falcon state park

A day here is a day well spent. Access to all parts of the park has been well planned and laid out. The many walking trails take the hiker or birdwatcher through some delightful habitats with surprises around many corners: scenery, birds and butterflies. None of the trails seemed steep or hazardous, and all were well maintained. Clearly fishermen and campers were having a great time too. Even on a November weekend, the park was not crowded. The butterfly garden was a great lure to butterflies and nature lovers alike and helpfully labelled.

State Park Ranger and other workers are very nice and seem to be worried about keeping it a safe place. Beware of cabins--when they say bring your own bedding, they mean the beds are a piece of plywood held off the cement floor. An air mattress or good bed roll would make this ok, but you have to know the bring that! Cabin is a cinder block room with a cement floor. Moisture seeps through the floor during heavy rains. Our stuff was dry when we entered and everything was damp by the next day! If you know what to expect/bring then the cabin could be good, but we were not prepared for that sort of cabin! Luckily we did bring our own heater (unusually cold nights in the low 40s!). Cabins suitable for a group of men on a fishing trip (it does have AC)... but I think most families would find it lacking.We've since stayed in the campground and made it work. Bathrooms are ratty but typically are cleaned at least every other day so I guess its not as bad as they look? Nice enough but probably below average. Its all about location for us, this park is close to where we want to stay.If you need to go into town, seems like Zapata is safer. Most locals will tell you this. We've been warned about Roma and Rio Grande City and some friends had their truck stolen at a grocery store in Roma in daylight.

OK, there is no pool and no miniature golf. But there are trails, birding, boating, fishing and a recreation hall that is a great gathering place for campers. There are 3 camping options: Full hookups, W/E, and basic. The park and facilities are immaculate and the staff is responsive and helpful. This park is often full so reservations are helpful. However if you arrive to "no vacancy" there is a free county park just outside the park gate.

This state park is very well maintained. There are all types of campsites (most need leveling) and also shelters and cabins. A staffed recreation hall with activities sets it apart from other parks. There is a large lake and good ramp for boaters and fishermen. A small town nearby provides basic supplies or you can go 10 miles further for more serious shopping. The park offers birding, hiking, boating, socializing. A hidden gem.

This state park is on Lake Amistad, created by damming the Rio Grande with Falcon dam. There is an extensive road system, large campgrounds, some rental cabins, picnic areas, and a well maintained activity center manned by dedicated volunteers.The majority of visitors come for the fishing and water activities, but a significant number of visitors come to see the birds, and some come for the butterflies. Falcon SP is on arid land where eastern bird species meet up with some western, especially dry land species. Cactus wren, Vermilion Flycatcher, Greater Roadrunner, Green-tailed Towhee, Bronze Cowbird, Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow and Scaled Quail are some of the species that draw birders here. Many of these are ground-feeding birds.There are two areas designated as bird blinds; the one near the activity center is well-designed, the one behind a wood wall in the campground has viewing holes that do not work for anyone not in a wheelchair or sorter than 5'8". There is also a short tower, but the fluctuating lake level/shoreline limits its usefulness.When the feeders are filled, the blind at the activity center is fairly good. BUT, we were told recently by park staff that, "it is some kind of policy" now that ground feeding is not allowed. This means that some species are allowed to be attracted to feeders and fed, but others are not. The explanation we were given included the fact that campers are allowed to hang feeders, but not put seed on the ground. We were told that "park system naturalists" gave the reason for this ban as, "birds know how to find food, so don't need the supplemental feeding" That is true, but misses the point. Bird feeding does supplement the diet, but it also draws birds into a space where they can be seen well and enjoyed by people. The ban on ground feeding serves no rational purpose. If volunteers and/or campers are willing to fill feeders and scatter appropriate feed on the ground, they should be allowed to do so.Falcon SP is still a good place for birders, but with a change in policy, it could again be a great place.