23 Lakes in TEXAS (Beautiful, Mesmerizing, and Relaxing)

Texas, as you know, is home to many natural wonders, including the graceful existence of lakes.

In the United States, there are more lakes in Texas than in other states and cities with water bodies.

These lakes (relatively small water bodies) vary from being natural to being made by men for various reasons.

Some of these lakes are safe for consumption, others are habitats to several fishes, and some are also centers for relaxation and vacation.

Hence, if you love the wonders of water bodies, make out time to check some of these fantastic lakes in Texas that are listed below.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the most beautiful Beaches in Texas.

Lakes in Arlington, Texas

1. Village Creek Lake (Outdoor Activity Haven)

First on this list of lakes in Texas is the Village creek lake in Arlington, Texas.

This lake has one of the few free-flowing creeks in Texas, making it a perfect outdoor activity position.

Many people, including you, can camp here, have excellent picnics with their loved ones, ride mountain bikes, hike, and still fish.

More interesting is that all this costs only $3 for a legal adult; however, it is free for children below 12.

Some other things that Village creek lake park claim to offer include cabins big enough for you and your family.

There is also a tennis court for athletes who wish to keep themselves busy by playing tennis.

However, it is essential to note down the open days and times of the park before you go, as they don’t work all days of the week.

One of the things Village creek lake park officials do warn about is the existence of alligators; hence, learn the essential safety tips before you get into the water.

Address: Village Creek Lake Arlington, TX 76012, USA.

2. Lake Arlington (Industrial & Recreational)

Since 1957, Lake Arlington has been under the supervision of the city of Arlington for industrial and recreational uses.

However, do not be fooled by the fact that we said ‘recreational’ because swimming is prohibited here.

But don’t feel so bad yet, as you can still go for a boat ride for which the lake’s security requires a purchasable permit.

This boating permit comes in many different prices, with the annual license costing $45 and the daily permit costing just about $5.

Lake Arlington is an artificial lake initially created to fight against flooding within the city.

However, as time went on, it became a significant boating lake for visitors, and the authorities built a park close to it to increase the level of recreational activities.

Address: 6300 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington, TX 76016, USA.

3. Lake Texhoma (Fishing, Boating & Camping)

Lake Texhoma emerged from the creation of a dam which is towards the north of Arlington.

Things have been available at this lake’s location, allowing visitors to select from many.

Among the things to choose from are fun activities like fishing, boating, camping, renting cabins, and many more.

However, one major thing that stands out when fishing in this lake is that its officials provide you with the right bait.

Meaning that you don’t have to bother yourself about coming with fishing rods and baits; go and have fun.

But of course, ask to know if Texhoma Lake has any fishing regulations to avoid future problems.

Address: Texhoma Lake, Arlington, TX 76012, USA.

4. Lake Viridian (Artificial Greenish Beauty)

‘Viridian’ comes from the Latin word ‘Viridis,’ which means greenish, blooming, and vigorous.

Lake Viridian is a lovely artificial greenish lake that contains a 40-acre island and is within a little city.

The water in this lake is greenish because of an excess amount of hydrated chromium oxide.

The lake Viridian club was named after the lake and has since been the central fun spot around the lake.

This club operates like a park, with over three pools and other swimming and boating safety equipment.

As a visitor, you learn to swim in their little pools, play outdoor games, or relax with your friends and have little conversations.

The best part is their toddler pool, making it easy for your little kids to swim safely.

Address: Lake Viridian, Arlington, TX 76040, USA.

5. Lake Greenbrier (White Sand Beach & Recreational Parks)

The Greenbrier Lake is a beautiful artificial lake filled with water and surrounded by a white sand beach.

Its white beach attracts many visitors to the lake, making it a rushed, fun, and recreational site in Texas.

Several parks now operate near the lake, giving visitors many fun options.

These parks have many apparatus to help you do things like hiking, boating, and fishing.

Among these parks is the Greenbrier state park, which also offers spaces for camping and picnics.

However, you must tolerate the slight delay when you go there, as many visitors can lead to slow processing.

Address: Greenbriar Lake, Maryland 21713, USA.

Also see our article on Water Parks in Texas.

Lakes in South Padre Island, Texas

1. San Martin Lake (Deep, Blue & Alligator Warning)

San Martin Lake is one of the deepest lakes in America, with a maximum depth of 2,734ft.

This lake is prominent and has a unique crystal blue surface color from afar.

