Summary
Texas, the second largest state in the USA, encompasses a diverse landscape including mountains, rivers, and plains. The state experiences a variety of climates, although it is predominantly characterized by hot and humid summers. Consequently, many residents seek refuge at lakes to escape the heat, partaking in activities such as boating, fishing, or swimming. Fortunately, Texas offers a plethora of lakes to choose from statewide.
Below are the 15 premier lakes in Texas:
1. Lake Texoma
Situated at the junction of the Washita and Red Rivers, this lake ranks among the largest in the nation and is one of the most developed lakes in Texas. Formed by the Denison Dam along the Red River, Lake Texoma spans Grayson and Cooke counties. It encompasses a surface area of 36,000 hectares and is surrounded by national parks, cities, and several small islands.
This lake attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually for activities such as sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. It is home to around 70 fish species, including bass, catfish, and white crappie.
With over 12 marinas, two wildlife refuges, and hundreds of campgrounds, Lake Texoma also hosts the annual charity Lakefest Regatta each spring and is particularly popular with college students during spring break.
2. Lake Travis
Located on the Colorado River in central Texas, Lake Travis was established in 1942 with the construction of the Mansfield Dam near Austin. The lake extends over 105 kilometers and is the largest body of water in the Highland Lakes region, covering 7,660 hectares.
Lake Travis is renowned for its recreational opportunities, attracting numerous visitors each year. Popular activities include boating, scuba diving, and swimming. The lake is rich in diverse fish populations such as bass, catfish, and sunfish.
The shoreline consists of over 400 kilometers, offering ample camping and picnicking areas. Hippie Hollow Park, located here, is well-known among nudists. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community organizes annual Splash Day events at the park.
3. Eagle Mountain Lake
Eagle Mountain Lake is a reservoir that was created by damming the Trinity River in North Texas. It is positioned 198 meters above sea level, just north of Fort Worth, covering over 3,500 hectares in surface area.
This lake is a go-to destination for recreational activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and kayaking, and it is especially noted for its boating options. The globally recognized Fort Worth Boat Club, founded in 1929, frequently hosts both national and international regattas.
Fishing is also a popular pastime at Eagle Mountain Lake, with residents catching largemouth bass, channel catfish, white bass, and white crappie. Facilities include boat ramps at the marina, along with boat rentals available. Around the lake, visitors will find picnic areas, walking trails, restaurants, and campgrounds.
4. Lake Granbury
Located approximately 30 minutes from Fort Worth, Lake Granbury is a reservoir formed in 1969 through the damming of the Brazos River. It covers about 3,360 hectares with a shoreline that extends 221 kilometers.
This long, narrow lake is a hub for wakeboarding, boating, water skiing, and fishing. With a depth of around 23 meters, it supports a variety of fish species including bass, catfish, sunfish, and longnose gar.
Five recreation areas along the shoreline offer a host of amenities for visitors, such as picnic spots, playgrounds, restrooms, walking trails, and camping grounds. The town of Granbury itself is picturesque and inviting.
5. Lake O’ the Pines
Situated within the Big Cypress Bayou, Lake O’ the Pines is a charming lake bordered by pine trees. It is a favored fishing locale, where anglers can catch species such as spotted bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and chain pickerel, among others.
Several marinas are available around the lake, offering boat rentals to visitors as well as storage and mooring facilities for boat owners. The shoreline accommodates boat ramps, camping grounds, and parks.
Seven parks are located along the lake’s shores, equipped with amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, boat ramps, and playgrounds. Lakeside Park features a beach area for relaxation and recreation.
6. Lake Conroe
Approximately 60 minutes north of Houston, Lake Conroe is enveloped by the East Texas Piney Woods. This picturesque lake is surrounded by trees, hills, and exquisite residences.
Several of Texas’ finest golf courses are located in the vicinity, along with superb dining establishments and bars. The region is known for its celebrity inhabitants, including retired athletes.
Encircling the 85 square kilometer lake are the Sam Houston National Forest, Waterpoint Center, and over ten marinas. This lake serves as an excellent venue for activities such as fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing, with equipment rentals readily available.
7. Lake Austin
Another notable reservoir in the Highland Lakes chain, Lake Austin spans 647 hectares and was created following the construction of the Tom Miller Dam in 1939. It is a section of the Colorado River, receiving overflow from Lake Travis.
This lake is favored for its boating and fishing opportunities, notably hosting a strong population of bass, many exceeding 10 lbs. Additionally, activities like wakeboarding, water skiing, and canoeing are prevalent.
Visitors often camp at Emma Long Park to fully appreciate Lake Austin’s offerings. The park allows boat rentals or leisure activities such as volleyball or sunbathing on its beach.
8. Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Located about 110 kilometers north of Beaumont in Deep East Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir spans 463 kilometers, making it the largest lake entirely within Texas.
The surrounding landscape remains largely undeveloped, characterized by trees and rolling hills, providing a striking natural backdrop. Activities such as swimming, water skiing, and fishing are popular, with largemouth bass, catfish, and crappies being the most frequently caught species.
Numerous campsites and marinas line the lake’s shores, in addition to the Rayburn Country Resort, which features an exceptional golf course. For those who prefer to stay on land, hiking opportunities abound in the Sabine National Forest.
9. Toledo Bend Reservoir
Toledo Bend Reservoir, a sprawling 749 square kilometer lake, is situated along the Texas-Louisiana border on the Sabine River. It represents the largest man-made lake in Texas and the fifth largest nation-wide.
Featuring over 1,900 kilometers of shoreline, this reservoir supports various recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, and hunting. Visitors delight in swimming, boating, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
The Toledo Bend Reservoir is particularly renowned as a fishing destination, with largemouth bass being the most sought-after game fish. The lush vegetation along the lake’s edges creates stunning scenery while offering fishing opportunities.
10. Possum Kingdom Lake
Commonly referred to as PK, Possum Kingdom Lake is distinguished for its breathtaking Hell’s Gate cliffs and is home to the 620-hectare Possum Kingdom State Park, a favored destination for boating and fishing.
This lake ranks among the most picturesque in Texas, admired for its cliffs, clear waters, and surrounding rolling hills. The area boasts beautiful homes, as well as the illustrious Cliffs Resort & Spa.
Possum Kingdom Lake is situated about 40 minutes north of Fort Worth along the Brazos River, with a total surface area of 8,000 hectares and an elevation of 304 meters above sea level.
11. Lake Whitney
Residents of Texas frequently visit Lake Whitney throughout the year, drawn by its extensive recreational opportunities. Popular activities include sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing. Beyond water-based activities, the area also offers land recreation such as golfing, hunting, and camping.
A multitude of lodges, resorts, and camping facilities are present around Lake Whitney, featuring amenities like tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, and playgrounds. The lake, covering 96 square kilometers, originally formed in 1951 to mitigate flooding from the Brazos River, while also providing 362 kilometers of gorgeous shoreline with marinas and scenic beaches.
12. Lewisville Lake
Lewisville Lake is a summer favorite, boasting ample shoreline that allows for multiple camping facilities, dining options, golf courses, and lodges. It provides an excellent environment for wakeboarding, water skiing, and fishing, with catfish and crappie as the predominant sport fish caught here.
Located in North Texas near Lewisville, Lewisville Lake was initially referred to as Dallas Lake but was renamed in the 1950s due to expansion, making it the second largest lake within the Trinity River watershed.
The lake spans a total surface area of 11,975 hectares, surrounded by trees and rolling hills. Nine bridges cross the lake, and it is conveniently accessible through the A-train (Denton County Transportation Authority).
13. Lake Amistad
Lake Amistad is an exquisite reservoir situated where the Devils River meets the Rio Grande, approximately 19 kilometers northwest of Del Rio. Constructed in 1969 following the establishment of the Amistad Dam, it lies along the Mexican border. Previously, the area was inhabited by Indigenous Americans, and cave paintings from that era are still visible today.
Today, Lake Amistad is celebrated for its scenic beauty and recreational options, particularly fishing, highlighted by an annual fishing tournament attracting both national and international competitors.
Visitors also enjoy myriad water activities such as boating, water skiing, scuba diving, and swimming. Various boat ramps are available around the expansive lake, while its natural landscapes offer hiking, camping, and wildlife observations.
14. Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake serves as a vibrant recreational center, with eight parks managed along its 130 kilometers of shoreline. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, and boating. Numerous trails are situated around the lake, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding amidst the stunning scenery.
Located along the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is about 25 kilometers northwest of New Braunfels and is easily accessible from major Texas cities, making it a popular weekend destination for urban dwellers. The lake was constructed in 1958 for water conservation purposes and flood control, covering a surface area of around 33 square kilometers with a depth of 38 meters.
15. Lady Bird Lake
Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is a scenic reservoir encircled by hotels, restaurants, parks, and trails, with the city’s largest park adjacent to it.
This lake is a favored venue for kayaking, dragon boating, canoeing, and rowing, offering serene surroundings without motorized watercrafts to maintain tranquility.
Named in honor of former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, a long-standing Austin resident and advocate for the Town Lake Beautification Project, Lady Bird Lake was previously referred to as Town Lake and spans 189 hectares.
