The waymark coordinates are for the visitor center at the Amistad National Recreational Area.
Visitors to the Amistad NRA should stop in at the Visitor Center on the US 90 before visiting the park to learn about any updates or changes to regulations or conditions at the park.
The Amistad NRA features dramatic limestone cliffs and deep-blue waters, but visitors should be very cautious about boating here, due to multiple incidents of violence from the Mexican side.
From the National Park Service: (
visit link)
"A Borderland Paradise
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.
. . .
Things To Do
Even if you don't own a boat, Amistad offers a variety of activities for everyone.
Visit Amistad Dam
Visitors can drive to Amistad Dam for a great view of Lake Amistad. Because the Amistad Dam is an official Port-of-Entry visitors wishing to see the dam are required to have a valid pass port with them. The dam is open most days from 10 am until 6 pm. Please note that half the dam is in Mexico. [NOTE -- AS OF 2015 THIS HAS CHANGED - SEE BELOW]
The International Boundary and Water Commission operates Amistad Dam. Tours are not offered.
Picnic, Swim, or Walk by the Water
Eight picnic areas can be found in the park. Governors Landing has a day-use area for picnicking, swimming, and enjoying a walk by the water. Visitors can swim anywhere in the lake except in coves with boat ramps or marinas.
Take a Scenic Drive
At Diablo East, the unpaved Viewpoint Road offers sweeping views of the lake and has good spots for picnicking, swimming, and scuba diving.
Tent or RV (dry) Camp
Amistad maintains five primitive campgrounds located throughout the park.
US Military
Active and retired military have exclusive access to Southwinds (US Air Force) Marina located off the road to Amistad Dam."
SPECIAL INFORMATION (current as of Sep 2015):
Waymarkers who wish to visit the exact border point between the US-MX onm Amistad Dam should know that in order to drive on Amistad Dam, it is first necessary to go through the US border patrol checkpoint at the east end of the dam. AS OF 2013, ALL US CITIZENS RETURNING TO THE US FROM MEXICO MUST HAVE THEIR PASSPORTS WITH THEM.
In order to return to United States, it will be necessary for the waymarkers to proceed all the way across the dam into Mexico, pass through the Mexican customs station at the west end of the dam, and then come back through US customs and border patrol at the eastern end of the dam. There is no ability to go to the "official" border line in the center of the dam and make a U-turn and to come back to the US.
Waymarkers who want to drive onto the dam itself should call the National Park Service before venturing out, to see if the dam is open. The day that Blasterz visited (21 Jun 2015), the state highway over the dam was closed to all traffic to accomodate a dam construction and repair project.
International Boundary and Water Commission staff told us that the dam would be closed to public access for a long time, as repairs needed are extensive and time-consuming.