Summary of the 15 Best Lakes in Dallas:
As the most populous city in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Dallas is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and is renowned for its vibrant culture. It boasts numerous art galleries, museums, theaters, and remarkable architecture, notably its exquisite culinary offerings, especially barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.
This bustling global city is characterized by towering skyscrapers, historic structures, contemporary neighborhoods, and beautiful parks. Notably, Dallas’s topography is predominantly flat and it is traversed by the Trinity River, where 11.75 percent of the city comprises water. Consequently, there are ample lakes for residents and visitors alike to enjoy various recreational activities. Below is a comprehensive list of the 15 most remarkable lakes in Dallas.
1. Lake Ray Hubbard; Northeast Dallas
Previously known as Forney Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard spans 9,205 hectares, making it one of the largest lakes in northern Texas. This artificial lake is situated on the East Fork of the Trinity River, created by damming the river.
A leading attraction at Lake Ray Hubbard is the Harbor at Rockwall, located along the lake’s eastern shoreline, where Interstate 30 crosses. This venue offers a diverse array of restaurants, boutique shops, and accommodations including the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront.
Additionally, the lake features six parks, three marinas, and four boat ramps. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, along with fishing guides to access prime fishing spots.
2. White Rock Lake; East Dallas
This 507-hectare reservoir is nestled between the residential neighborhoods of Lakewood and Casa Linda in East Dallas. The site of White Rock Lake was formerly agricultural land; however, it was transformed into a reservoir in 1910 to alleviate a water scarcity in Dallas.
Today, it is a favored destination not only for Dallas residents but also for individuals from across Texas and beyond. Popular activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding can be arranged directly on the lake.
Rowing is particularly prevalent here, supported by a historical boathouse and docking areas that accommodate rowers of all ages daily. White Rock Park is an ideal choice for individuals interested in hiking, cycling, or jogging, while the nearby Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is also worthy of exploration.
3. Grapevine Lake; Grapevine
Although not situated within Dallas itself, Grapevine Lake is among the most popular lakes in the Dallas–Fort Worth area due to its extensive recreational offerings. Conveniently, it resides just 32 kilometers northwest of the city center.
Covering 2,950 hectares, the lake is named for the city in which it is located and helps provide water and flood management for Grapevine, Dallas, and the surrounding Dallas County Park Cities. Furthermore, it was developed to support recreational pursuits for both locals and visitors.
A number of parks line the lake’s 100-kilometer shoreline, collectively offering 50 kilometers of trails, camping facilities, and cabin rentals. Grapevine Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and water skiing, among other activities.
4. Bachman Lake; Northwest Dallas
This small artificial lake is conveniently located in Northwest Dallas adjacent to the Dallas Love Field Airport. Initially constructed to supply water to the city, today it is exclusively used for recreational purposes.
Spanning 83 hectares, the lake is bordered by Bachman Lake Park, which features a five-kilometer trail for hiking and cycling, picnic areas, and an indoor aquatic center. Numerous benches are available for watching planes arriving and departing from the airport.
In addition to land-based activities, the lake offers sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with regular stocking of catfish and bass.
5. Joe Pool Lake; Cedar Hill
Joe Pool Lake is located just southwest of Dallas in Cedar Hill, yet remains part of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. Covering 3,130 hectares, it is named in honor of Congressman Joe Pool, who was a key advocate for its funding.
This lake is a source of recreation for locals and visitors from Dallas, Fort Worth, and broader North Texas. There are six parks situated along its shoreline.
The parks offer boat ramps, swimming beaches, camping facilities, concession areas, as well as hiking trails, picnic spots, and volleyball courts. The Lynn Creek Marina, located at the northern end of the lake, provides boat rentals, fishing docks, and sailboats for hire.
6. Mountain Creek Lake; Grand Prairie
Located approximately 13 kilometers southwest of downtown Dallas, this 1,097-hectare reservoir was originally constructed as a cooling reservoir for an electric power facility but is now designated for recreational purposes.
Adjacent to the west side of the lake is Mountain Creek Lake Park, which includes a baseball field, picnic tables, a playground, and a soccer/football field. Additionally, the Prairie Lakes Golf Course lies just south of the park.
Fishing is a favored activity here; however, caution is advised as the fish may be contaminated with PCBs. A boat ramp is conveniently available on the eastern side of the lake, easily accessible via Mountain Creek Parkway.
7. Lake Tawakoni; West Tawakoni
Spanning 15,329 hectares, this lake is situated 72 kilometers east of Dallas in the city of West Tawakoni. It is named after the Tawakoni Native American people who inhabited the region where the reservoir currently lies.
Lake Tawakoni serves both as a water supply and recreational venue, particularly for boating and fishing. Its extensive 320-kilometer shoreline provides options for swimming, picnicking, and camping.
Several towns encircle the lake, offering delightful restaurants, retail shops, and lodging alternatives. A number of marinas are also available, featuring activities such as water skiing and jet skiing.
