Kayak & Camp the Devil’s River — Texas Wilderness at Its Best

Trip Overview: What to Expect

The main float from Baker’s Crossing down to Lake Amistad (via Rough Canyon) covers about 47–48 river miles and typically takes 4+ days depending on water flow and paddling speed. While this longer route is still an exceptional trip, the final stretch to Lake Amistad in the last day can be a bit more exhausting depending on your expected wind. We found it to be a bit more exposed, and faced a crazy headwind that slowed us down significantly.  We would suggest you takeout one night earlier just past Devil's Back Takeout at mile 30. 

• Distance: ~30 miles from Baker’s Crossing to Devil's Back Takeout

• Time on water: 3–5 days for most paddlers

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced (this is remote wilderness paddling with limited support)

Best seasons: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and more comfortable paddling conditions. Always check flows; low water can increase portages and drag. We scheduled out trip for mid-April and had exceptional conditions minus the wind that hit us on the last day. 

Permits & Reservations

To legally paddle and camp the Devil’s River through public paddler camps, you must have a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Permit essentials:

• DRAP required: For all river trips entering State Natural Area sections or using designated paddler camps.

• Cost: ~$10 per person (plus campsite fees).

• Reservation: Call the TPWD Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8901 to obtain permits and reserve campsites.

• Limits: TPWD issues a limited number of permits per day — especially for overnight trips — so book early (up to 5 months in advance).

Important: Having a permit doesn’t automatically reserve campsites — you need reservations for the designated paddler camps along the route in addition to the access permit.

Put-In & Take-Out: Key Access Points

Here are the main public access points from north to south:

1. Baker’s Crossing (RM 0) – Classic put-in for multi-day trips.

2. San Pedro Point – Del Norte Unit (RM 15) – Common early float access point.

3. Devils Back Take-Out (RM 30) – Access at Dan A. Hughes Unit.

4. Rough Canyon Marina / Lake Amistad – Final take-out point after the full float.

All other land along the river outside these official points is private and trespassing can result in citation.

Campsites Along the River

The Devil’s River has primitive paddler campsites that require reservations + a DRAP:

• Paddler Camps (river miles):

• Mile 12 Paddler Camp – One-night stay, $5/person.

• San Pedro Point – Del Norte (Mile 15) – Composting toilet, $5/person.

• Mile 20 Paddler Camp – $5/person.

• Mile 29 Paddler Camp – $5/person.

• Baker’s Crossing Paddler Camp:

• Small primitive area near the launch; no fee but first-come/first-serve.

Rules to know:

• Only one night per paddler camp is allowed at each site.

• No open ground fires at paddler camps. Containerized fuel stoves only.

• All human waste must be packed out — WAG bags are required.

Note: It’s possible to camp on islands or below the river gradient boundary without reservations, but conditions can be dangerous if water rises, and most land along the riverbanks is privately owned.

Essential Gear List

This river isn’t a casual float — plan for remote wilderness camping with gear tailored to river travel:

On-Water Gear

• Sea/Touring kayak or whitewater-capable canoe with watertight hatches

  • You will need to account for the load capacity of your boat with your camping gear - That's our specialty!

• PFD / life jacket (required)

• Extra paddle

  • Broken paddles do happen out here, and while our group didn't need it on our outing, we had 3 spares for a group of 6

• Dry bags for gear and trash

• Rope / tow line

• Boat repair kit & duct tape

• River map

• Fishing Pole
  • We had some of the best fishing by just trolling our lures behind the kayak during our paddle in deep water. Brought in plenty of fish throughout the whole trip!

Camping Essentials

• WAG bags or portable toilet system (mandatory)

• Lightweight camp stove + fuel (no open fires at SNAs)

• Sleeping bag + lightweight tent or tarp shelter

• *Water filtration or purification*

• Plenty of high-calorie food and snacks

• Headlamp + spare batteries

• First-aid kit

• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, long sleeve lightweight shirt(s)

• Insect repellent

• Water shoes

• Polarized Sunglasses

Safety & Logistics

• Satellite phone or PLB (cell service is limited to none)

• Extra water (river water should be treated or filtered)

• Bear-proof canister or secure food storage

  • We had more issues with the racoons, but all wildlife should be considered - They will smell and seek out your food!

• Emergency plan shared with someone off the river

Final Tips for a Successful Trip

✅ Plan your itinerary carefully: With limited campsites and permit caps, know your mileage goals and reserve early.
✅ Expect remoteness: Cell phones likely won’t work — be fully self-sufficient.
✅ Respect landowners: Most riverside land is private. Do not exit or camp on private banks without permission.
✅ Pack light, paddle smart: Heavy boats are tiring in low water.
✅ Leave no trace: Pack out all trash and human waste — this river’s pristine nature depends on responsible users.

Wrap-Up

A kayak camping trip on the Devil’s River is a bucket-list adventure for paddlers who love wilderness, challenge, and stunning solitude. With thoughtful preparation — permits, reservations, gear, and safety plans — you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear water, quiet camps beneath starry skies, and miles of unforgettable backcountry river travel.