Boat on Falcon International Reservoir at Falcon State Park at sunset.

Boat on Falcon International Reservoir at sunset. Photo: Park Facebook Page.

Back in 1953, the American President Dwight Eisenhower and his Mexican counterpart Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, collaborated to create the massive Falcon Dam.

This project, which ran along the Rio Grande, led to the formation of the breathtakingly beautiful 84,000-acre, Falcon International Reservoir. Which today acts as an aquatic playground for residents of both countries.

Situated on its southwest shoreline, Falcon State Park is the perfect place to enjoy this waterway. It is particularly attractive to those who enjoy boating and fishing. While hiking around it is also a popular pastime too.

Away from the water, the park also accommodates a fascinating butterfly garden and recreation hall, which is a lovely place to go when you want to escape the heat of the day.

This Texas state park is also blessed with a diverse range of flora and fauna and has a fantastic campground that offers a range of camping accommodation options, including RV sites with full hookups for water, sewer and 50-amp electricity.

Activities

The park provides visitors with a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy its stunning natural landscape.

Here are some of the many different activities you can enjoy whilst you are there.

Boating at Falcon State Park

The scenic Falcon International Reservoir is a great place to partake in a range of boating activities.

As it features lots of open water, it is perfect for powered watercraft and you’ll find a boat launch near the main campground to help you access it.

Those who would rather partake in kayaking, canoeing, SUP and other unpowered vessels tend to stay closer to the peninsula that lies to the north and south of the park.

The reservoir is essentially cut in half by the Mexican and USA border, so it is worth checking with park rangers what, if any, permits are required to head over to the Mexican side.

Fishing at Falcon State Park

For those who enjoy fishing, you will be pleased to know that you do not need a license to cast a line from the shore of the reservoir.

You actually don’t need to bring your fishing equipment with you either, as park rangers can provide you with equipment which you can rent for free.

The lake is home to an abundance of largemouth bass and catfish. The latter of which can be found near the trees, rocks and other types of shelters that are partially submerged.

There used to be plenty of white bass and crappie in the lake prior to 2015. Unfortunately, many of them perished in droughts that took place around this time. However, you might still be able to catch the odd one or two when you fish there.

Hiking at Falcon State Park

If you are the type of person who enjoys exploring state parks on foot then you won’t be disappointed as to what is on offer here.

Overall the park has a three-mile hiking loop trail which is separated into five different sections and makes a lasso shape around both the Butterfly Garden and main RV campground.

As most of it is over the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the trail is generally flat. So it should be easy enough for most people to traverse.

One of the most popular sections is the Desert Trail. More isolated than any other part of the trail, it provides visitors with a gorgeous up close view of the park’s stunning flora.

Butterfly Garden/Recreation Hall at Falcon State Park

One of the most popular sections of the park is the spectacular Butterfly Garden.

A lovely place to visit with all the family, it showcases lots of live species of butterflies and also provides detailed information about them. As well as dragonflies and other flying insects that are native to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

The adjoining Recreation Hall is a terrific place to spend some quiet time, particularly when the heat of the Texan sun gets too overpowering.

It has a small library, as well as table games. While there is also a snack bar that offers drinks and a menu of hearty favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and chili.

Just outside of it, you will also find a covered picnic area, basketball hoop and horseshoe pit for you to use.

Pets at Falcon State Park

Pets are welcome to join you at the park, although some restrictions on their presence are in place.

If you are fixing to bring your dog with you on your visit, you would be well advised to call the main office, to determine how they might affect your overall visitor experience.

Camping at Falcon State Park

For those who want to spend a few days and nights at the park there are 98 campsites available across three different loops.

The Cactus Loop is perfect for those who want full hookup sites, as there are 31 pull through sites available there. As well as connections for water, sewer and either 30-amp or 50-amp electricity, these sites also come with individual fire rings, covered picnic tables and barbecue pits. They also have restrooms located very near them.

Over at the Cenizo Loop, there are an additional 31 sites that come with the same facilities and amenities, except for a hookup for sewer. However, the restroom situated in this camping area is wheelchair accessible.

At the Javalina Loop there are another 36 campsites with water available. These also come with their own picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a shade shelter and waist-high grills here too.

For the camping sites at the Cactus Loop and Cenizo Loop reservations are recommended. However, the sites at the Javalina Loop are only available on a first-come first-served basis.

Park Location

Falcon State Park
146 Park Rd 46
Roma, TX 78584
Phone: 956.848.5327

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Falcon State Park: