Texas is nothing short of expansive and with those miles and miles of open land areas are dozens of stunning lakes. Each offers a different experience for anglers, boaters and sandcastle-building fanatics. There's something special about the best lakes in Texas, though. These are the lakes that offer more than just water to explore, but a whole vacation on the water.
To help you know which are the top lakes in Texas to add to your trip planning, we've broken down the seven best lakes in Texas based on amenities, experiences and visitor reviews.
1. Lake Travis
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Located: In Travis County, Texas, just northwest of Austin along the Colorado River
Best for: Boating, fishing, and watersports enthusiasts seeking a lively lake with scenic views, nearby restaurants, and convenient access to parks and marinas
Easily the most popular of Texas lakes, Lake Travis offers one of the most exceptional experiences for those looking for adventure, relaxation and the best water fun around. This reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas has a maximum depth of 210 feet and an area of over 29 square miles. Over the years, it's become a destination with numerous restaurants and shops to explore, alongside the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Many people come to Lake Travis for the fishing. You'll find solid numbers of largemouth bass, with trophy-sized fish not uncommon. Other species include catfish, sunfish and Guadalupe bass. Boating and swimming are popular activities, with options of renting a pontoon, sailboat, kayak or canoe readily available. Boat ramps are available and marinas are modern.
There's ample to do here, including exploring locations like Pace Bend Park with its high cliff walls and Lake Travis ziplining adventures. There are wineries here, several in fact, that offer bed and breakfast-style experiences. Hotels near Lake Travis, as well as campsites, put you in the heart of the area. You could plan a Lake Travis sunset tour, rent a houseboat on the water or check out one of the area's RV parks.
2. Balmorhea Lake
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Located: In Reeves County, West Texas, within Balmorhea State Park near the town of Balmorhea
Best for: Visitors seeking clear, spring-fed waters for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying a quiet desert oasis surrounded by mountains
Located in West Texas, Balmorhea Lake is quite a treasure. Though its expansive 536 acres provide plenty of canoeing and kayaking opportunities, it only has a depth of about 25 feet. This shallow reservoir is part of Balmorhea State Park, where you can swim, scuba dive, skin dive or simply watch the birds and wildlife in the quiet morning sunrise.
Balmorhea Lake is home to one of the largest spring-fed pools, called San Solomon Springs. The water is crystal clear, so much so that it's one of the best locations for snorkeling. What makes this area even more special is that it's surrounded by the mountains, creating quite the stunning experience no matter what time of the year you visit.
If you're visiting to fish, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and channel catfish are in good numbers. The fishery is improving after golden alga blooms caused significant damage in 2013. Since then, conservation efforts have worked well to improve the area.
3. Lake Austin
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Located: In Travis County, Texas, just west of downtown Austin along the Colorado River
Best for: Boaters, anglers, and paddleboarders looking for a scenic urban lake with easy access to parks, trails, and nearby city attractions
Lake Austin is another large tourism destination with just the right balance of on-the-water and off-the-water things to explore. It's a few minutes from Austin's museums, the shopping district and art galleries, but it feels miles away once you are on the water, boating, fishing or paddleboarding. If you're visiting for the first time, consider a Lake Austin guided boat tour to get a layout of the area. Wakeboarding and tubing are also perfect ways to spend a hot Texas day. Visit during the late afternoon or very early in the morning for a calm water experience.
For boaters, socializing is easy, especially at popular destinations with sand bars, such as Devil's Cove. If you're a land lover, too, plan to visit Commons Ford Ranch or head to Emma Long Metropolitan Park for a long hike or bike ride.
As you explore one of the best lakes in Texas, note that it can be busy during the summer months. Plan your trip early to secure a boat rental, RV campsite or one of the top destinations, like the Lake Austin Spa Resort.
4. Caddo Lake
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Located: On the Texas–Louisiana border, near the town of Karnack in East Texas
Best for: Nature lovers and paddlers seeking a unique cypress swamp experience with abundant wildlife, fishing, and peaceful boating through scenic bayous
If you're exploring the East Texas area, Caddo Lake is a fantastic option and much different than other Texas lakes. The 26,810-acre lake has more than 70 species of fish to call it home and you don't need a fishing license to explore them. Largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish are most popular. Bring your boat (the boat ramp is easy to use) or rent one locally.
