The best camping near Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

If you love floating, paddling and kayaking, then southern Texas has what you need. The wild and scenic Rio Grande River follows a path for 196 miles through untamed canyons, desert mountains, and rugged scenery.

Put your boat in at several stops along the way for camping, picnicking, and hiking. Don't forget your waterproof sunscreen! Mariscal Canyon has towering rock spires on both sides of the river. Boquillas Canyon features mild rapids along a 33-mile stretch.

While you marvel at 1,400-foot limestone walls and old mining camps, take your cares away as you listen to the quiet current. Palettes of green grass, brown rocks, and blue sky reflect serenely on the river. Then you get some excitement when your boat hits the Class II or Class III rapids.

There are plenty of campsites that dot the landscape on the Texas side of the river. You can float the entire stretch of river or do this in segments. Watch for put-ins every two to three days of floating distance, or around every 30 miles or so. Knowing your put-in and take-out points are critical because it's a long way to the next take out if you miss one.

Definitely bring a four-wheel drive vehicle, because many of the back roads along the river are not paved. When the put-ins and take-outs are muddy, you need all the power you can get.