When you think of Texas, sprawling deserts, bustling cities, and rugged landscapes might come to mind. But nestled amidst this diverse state are some of its best-kept secrets: serene lakes that offer a refreshing escape from the everyday hustle. Whether you’re a family seeking a peaceful weekend getaway, some of the best fishing spots in the country, or ready to dive into adventure, Texas’ lakes offer a great way to unwind with your family. From the shimmering waters of Lake Travis to the tranquil shores of Lake Texoma, each lake has its own unique charm and personality. The following Texas lakes were chosen for the number of activities they offer and the availability of vacation rentals for big families.
Lake Travis
For day-trippers from Austin, look no further than Lake Travis! As Texas’ most visited lake, the local area caters to tourists from all around and of all different types. Lake Travis is best known for its water sports including boating, swimming, water skiing, and snorkeling. But, with depths of up to 210 feet, it’s also a popular spot for scuba diving! In classic Austin fashion, there are also plenty of options for seeing live music including restaurants, public stages, and outdoor venues. For a bite to eat, visiting families swear by The Oasis on Lake Tahoe, a 30,000 sq ft restaurant on a cliff over the lakeshore.
Lake Conroe
About 40 miles north of Houston, Lake Conroe is a 22,000-acre lake with a whopping 157 miles of shoreline. The clean water is perfect for spending long days on the lake boating, swimming, fishing, and anything else your family is looking for. The nearby Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures offers a fun, thrilling day for kids of all ages, and the numerous local museums offer a reprieve in case of rainy days. For animal lovers, the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary and The Learning Zoo offer the chance for an educational activity that will still keep kids entertained.
Lake Buchanan
Best known for its excellent freshwater fishing, Lake Buchanan attracts fishers from all over every year. White bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and blue catfish can all be caught in the clear, blue waters. There are plenty of options for staying in hotels, rentals, cabins, RV grounds, although many choose to camp out to appreciate the brilliant stargazing opportunities. Two state parks are located within 20 minutes, Longhorn Cavern State Park (where you can schedule a cave tour created by an ancient river) and Inks Lake State Park (another beautiful lake known for outdoor recreation).
Lake Livingston
Boat enthusiasts will love Lake Livingston, located in east Texas near Houston. Boat rentals are popular and make for an easy way to see as much of the lake as possible, with over 80 miles of boating waters. Swimming in Lake Livingston is also fun, but be aware there are alligators living in the lake too, so be careful! Families can also enjoy miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, horseback riding, and blueberry picking at Baxter Blueberry Farm. Most exciting, if you’re able to visit in the fall or spring, the Monarch Butterfly Migration Trail passes right over the lake. Watch as thousands of beautiful butterflies travel overhead back and forth from Mexico.
Possum Kingdom Lake
With 17,000 acres, 310 miles of shoreline, and possibly the coolest lake name ever, Possum Kingdom Lake was named by a fur trader after the many possums to be found in the area. 80 miles west of Fort Worth, Possum Kingdom Lake has tons to offer for families of all kinds. For the adventurous types, cliff diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all popular with tourists. For the relaxation types, boating, hiking, and bird watching are all offered. For camping types, the Brazos River Authority runs several campgrounds east of the lake, and Possum Kingdom Lake State Parks runs several more on the west side.
Lake Texoma
If you’re looking for a lake that has everything, eureka! Right on the Oklahoma-Texas border, Lake Texoma is your classic lake getaway, with beaches, resorts, boating, cabins, camping, and more. Fishers can rejoice with a large population of striped bass, white bass, and largemouth bass. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails offer fun off the water. Island View Park is the top beach recommendation for visiting families with plenty of sand and sheltered picnic areas.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this happens to be the largest lake in the whole state! Lake Sam Rayburn is located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, covering an area of approximately 22,800 acres and boasting 560 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and camping or just enjoy relaxing in the tranquil nature.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Located between Texas and Louisiana, the Toledo Bend Reservoir is both a visitor playground and a power generation project between the two states. Boating, fishing, camping, and golfing dot the 1,200 miles of shoreline, with attractions like North and South Toledo Bend State Parks providing venues for water-related and land-based activities. Renowned for bass fishing tournaments, the reservoir also teems with crappie, bream, white bass, striped bass, and catfish. For the extra brave, the Gator Country Louisiana Alligator Park offers animal education, food, music, and lots of photo opportunities.
Canyon Lake
In central Texas between Austin and San Antonio, Canyon Lake is known as a family-friendly spot with lots to offer no matter what you’re looking for! Watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are all available with rental spots located around the lake. Family-friendly beaches can be found near Canyon Park and Comal Park Beach. Those looking for lunch picnicking or quick leg stretching will be happy to hear there are plenty of open spaces and trails at Overlook Park, Canyon Park, Comal Park, and Guadalupe Park. Indulge in on-lake dining at Baja Icehouse and Grill and Startz Cafe. Explore Gruene for live music at Gruene Hall and visit the Whitewater Amphitheater for more entertainment.
Lake Whitney
Lake Whitney is a stunning lake located in Hughes and Hill County, Texas covering 35 square miles and with 225 miles of shoreline to enjoy. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and nature with thousands of trails available for hiking, walkling, and most other activity levels. There are several parks and campgrounds around the lake, including Lake Whitney State Park and BarnYard RV Park.
Lake Palestine
Lake Palestine is a 17K-acre freshwater lake located in Anderson and Henderson counties in northeast Texas. It’s a popular spot for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The lake is formed by the Neches River and offers 200 miles of shoreline. With its scenic views and abundant wildlife, Lake Palestine is a sought-after destination for nature lovers and anglers alike. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and swimming, making it an ideal spot for families and those seeking relaxation.
Lake Tawakoni
45 miles east of Dallas, Lake Tawakoni was created in 1966 with the construction of Tawakoni Dam on the Sabine River. Tawakoni is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and camping are also popular. The surrounding area offers many parks, trails, and wildlife management areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Tawakoni is a popular spot for water sports and fishing tournaments throughout the year.
