels may pose challenges.

Active AlertsCounty-wide burn ban prohibits all fires, including charcoal fires, until July 8. Due to low water levels, only the left boat ramp at Rough Canyon is open.

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

Fire PolicyFires are restricted to grills only; groundfires are prohibited. Burn bans apply during certain times.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station available intermittently on-site. Del Rio hosts the nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection is available year-round at the campground.

Water FeaturesLocated near Amistad Reservoir and adjacent to a boat ramp. Water levels may be low depending on the season.

Camp HostA camp host may be on duty during winter months, but otherwise staff availability is intermittent.

Weather at Rough Canyon Campground

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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