Devils River State Natural Area

Not a hot spring

The Devils River is often listed among Texas springs, but the water here is cold. It is one of the clearest rivers in the state, fed by big limestone springs, and the draw is swimming, fishing and paddling in remote canyon country. There is no warm soaking anywhere in the natural area.

For actual hot water in Texas, look far west: Chinati Hot Springs near Ruidosa (see our Chinati Hot Springs page), the hot spring in Big Bend National Park (its road has been closed until further notice since October 2026, so check before you go), or the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea.

Current status (October 2026)

Check before you go. This has been a hard year for the roads here.

• October 2, 2026: Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) closed the Del Norte unit because of flooding. Parts of Dolan Creek Road between US 277 and Del Norte were impassable, and so were sections of the road inside the natural area. The Dan A. Hughes unit campground was closed through Monday, October 5.
• August 7, 2026: after earlier flood damage, TPWD said both units need four-wheel drive, with high clearance strongly recommended.
• No drinking water at Del Norte (notice from May 2026). Bring all you need.
• Burn ban since January 1, 2026: no wood fires; propane and other containerized fuels are fine.
• Paddlers: the Baker’s Crossing launch was closed in January 2026 because of low flow; San Pedro Point remained open.

The units also close for permitted hunts each winter: Dan A. Hughes from November 16 to 27, December 7 to 18 and January 11 to 22, and Del Norte from November 30 to December 11, December 14 to 25 and January 4 to 15 (5 p.m. to 8 a.m. at each end). Only permitted hunters are allowed in on those dates.

Call the park at (737) 289-3250 or email [email protected] for the latest.

What to expect

The natural area sits where three landscapes meet: Chihuahuan Desert to the west, the Edwards Plateau to the north and Tamaulipan thornscrub to the south. It is rugged, dry limestone country cut by a river so clear you can count the rocks on the bottom.

At the Del Norte unit, Finegan Springs runs along several hundred yards of the bank and adds between 12,000 and 24,000 gallons of water a minute to the river. The springs support threatened Devils River minnows, the endangered Texas snowbell and old live oaks. From the parking area it is about a third of a mile on foot to the water, so pack light.

The Dan A. Hughes unit is about 30 miles downstream and shares 5 miles of boundary with Amistad National Recreation Area. The two units are far apart by road, so make sure you head for the one on your reservation.

Most of the riverbank outside the natural area is private land. TPWD warns that leaving the river gradient boundary is trespassing and landowners can press charges. The natural area is one of the few places the public can legally get to the water.

There are more than 25 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The area is also an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, so the night sky is the other reason people make the drive.

Getting there

Both units are reached from Del Rio on US 277. TPWD says web maps may be wrong out here; follow its written directions.

• Del Norte unit (21715 Dolan Creek Rd.): Drive north from Del Rio on US 277 for 45 miles. Turn left onto Dolan Creek Road and follow it 18.6 miles of gravel to the park boundary. The county road is rough, with several low-water crossings. Use caution if water is flowing across it.
• Dan A. Hughes unit (15166 Private Road 1500): Drive north from Del Rio on US 277 for 22 miles. Turn left onto Miers Ranch Road for about 3 miles, then bear left on Private Road 1500 for 6.5 miles to headquarters.

TPWD recommends high-clearance vehicles with tires rated at least 8-ply, and in 2026 it says four-wheel drive is needed in both units. This is working ranch country, so watch for loose livestock. The nearest fuel station is 25 miles away and not always open; the nearest full-service station is 65 miles away. Fill up in Del Rio.

When to go

Spring and fall are the most comfortable. July highs average about 98°F37°C and the land offers little shade. January lows average about 38°F3°C.

The gates open only Friday to Monday. On Friday to Sunday the gate is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the park is open until 10 p.m.; on Monday it closes at 5 p.m. Nobody checks in after 4 p.m. The park is closed Tuesday to Thursday.

Rain changes everything. Flash floods damage Dolan Creek Road, and low flow can close launch points. Before you book, check the alerts page and, if you plan to paddle, the river level.

Rules and fees

• Entry: $5 per person per day for ages 13 and up; free for 12 and under.
• Reservations: Required for both units, for day use and camping, at least one day ahead. Book online or call (512) 389-8901.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Bring all water and supplies and take every piece of trash home.
• Pets: On a leash no longer than 6 feet, cleaned up after.
• Fires: Wood fires banned under the 2026 burn ban.
• Alcohol: Public display or consumption is banned in Texas state parks.
• Collecting: Leave plants, rocks and artifacts in place.

Paddlers need a Devils River Access Permit ($10 each, signed) to use the natural area or its paddler camps for trips beyond the park. TPWD issues up to 12 overnight and 12 day-trip permits a day, up to five months ahead. Carry WAG bags for human waste, secure everything to the boat, and leave glass at home. Paddler camps at Mile 12, San Pedro Point (Del Norte, river mile 15), Mile 20 and Mile 29 cost $5 per person per night, one night only, booked a day ahead, with no open fires. Baker’s Crossing has three free first-come sites for the night before launch. Only experienced paddlers with at least three days of supplies should try an extended trip.

Where to stay nearby

Camping in the natural area is primitive. All sites cost $10 a night and take up to four people:

• Del Norte: 8 drive-up sites with a picnic table and shade shelter (no restrooms, water or power) and 2 hike-in sites about 1.5 and 2 miles from the River Gate parking area. A group barracks has restrooms and showers.
• Dan A. Hughes: 3 drive-up and 3 walk-in sites with tent pads, bear boxes and nearby composting toilets.

Small self-contained trailers and motor homes up to 16 feet are allowed at drive-up sites. Shade is minimal.

Del Rio, about 64 road miles from Del Norte (nearly 19 of them gravel), has hotels and full services. Seminole Canyon State Park and Kickapoo Cavern State Park are other TPWD options in the region, and Amistad National Recreation Area has campgrounds on the reservoir.

Safety notes

• Remoteness: Cell service is extremely limited or absent. Know exactly where you are and tell someone your plan.
• Flash floods: Never cross flowing water on Dolan Creek Road.
• Cold water: The springs keep the river cool. Paddling here can be strenuous, and capsizing far from help is serious.
• Heat and water: Carry more water than you think you need; Del Norte has none.
• Wildlife: Javelina and Mexican black bears live here. Use the bear boxes at camp.
• Screwworm: TPWD lists a screwworm alert among the park’s notices; read it before bringing a dog.