One of the few international lakes in North America, Falcon Lake sits on the international border between Texas and Mexico. Covering over 80,000 acres, the lake stretches almost 60 miles and offers residents on both sides a well-rounded recreation experience and overnight lodging accommodations for those looking to extend their stay at the lake.
Identification
Falcon Lake, also known as the Falcon International Reservoir, was created by the Falcon Dam on the Rio Grande River. Soon after its creation, the lake evolved beyond its original flood control and hydropower purposes to support a wide range of fishing, boating and other recreational activities for residents of southern Texas and northern Mexico.
Campgrounds
Falcon State Park on the southeastern end of the lake offers a complete camping experience at Falcon Lake. Open all year-round, campers can choose to pitch a tent or park their RV on one of the many campsites that offer all the necessary hookups for RVs. The city of Zapata at the northern end of the lake also provides RV camping opportunities at places like the Lakefront Lodge, which sits right on the shores of the lake.
Amentities
All of the campgrounds provide access to water, electricity and sewage hookups for RVs. Campers can also expect clean bathrooms and showers at all the campgrounds, whereas Falcon State Park offers such additional amenities as dump stations, boat launch, a recreation hall, fish cleaning area, air-conditioned shelters for rent and playgrounds for the kids. Lakefront Lodge combines grassy RV campsites with such added amenities as a pool, boat launch, laundry room, clubhouse and library.
Rates
As of 2010, visitors must pay an entrance fee of $2 per person before using the facilities at Falcon State Park, but visitors under the age of 12 and those who hold a Texas State Parks Pass or Texas Parklands Passport get in for free. Camping rates start at $6 per night for basic campsites with no hookups. Campsites with hookups range from $14 to $16 per night. Lakefront Lodge charges $25 a night for RV campsites that come with all the available hookups.
Activities
Water activities, such as boating, fishing and swimming, make good use of Falcon Lake. Oversized largemouth bass draw many anglers to Falcon Lake, but catfish, white bass and crappie are also available. The surrounding area includes 3 miles of trails that welcome hikers, mountain bikers and even people on horseback.
Regulations
Texas and Mexico do not have a dual fishing license agreement. Therefore, anglers with a Texas fishing license can only fish on the Texas side of the lake, while those on the Mexico side of the lake require a Mexican fishing license.
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