With more than 150 lakes scattered throughout Texas, there are plenty of opportunities to have some fun in the sun, whether you love to boat, fish, jet ski, or swim. We’ve prepared this epic list of some of the best lakes in Texas that will entice you to get out on the water and relax on those scorching summer days. Grab your swimsuit, some sunscreen, and get ready to make a splash this summer!
- Lake Whitney
James Newman/Flickr A reservoir on the Brazos River about 30 miles north of Waco, Lake Whitney is one of the best lakes in Texas for summer fun. You can even spend the night under the stars at the campground. Lake Whitney, Texas, USA
- Caddo Lake
Wayne Harrison/Flickr The only natural lake in all of Texas, Caddo Lake’s thick bald cypress trees and open waterways provide the perfect environment for canoeing and swimming. Caddo lake, United States
- Lake Travis
Rachel Knickmeyer/Flickr A reservoir on the Colorado River, this lake near Austin is a popular summer hangout for Texans in the hill country. For a truly epic getaway, stay a few night in this iconic floathouse. Lake Travis, Texas, USA
- Lake Sam Rayburn
Texas Forest Trail/Flickr Located just north of Jasper in the deep piney woods, the tranquility of this lake will make you want to stay all day. Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas, USA
- Lake Marble Falls
Roger Mommaerts/Flickr A peaceful reservoir on the Colorado River near Marble Falls, this is one of the best lakes to visit in Texas for anyone looking for tranquil waters and less crowds. While you’re in the area, spend a day exploring the charming town of Marble Falls. Lake Marble Falls, Texas, USA
- Toledo Bend Reservoir
NixBC/Flickr Located on the Sabine River between the border of Texas and Louisiana, the Toledo Bend Reservoir is a true fisherman’s paradise. If fishing isn’t for you, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters or find a shady spot along the shoreline to watch the wildlife. You might just see a bald eagle scoop up a snack! Toledo Bend Reservoir, United States
- Lady Bird Lake
Shane Pope/Flickr With over 450 acres to splash around in, Lady Bird Lake is one of the best lakes to visit in Texas. Stroll the boardwalk, rent a kayak and paddle around, or enjoy the beautiful Austin skyline. Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX, USA
- Canyon Lake
Karen/Flickr Located 40 miles north of San Antonio. It’s one of the deepest lakes in Texas at 125 feet, and has over 80 miles of scenic shoreline. Canyon Lake, TX, USA
- Possum Kingdom Lake
Longhorn Nation/Flickr Located in Palo Pinto County, this scenic Texas lake is a favorite for swimming, boating, fishing, and even scuba diving. Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, USA
- Amistad Reservoir
mlhradlo/Flickr If you’re the type of person that needs to see what you’re swimming in, then you’ll love the Amistad Reservoir. It’s one of the clearest lakes in Texas. Amistad Reservoir, Amistad Reservoir
- Lake Cypress Springs
Phil’s 1stPix/Flickr 100 miles northeast of Dallas, this beautiful body of water in Texas is spring-fed, so expect another one of the clearest lakes in Texas! Lake Cypress Springs, Texas, USA
- Lake Buchanan
John W. Schulze/Flickr Lake Buchanan is 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, so you’ll have plenty of shoreline to snag for your own while you splash the day away. Lake Buchanan, Buchanan Lake, Texas, USA
- Choke Canyon Reservoir
Hulk, Smash!/Flickr This beautiful lake in Texas is a great spot to watch the sunset. This is one of the westernmost lakes in Texas where alligators live, so maybe skip the swimming in this lake and opt for a kayak or a boat instead. Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas, USA
- Lake Bastrop
Sarah Page/Flickr You can visit this beautiful lake in Texas via the North Shore Park of the South Shore Park. Both offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy one of the best lakes in Texas. Lake Bastrop, Texas 78602, USA
We’re really lucky to have such natural beauty right at our fingertips in the Lone Star State. What are some of your favorite lakes in Texas to soak up some rays and relax?
James Newman/Flickr
A reservoir on the Brazos River about 30 miles north of Waco, Lake Whitney is one of the best lakes in Texas for summer fun. You can even spend the night under the stars at the campground.
Lake Whitney, Texas, USA
Wayne Harrison/Flickr
The only natural lake in all of Texas, Caddo Lake’s thick bald cypress trees and open waterways provide the perfect environment for canoeing and swimming.
Caddo lake, United States
Rachel Knickmeyer/Flickr
A reservoir on the Colorado River, this lake near Austin is a popular summer hangout for Texans in the hill country. For a truly epic getaway, stay a few night in this iconic floathouse.
Lake Travis, Texas, USA
Texas Forest Trail/Flickr
Located just north of Jasper in the deep piney woods, the tranquility of this lake will make you want to stay all day.
Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas, USA
Roger Mommaerts/Flickr
A peaceful reservoir on the Colorado River near Marble Falls, this is one of the best lakes to visit in Texas for anyone looking for tranquil waters and less crowds. While you’re in the area, spend a day exploring the charming town of Marble Falls.
Lake Marble Falls, Texas, USA
NixBC/Flickr
Located on the Sabine River between the border of Texas and Louisiana, the Toledo Bend Reservoir is a true fisherman’s paradise. If fishing isn’t for you, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters or find a shady spot along the shoreline to watch the wildlife. You might just see a bald eagle scoop up a snack!
Toledo Bend Reservoir, United States
Shane Pope/Flickr
With over 450 acres to splash around in, Lady Bird Lake is one of the best lakes to visit in Texas. Stroll the boardwalk, rent a kayak and paddle around, or enjoy the beautiful Austin skyline.
Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX, USA
Karen/Flickr
Located 40 miles north of San Antonio. It’s one of the deepest lakes in Texas at 125 feet, and has over 80 miles of scenic shoreline.
Canyon Lake, TX, USA
Longhorn Nation/Flickr
Located in Palo Pinto County, this scenic Texas lake is a favorite for swimming, boating, fishing, and even scuba diving.
Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, USA
mlhradlo/Flickr
If you’re the type of person that needs to see what you’re swimming in, then you’ll love the Amistad Reservoir. It’s one of the clearest lakes in Texas.
Amistad Reservoir, Amistad Reservoir
Phil’s 1stPix/Flickr
100 miles northeast of Dallas, this beautiful body of water in Texas is spring-fed, so expect another one of the clearest lakes in Texas!
Lake Cypress Springs, Texas, USA
John W. Schulze/Flickr
Lake Buchanan is 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, so you’ll have plenty of shoreline to snag for your own while you splash the day away.
Lake Buchanan, Buchanan Lake, Texas, USA
Hulk, Smash!/Flickr
This beautiful lake in Texas is a great spot to watch the sunset. This is one of the westernmost lakes in Texas where alligators live, so maybe skip the swimming in this lake and opt for a kayak or a boat instead.
Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas, USA
Sarah Page/Flickr
You can visit this beautiful lake in Texas via the North Shore Park of the South Shore Park. Both offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy one of the best lakes in Texas.
Lake Bastrop, Texas 78602, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best lakes in Texas June 27, 2022 Jackie Ann Can I camp right on the water in Texas? There are many places to camp right on the water in Texas, and one of our favorite spots is Inks Lake State Park. Nestled in Texas Hill Country, this scenic state park boasts nearly 200 campsites, and many of them are located right on the water. The crystal-clear water combined with the towering limestone rocks is one of the most incredible places for nature lovers to spend a day or two camping on the water. Over on the northeastern corner of Texas, Daingerfield State Park has several campsites around the 80-acre lake in Texas as well as hiking trails, canoe rentals, and ample fishing opportunities. What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas? We love our Texas lakes, but there’s something about spending a day on the beach that just screams, “summer.” There are dozens of coastal beaches in Texas that are picture-perfect destinations for a day on the beach, and one of our favorite beaches in Texas is Mustang Island. With over five miles of beaches and fewer crowds, you can sprawl out to your heart’s content while enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore and endless views of the horizon. Where can I go tubing in Texas? Once you’ve splashed around on our lakes and sunk your toes into the sand along the beach, the next step is to find yourself a river to float down. There are plenty of rivers in Texas that are great for tubing. The Comal is a short, 2.5-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River that flows through New Braunfels and is perfect for a short and scenic float, but for longer float trips, try the Frio River where you’ll have inspiring views of the canyons and plateaus that surround you.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best lakes in Texas
June 27, 2022
Jackie Ann
Can I camp right on the water in Texas? There are many places to camp right on the water in Texas, and one of our favorite spots is Inks Lake State Park. Nestled in Texas Hill Country, this scenic state park boasts nearly 200 campsites, and many of them are located right on the water. The crystal-clear water combined with the towering limestone rocks is one of the most incredible places for nature lovers to spend a day or two camping on the water. Over on the northeastern corner of Texas, Daingerfield State Park has several campsites around the 80-acre lake in Texas as well as hiking trails, canoe rentals, and ample fishing opportunities. What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas? We love our Texas lakes, but there’s something about spending a day on the beach that just screams, “summer.” There are dozens of coastal beaches in Texas that are picture-perfect destinations for a day on the beach, and one of our favorite beaches in Texas is Mustang Island. With over five miles of beaches and fewer crowds, you can sprawl out to your heart’s content while enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore and endless views of the horizon. Where can I go tubing in Texas? Once you’ve splashed around on our lakes and sunk your toes into the sand along the beach, the next step is to find yourself a river to float down. There are plenty of rivers in Texas that are great for tubing. The Comal is a short, 2.5-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River that flows through New Braunfels and is perfect for a short and scenic float, but for longer float trips, try the Frio River where you’ll have inspiring views of the canyons and plateaus that surround you.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many places to camp right on the water in Texas, and one of our favorite spots is Inks Lake State Park. Nestled in Texas Hill Country, this scenic state park boasts nearly 200 campsites, and many of them are located right on the water. The crystal-clear water combined with the towering limestone rocks is one of the most incredible places for nature lovers to spend a day or two camping on the water. Over on the northeastern corner of Texas, Daingerfield State Park has several campsites around the 80-acre lake in Texas as well as hiking trails, canoe rentals, and ample fishing opportunities.
What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas?
We love our Texas lakes, but there’s something about spending a day on the beach that just screams, “summer.” There are dozens of coastal beaches in Texas that are picture-perfect destinations for a day on the beach, and one of our favorite beaches in Texas is Mustang Island. With over five miles of beaches and fewer crowds, you can sprawl out to your heart’s content while enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore and endless views of the horizon.
Where can I go tubing in Texas?
Once you’ve splashed around on our lakes and sunk your toes into the sand along the beach, the next step is to find yourself a river to float down. There are plenty of rivers in Texas that are great for tubing. The Comal is a short, 2.5-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River that flows through New Braunfels and is perfect for a short and scenic float, but for longer float trips, try the Frio River where you’ll have inspiring views of the canyons and plateaus that surround you.