Caddo Lake, which sits on the border with Louisiana, has numerous bald cypress trees that drape over the water, creating hidden hideaways. Spanish moss towers over the entire area, including the Big Cypress Bayou. While visiting the area, you can also do some paddling. That's best done at Saw Mill Pond or, if you have ample skill, you can try your luck at Hell's Half Acre Paddling Trail.
As one of the top lakes in Texas, it's also possible to find so much more to do nearby, including horseback riding, biking through the trails or even hunting in various areas. Rent a canoe to head out just before sunrise to listen to the birds come to life early in the morning.
5. Cedar Creek Lake
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Located: In Henderson and Kaufman Counties, Texas, about an hour southeast of Dallas-Fort Worth
Best for: Boating, fishing, and watersports enthusiasts looking for a large lake with marinas, campgrounds, and easy access to nearby resorts and recreational areas
The fourth largest of Texas lakes, Cedar Creek Lake, is just about a drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and certainly worth it. There are over 320 miles of shoreline to explore, with marinas, boat ramps, beach areas and numerous activities to explore. You'll be able to rent a boat, canoe or jet ski to take out on the water or you can bring your own. For anglers, be prepared with ample storage for your catch. Depending on the time of the year, you'll find plentiful options of white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish and largemouth bass. It's also possible to find hybrid striped bass in good numbers.
With over 32,000 surface acres to explore, Cedar Creek Lake is an excellent destination for kayaking and paddleboarding. There are some swimming areas, though the beach and sand areas are limited. If you're looking for that type of experience, be sure to stay at one of the resorts near Cedar Creek. Other fun things to do include ziplining, a few games of golf, hiking through McKinney Rough Nature Park and even taking in Dinosaur Park.
6. La Sal Del Rey
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Located: In Cameron County, South Texas, near the town of Rio Grande City along the Rio Grande
Best for: Nature lovers and hikers seeking a quiet, wildlife-rich saltwater lake with scenic trails and minimal crowds
As its name implies, La Sal Del Rey is one of the area's natural saltwater lakes. It's in South Texas, close to the Rio Grande and the ideal place to visit to simply explore nature. The area is teaming with wildlife. With far less tourism and commercialism, this is one of the top lakes in Texas for those who want a truly nature-infused adventure. Be warned, though. From the parking area to the waterfront is over a two-mile walk.
Once you're there, it's worth it. There are limitations here. You cannot kayak or boat on the water itself. There are miles of hiking trails and lots of wildlife to see, including birds, deer and javelinas. Another fun way to get to know this unique ecosystem is to book a guided tour of the area through the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. This will provide both wildlife and historical elements that make this area special.
You're also close to the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, which creates an even more unique experience for nature lovers. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center also offers excursions and activities throughout the year.
7. Canyon Lake
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Located: In Comal County, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, near the town of Canyon Lake
Best for: Boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a scenic lake with swimming, hiking, picnicking, and year-round recreational opportunities
Canyon Lake is ideal throughout the year, no matter the time. It's an excellent choice for true adventure lovers, thanks in part to the cliff jumping that you can do here. There's something quite magical about jumping into the crystal turquoise water of this lake. For land lovers, a par-72 golf course is located nearby and various tourism destinations are nearby.
You don't have to be that adventurous to appreciate the area. Canyon Lake offers swimming, hiking trails and picnic areas. With over 8,200 acres of surface area and 80 miles of shoreline to take in, you'll find the area stunning. For those planning to fish, you'll find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white and striped bass and catfish being the most common. Many people come for the sport fishing, but you don't need skills to do well here.
Canyon Lake is often referred to as a jewel because of its stunning look. It's packed with white tail deer, roadrunners and foxes as well. That's thanks to its location on the Guadalupe River, one of the most abundant wildlife areas in the region. The towering live oaks create a pretty display throughout the year and provide habitat for the wildlife. It also gets cold enough for icy experiences during the winter months, which could be why it is a year-round destination.
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