It is home to different species of alligators and reptiles but doesn’t have many plants.

Therefore, you must be careful when swimming in this clean lake.

However, fishing is completely acceptable, just that some regions operate within a time frame.

And most of these regions only allow visitors to fish in the lake around the early morning or evening.

Hence, if you wish to visit this lake for fishing fun, you should go between 6 AM and 9 AM.

Address: San Martin Lake, TX 78521, USA.

2. Bahia Grande Lake (Biodiversity Haven)

Bahia Grande is a natural habitat for many species of rare fishes like blue crab and black and white shrimp.

However, fishing is a bit restricted in some lake regions to reduce and regulate the catches made.

Nonetheless, this lake has become a primary recreational site in the United States.

The average number of people, including residents of the city and tourists visiting the lake, has increased drastically.

This increasing visitation and activities also help to boost the economic value of the societies surrounding the lake.

At night, Bahia Grande Lake can be a bit cloudy, with its temperature reaching as low as 15°C.

There are a few parks around Bahia Grande, but none are very close; they are a few kilometers from the lake.

Address: Bahia Grande Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33983, Texas, USA.

Also see our article on Indoor Water Parks in Texas.

Lakes in East Texas

1. Lake Palestine (Balanced Climate & Bass Tournaments)

Among the lakes in Texas, lake Palestine is one that usually remains in its liquid state all year round because of the balanced climate in the location.

It is a freshwater lake famous for its large-mouth bass tournaments that occur regularly.

Just like most lakes in Texas, fishing is entirely acceptable in this lake.

All you have to do is avoid the use of any chemicals.

Even though Lake Palestine may not have that sandy beach area you need, you can still have fun swimming in it.

There have been one or two reports of alligators in Lake Palestine during flood periods, but none is sure yet.

Nonetheless, feel free to visit the lake and have a good time with your friends or family.

Address: 17164 Lake-view Dr, Flint, TX 75762, USA.

2. Lake Tyler East (Neches River Gem & Water Activities)

Lake Tyler East reservoir is in the Mud creep on the Neches River in Smith County, Texas.

Lake Tyler East is owned and supervised by the largest city in Northeast Texas, Tyler.

Moreover, it is also a vast lake, regarded as the second largest after Lake Palestine in Texas.

Like most Texas lakes, many water body activities are permitted on the lake, so long as it is danger-free.

Hence, you can take your friends there for swimming, boating, jet skiing, and other fun activities.

There are also a lot of homes and lodges for rent around the lake which may range from daily to yearly subscriptions.

These lodges give you the waterfront feel while still ensuring that you feel like you are at home.

Address: Whitehouse, East FM 346, Tyler, TX 75701, USA.

3. Lake Bob Sandlin (Water Storage Turned Fun)

This lake was for water storage but has become a popular bass-fishing site.

Not up to a decade ago, the government built Lake Bob Sandlin Park close to the lake to encourage fun, exciting, and recreational activities.

Lake Bob Sandlin Park, located very close to the lake, provides visitors with fun stays both on land and in the lake.

Swimming, boat riding, and skiing are fun things you can try.

However, aside from water activities, the park has hiking and cycling equipment that you can rent for on-land fun.

The best part is that with just $13, you can enjoy all these fun things if you are 13 years of age or older than that.

Address: 341 State Park Road 2117 Pittsburg TX 75686, USA.

Also see our article on Kayaking in Texas.

Lakes in Houston, Texas

1. Lake Houston (Primary Water Supply)

Lake Houston is a primary water supply for Houston, located on the western side of the San Jacinto River.

It has a surface area of about 11,000 acres while maintaining an average depth of 40 – 44ft.

This lake has been stocked with different fish species to increase its recreational value.

Some of the most prominent fish species in Lake Houston are white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, and large-mouth bass.

At least this means you can fish in this lake and try other fun things like boat cruising.

A park towards the north of the lake has a cabin and some hiking equipment for you.

Address: 25840 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357, USA.

2. Addick’s Reservoir (Flood Control & Large Water Capacity)

Addicks Reservoir is a dam built as a flood control storage reservoir to avoid overflow during heavy rainfalls.

So during heavy rainfall, any overflow from the Cypress creeks naturally flows into the Addicks reservoir.

This lake was built with the Barker Dam in western Harris County within Houston.

And in addition to the Barker Reservoir, this lake is estimated to hold about 410,000 acre-feet of water.

