Rough Canyon Campground
4.0911 reviewsRough 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...
Show more
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
Total Campsite Fees$6.00
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider(830) 775-7491AMIS_Interpretation@nps.gov
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campsites are level and consist of graded gravel. The comfort station is accessible and located a short uphill distance from the campground.
Sites SizeThe sites are moderately sized with space for tents or RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer limited privacy as there are only four designated spots.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are primitive with picnic tables and grills. Bring water and prepare for rocky ground.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers not mentioned.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFour primitive campsites arranged near a boat ramp and comfort station.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
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.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
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.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Rough Canyon Campground. As one reviewer noted, 'Fishing was bountiful. Had bass for dinner.'Swimming
Swimming is available, with clear and cool water providing an enjoyable experience. Reviewers describe it as 'incredible.'Boating
The campground is next to a boat ramp, making it suitable for boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife, such as deer and goats, are commonly seen around the campground, adding to the natural experience.Winter Activities
The campground remains open during the winter, providing a quiet and serene environment. Wildlife such as goats may visit during this season.Water Sports
The proximity to the reservoir allows for non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing, though specific facilities are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are restricted to grills only; groundfires are prohibited. Burn bans apply during certain times.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNo 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.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station available intermittently on-site. Del Rio hosts the nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection is available year-round at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Amistad Reservoir and adjacent to a boat ramp. Water levels may be low depending on the season.
Common complaintsReviews mention challenging rocky terrain for camping, low lake water levels, and maintenance issues within the campground area.
HostA camp host may be on duty during winter months, but otherwise staff availability is intermittent.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.1
11 reviews
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 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users have raised concerns about the rocky terrain making camping difficult and the lack of maintenance in certain areas.
Based on 11 reviewsPro 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 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsSite-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 reviewsAccessibility 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 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025