8. Cedar Creek Reservoir; Henderson & Kaufman Counties
Cedar Creek Reservoir is surrounded by numerous cities and towns, extending across two counties with a total area of 2,990 hectares. Although it is not situated within Dallas, the 80-kilometer journey northeast to reach it is well worth the effort.
This popular weekend getaway for residents of Dallas is also highly recommended to visitors. As the fourth largest lake in Texas, it offers a multitude of dining, shopping, and accommodation options.
The lake is home to a variety of fish, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, and crappie, particularly abundant at the southern end. The optimal times for fishing here are during the spring and summer months.
9. Lake Arlington; Arlington
Covering 785 hectares, Lake Arlington is positioned to the west of Dallas and just east of Fort Worth. This lake is an exceptional venue not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its extensive array of activities.
Paddling is particularly favored here, with a dedicated paddling trail that extends from Bowman Springs Park to Richard Simpson Park. The lake is also renowned for bass fishing, hosting the annual Arlington Bass Classic every April.
Bowman Springs Park and Richard Simpson Park, situated along the lake’s eastern shoreline, represent the best access points. Both parks feature a fishing pier, a boat ramp, picnic areas, a playground, and walking trails.
10. Lewisville Lake; Lewisville
Located to the north of Dallas, Lewisville Lake lies on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Formerly known as Lake Dallas, this reservoir provides flood control and water supply for Dallas in addition to facilitating recreational activities.
Covering 11,975 hectares, this lake is particularly busy during the summer months, but its vast size enables everyone to appreciate its offerings, including six marinas, three dining establishments, and twelve parks.
With a total shoreline of 359 kilometers, Lewisville Lake features inviting beaches, golf courses, hiking trails, campgrounds, and boat ramps. While visiting, be sure to experience Party Cove, known for its lively atmosphere.
11. Richland-Chambers Reservoir; Corsicana
This Y-shaped reservoir is situated approximately an hour southeast of Dallas near Corsicana and is the eighth largest reservoir in Texas. The primary function of Richland-Chambers Reservoir is to supply water, although it also offers ample recreational opportunities.
Accessing any of the 11 public areas around the 16,736-hectare lake is straightforward via US 287 from Dallas. Additionally, the Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area is located at the eastern end of the reservoir.
Numerous accommodations can be found in proximity to the lake, including the Harbor Inn Restaurant & Club, Fisherman’s Cove Lodge, and Wooded Acres Campground. Furthermore, the reservoir contains various marinas and boat ramps.
12. Lavon Lake; Collin County
Situated along the East Fork of the Trinity River, Lavon Lake is conveniently accessible from Dallas via State Highway 78. This freshwater reservoir spans 8,700 hectares, making it one of the largest lakes in northern Texas.
This man-made lake is a favored location for recreational activities, including water skiing, boating, and fishing. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are options for hiking, cycling, or unwinding on one of the five beaches surrounding the lake.
Lavon Lake is equipped with 16 parks, 244 picnic areas, 238 campsites, and nine boat ramps. Notably, a 14-kilometer equestrian trail is available along the lake’s shoreline.
13. Lake Bridgeport; Lake Bridgeport
The city is named after the lake, which lies adjacent to its eastern shoreline. Lake Bridgeport, situated northwest of Dallas, was formed by damming the West Fork of the Trinity River.
This lake is a popular fishing destination, known for its largemouth bass, sand bass, hybrid bass, and crappie. It is also an excellent location for boating, supported by marinas and boat ramps along its 208-kilometer shoreline.
Wise County Park, located at the northern end of the 4,838-hectare reservoir, features a swimming beach, boat ramps, a pier, and a bait shop. Additionally, it offers picnic areas, a playground, and campsites.
14. Lake Texoma; Oklahoma–Texas border
Shared with the neighboring state of Oklahoma, Lake Texoma ranks among the largest reservoirs in the country. This expansive 36,000-hectare lake is located at the confluence of the Red and Washita Rivers, approximately 140 kilometers north of Dallas city center.
Lake Texoma is highly frequented, attracting roughly 6 million visitors annually. It features two state parks along its shoreline, one of which is located in Texas (Eisenhower State Park).
In addition to state park offerings, numerous other parks are situated on the Texas side of Lake Texoma, complemented by 12 marinas. Visitors wishing to stay overnight can choose from eight campgrounds or resorts.
15. Lake Palestine; Henderson County
This artificial lake was created during the 1960s by damming the Neches River. Spanning 10,344 hectares, Lake Palestine serves as a favored spot for recreational activities.
Located approximately a 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from downtown Dallas, Lake Palestine offers a variety of accommodations, including resorts, cabins, bed and breakfasts, motorhome parks, and campgrounds.
There are numerous recreational options available for everyone, including water skiing, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Notably, the lake is recognized for its largemouth bass tournaments.