Reports show the construction of the Addicks Reservoir has reduced the community’s flooding rate.

It may be a surprise for you to know that the United States Army Corps Engineers constructed the Addicks Reservoir.

Also, so that you know, you can fish in this lake, like other lakes in Texas, so long as you obey the fishing regulations.

Address: Addicks Reservoir, Houston, TX 77084, USA.

3. Lake Livingston (Trinity River Jewel)

Next on this list of Lakes in Texas is the Trinity river authority at East Texas Pineys wood’s lake Livington.

It is Texas’ third largest lake, housing fishes like the large-mouth bass, red-ear sunfish, and channel catfish.

This lake is so big that it supplies water to about four counties in Texas while maintaining an average 131ft height.

Some of the primary uses of this lake’s water are for industrial and agricultural consumption in its surrounding lands.

Even though it is owned and operated by the Trinity river authority, the city of Houston has about 60% rights to use it.

Lake Livingston isn’t all boring; it also has a state park in the southern region of the lake.

Address: 300 Park Rd. 65 Livingston, TX 77351, USA.

4. Lake Conroe (Weather Caution & Park Haven)

With a maximum depth of 79ft, Lake Conroe is a vast lake with a small portion in Conroe and most of it in Montgomery County.

It is one of the few lakes that meet all clean water standards, making it suitable for most activities.

It is clean, suitable for swimming and diving, and home to some minor aquatic animals.

It is one of the most sought-after by visitors and residents as it is close to many shops.

In 2021, Lake Conroe was closed by authorities due to the increase in the lake level due to rain.

However, Lake Conroe Park is actively functional, with numerous fun kinds of stuff for you to try out.

Address: 14968 Hwy 105 West, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA.

5. Sheldon Lake (War-Time Reservoir & Swimming Caution)

Sheldon Lake is a reservoir on Carpenters Bayou about 16 miles northeast of downtown Houston, Texas.

It was founded in 1943 when the federal government built a dam to provide fresh water for shipping industries on the Houston Ship Channel during World War 2.

When it was created, swimming was a pretty fun thing to do at the lake.

However, swimming is prohibited in some regions because many wild animals exist in the lake.

A fun park has been developed close to Sheldon Lake, but fishing is restricted to community standards.

If not anything, at least you can enjoy the cool breeze that blows along the shores of this lake.

While also listening to the blissful calm sounds that the natural creatures make around the lake.

Address: 14140 Garrett Rd. Houston, TX 77044, USA.

Also see our article on Aquariums in Texas.

Lakes in Austin, Texas

1. Lake Austin (Colorado River Influence)

Lake Austin is a reservoir formed in 1939 during the construction of the Tom Miller Dam by the Lower Colorado River.

The lake was initially called McDonald’s Lake in its early years when it was formed because of the obstruction of the Colorado River’s original flow.

The Colorado River was obstructed from flowing as it usually would during the dam’s construction.

This clustered body of water, with the aid of heavy rain, which helped to fill it up, led to the birth of Lake Austin in Texas.

Reports of alligators have been spotted in the lake, but these situations are uncommon.

Nonetheless, the Austin government officials made a regulation that restricts people from swimming beyond 50ft from the shoreline.

Address: 2203 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, USA.

2. Lake Travis (Tourist Magnet & Diverse Activities)

Lake Travis is a flood-control reservoir on the Colorado River located in central Texas.

It is one of the biggest lakes in Texas and has the most visitation from tourists.

Following the standard swimming regulations, you should have fun swimming in this calm lake.

However, swimming is just one of the fun things you can try in this fun-filled famous lake.

Being recognized for its outdoor recreational activities, you can try fishing, boating, and scuba diving.

Speaking of boating, the VIP Marina offers top-level facilities and high-class boats for rent and short cruise rides.

If all you need are simple lakes to have fun in Texas, then Lake Travis should be on your list.

Address: 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732, USA.

Also see our article on Mountains in Texas.

Lakes in Dallas, Texas

1. Joe Pool Lake (Park Extravaganza & Marina Fun)

Joe Pool lake got its current name after Joe R. Pool, a congressman from the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.

He spent about five years of his life (1963 – 1968) protecting and watching over this Texas lake before he died.

This lake has several active fun parks, boat cruising spots, swimming areas, and excellent parking lots.

Britton Park, Cedar Hill State Park, Loyd Park, and Lynn Creek Park are the four parks that are currently active along Joe Pool Lake.

