Lakes are often known for their great peace and tranquility – they provide a place to escape to and cast all your troubles into the depths of the water. Luckily, we have plenty of lakes in Texas that live up to this legacy. Here are 10 that you absolutely must check out this summer:
- Caddo Lake (Karnack)
Flickr/stokesrx Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the entire state. The cypress trees provide a perfect canopy for canoeing (the most popular sport here) and other water sports because you’ll be shielded from the sun’s harsh rays while still enjoying some time outdoors.
- Lake Sam Rayburn (Jasper)
Flickr/rmommaerts My family and I have been coming to Rayburn since before I could talk. It’s just such a peaceful place - the towering trees, the water lapping up against the rocks, the jetties allowing you to get as close to the lake as possible…not to mention it’s the largest lake in Texas. I can’t imagine an entire summer coming and going without spending a day or two here, picnicking and laughing the day away with my loved ones.
- Lady Bird Lake (Austin)
Flickr/hope4happiness Though not quite as peaceful as other lakes in Texas due to the high amount of visitors it attracts, Lady Bird Lake is still worth a visit in my opinion. Very few bodies of water have a paddle board, kayak, and canoe rental shop right on the water, but this lake actually has several. Have a good laugh while you try to figure out how to stand up on your board, or go the relaxing route and sit or lie down, leisurely paddling your way along. No matter what you decide, you’ll have a blast at Lady Bird Lake.
- Lake Marble Falls (Marble Falls)
Flickr/rmommaerts As if Marble Falls didn’t already have enough to do between Balcones Canyonlands, berry picking, and the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe, here’s another attractions to add to your bucket list. Many other lakes in Texas are always crowded during the summer, but not this one. If you happen to be in the area and need to find your inner peace and tranquility, look no further.
- Toledo Bend (Sabine River)
Flickr/barclaynix If Central Texas is just too far away for you, no worries - there are plenty of lakes deep in East Texas that are just as beautiful. Toledo Bend is a popular fishing spot, and they have a large campground available if you want to make a mini-vacation out of your visit.
- Canyon Lake (Canyon Lake)
Flickr/haveclipperswilltravel This lake north of San Antonio happens to be the deepest in Texas, reaching 125 feet down below the surface at its maximum. It also has over 80 miles of beautiful shoreline, so there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view (and, boy, is it a stunner!).
- Possum Kingdom Lake (Palo Pinto County)
Flickr/texasbackroads This lake is a particularly special one. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, it offers a thrilling water sport - scuba diving! It isn’t allowed everywhere in Texas, but provided you have your license, you’re free to explore the lake’s watery depths ’till your heart’s content.
- Lake Cypress Springs
Flickr/Phil’s 1stPix This lake has been voted the most beautiful in Texas, and I can definitely understand why. The water is spring-fed, so you can see all the way to the bottom - even in fairly deep areas. It’s located 100 miles northeast of Dallas, and it’s undoubtedly a must-do this summer.
- Lake Bastrop (Bastrop)
Flickr/trektexas This lake is known for just about every recreational activity that can be done on the water - fishing, canoeing, water skiing, etc. You name it, it can be done here. And with a view like this, I don’t see any reason why a trip here shouldn’t be part of your summer plans.
- Amistad Reservoir (Val Verde)
Flickr/matthigh Right under the tallest bridge in Texas lie the crystal-clear waters of the Amistad Reservoir. It’s most well known for its rich history and the wide variety of water recreation that’s popular among visitors.
Have you ever visited any of these lakes? What other lakes in Texas are obligatory to visit during the summer?
Flickr/stokesrx
Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the entire state. The cypress trees provide a perfect canopy for canoeing (the most popular sport here) and other water sports because you’ll be shielded from the sun’s harsh rays while still enjoying some time outdoors.
Flickr/rmommaerts
My family and I have been coming to Rayburn since before I could talk. It’s just such a peaceful place - the towering trees, the water lapping up against the rocks, the jetties allowing you to get as close to the lake as possible…not to mention it’s the largest lake in Texas. I can’t imagine an entire summer coming and going without spending a day or two here, picnicking and laughing the day away with my loved ones.
Flickr/hope4happiness
Though not quite as peaceful as other lakes in Texas due to the high amount of visitors it attracts, Lady Bird Lake is still worth a visit in my opinion. Very few bodies of water have a paddle board, kayak, and canoe rental shop right on the water, but this lake actually has several. Have a good laugh while you try to figure out how to stand up on your board, or go the relaxing route and sit or lie down, leisurely paddling your way along. No matter what you decide, you’ll have a blast at Lady Bird Lake.
As if Marble Falls didn’t already have enough to do between Balcones Canyonlands, berry picking, and the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe, here’s another attractions to add to your bucket list. Many other lakes in Texas are always crowded during the summer, but not this one. If you happen to be in the area and need to find your inner peace and tranquility, look no further.
Flickr/barclaynix
If Central Texas is just too far away for you, no worries - there are plenty of lakes deep in East Texas that are just as beautiful. Toledo Bend is a popular fishing spot, and they have a large campground available if you want to make a mini-vacation out of your visit.
Flickr/haveclipperswilltravel
This lake north of San Antonio happens to be the deepest in Texas, reaching 125 feet down below the surface at its maximum. It also has over 80 miles of beautiful shoreline, so there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view (and, boy, is it a stunner!).
Flickr/texasbackroads
This lake is a particularly special one. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, it offers a thrilling water sport - scuba diving! It isn’t allowed everywhere in Texas, but provided you have your license, you’re free to explore the lake’s watery depths ’till your heart’s content.
Flickr/Phil’s 1stPix
This lake has been voted the most beautiful in Texas, and I can definitely understand why. The water is spring-fed, so you can see all the way to the bottom - even in fairly deep areas. It’s located 100 miles northeast of Dallas, and it’s undoubtedly a must-do this summer.
Flickr/trektexas
This lake is known for just about every recreational activity that can be done on the water - fishing, canoeing, water skiing, etc. You name it, it can be done here. And with a view like this, I don’t see any reason why a trip here shouldn’t be part of your summer plans.
Flickr/matthigh
Right under the tallest bridge in Texas lie the crystal-clear waters of the Amistad Reservoir. It’s most well known for its rich history and the wide variety of water recreation that’s popular among visitors.
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