Also functioning along Joe Pool Lake’s shoreline are the Lynn Creek marina and restaurants.

This marina has many recreational facilities, including a cruise boat rented based on ‘first come, first serve.’

Don’t forget its fancy restaurant known for serving exceptional food to those who come to eat.

Even though fishing is allowed here, most fish species are under statewide fishing regulations.

Address: 3401 Ragland Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, USA.

2. Lake Ray Hubbard (Impounded Trinity River)

Lake Ray Hubbard is a freshwater body that Ray Hubbard formed during the construction of the Rockwall-Forney Dam.

This lake is a partial body of the East Fork Trinity river, just an impounded section.

For some years, Lake Ray Hubbard was initially known as Eastern Dallas Lake or, sometimes, Forney Lake.

Named after Ray Hubbard, this fresh lake is about 12,500ft long and estimated to have a max. Depth of 40ft.

There are a lot of recreational activities for you to try out when you visit this fantastic lake.

However, it is illegal to swim in the water; hence, you should try as much as you cannot to fall in.

Nonetheless, you can have an excellent beach time on the shores of the lake; you can also take a trip on a jet ski.

Address: 3200 Zion Rd, Garland, TX 75043, USA.

Also see our article on Spas in Texas.

Lakes in Texas with Cabins

1. Waterfront Lodge (Cabins Near Dallas)

Waterfront Lodge has a collection of cabins and rentals just a few kilometers southeast of Dallas.

Situated very close to the famous Cedar creek lake, the waterfront lodge boasts a very comfortable visitation.

There are many fun things to try in this beautiful lake cabin which include but are not limited to swimming, jet skiing, boating, and many more.

However, if you do not like doing much, you can relax and enjoy the fantastic views and natural sounds.

Another thing that makes the waterfront lodge stand out is its proximity to several stores and markets.

You can easily walk down to as many shops as you want and buy any item or gift you wish.

There are also trust-worthy eateries you can eat in if you don’t have the strength to cook in your cabin’s kitchen.

Address: 1109 Waterfront Ln, Kemp, TX 75143, USA.

2. Deer Lake Cabins (Family Lake Vacation)

Deer Lake Cabins is a perfect choice if you want a nice vacation by the lake with your loved ones.

With its beautifully decorated interiors, this lake has a new-age feel and delivers a new meaning to comfortability.

Its cabins are fully equipped with amenities that can serve a whole family for a month without stress.

Once there, you will have a fun-filled vacation with your loved ones, as there are several fun things to try.

These fun things include horse riding, cruise biking, hiking, paddle boating, and swimming.

Just so you know, Deer Lake cabins have a standard playground for your kids to play in, giving you and your spouse the personal time you so much desire.

Address: 1692 Panther Creek Pass, Mt Vernon, TX 75457, USA.

3. Canyon Lake Cabin (Clear Water & Fishing Spot)

Canyon Lake is one of the lakes in Texas that is very popular for its elegant and clear water.

Due to how clear the Canyon Lake’s water is, it is one of the best spots to have a great fishing time with your friends and loved ones.

This lake’s temperature of 53°c on a typical day makes it very tempting to swim in.

However, some unsafe water sections are making it very risky for you to swim in.

And just so you know, reports have it that even though Canyon Lake is one of the best in Texas, it is home to the infamous Texas snake.

However, if the snake issue doesn’t scare you, you can give this cabin to try for as low as $43 a day.

Address: 21400 FM306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133, USA.

4. Creekside Camp and cabin (Private Cabins & Park Proximity)

Last on this list of lakes in Texas is the Creekside Lake, which has an active camping ground and cabins.

Located in Hamilton Creek, this camp offers you about four different cabins to choose the one that best suits you.

All four cabins are professionally decorated and fully equipped with utensils and types of equipment to make staying easy for you.

One thing previous clients have been testifying about the Creekside Camp and the cabin is the availability of full home kitchen utensils.

And its home page claims that the park owners made this kitchen setup to ensure that clients still have to ability to eat personally cooked food.

Creekside Camp is a private business offering small cabins to rent, relax, and have a peaceful holiday.

Located very close to many parks, you are sure to have enough fun time with both your kids and spouse.

Address: 222 Hatchet Hill, Marble Fall, TX 78654, USA.

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Splash pads, Bridges, and Swimming Pools in Texas.

Looking beyond Texas? Check out our article on the most beautiful lakes in New York and Florida.