The 7 best lakes to visit in Texas
Texas is the second largest state in the United States, and it’s a home to rivers, mountains, lowlands, and lakes. Although there are different micro-climates within it, Texas is usually hot and humid during the summer, so many residents escape to one of the state’s many lakeshores. Boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities that you can do here if you decide to visit one of Texas’s beautiful lakes.
Lake Texoma
Texoma Lake is one of the biggest and the most developed lakes in the country. Its surface is 89,000 acres, surrounded by national parks and cities. Lake Texoma receives about 6 million visitors each year. People come here to relax, enjoy sailing, water skiing, wind surfing, and fishing. Among the 70 fish species that live in the lake, the most popular are catfish, bass, and white crappie. Around the lake, there are more than 12 marinas, wildlife refuges, and hundreds of campgrounds.
Lake Travis
Travis Lake was formed on the Colorado River in 1942 when the Mansfield Dam near Austin was built. It’s one of the favorite lakes in Texas for recreational activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and boating. Fish species, like bass, catfish, and sunfish live here. The shoreline around Lake Travis is popular for camping and picnicking.
Eagle Mountain Lakе
Eagle Mountain Lake is 650 feet above sea level on the Trinity river in North Texas. It’s north of Fort Worth, and it’s been home to the Fort Worth Boat Club since 1929. National and international regattas are organized each year here. Water skiing and kayaking are the favorite water sports that people practice on Eagle Mountain Lake. The fishermen come here in search of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white bass. Around the lake, there are walking trails, campgrounds, restaurants, and picnic spots.
Lake Granbury
Granbury is a long and narrow lake on the Brazos River, a 30 minute drive from Fort Worth. People come here for water skiing, boating, and catfish fishing. Around the lake, there are walking trails, rest rooms, playgrounds, picnic areas and campsites. Lake Granbury town is a good place to visit as well.
Lake Conroe
An hour drive from Houston you’ll find Lake Conroe, surrounded by forests and hills with amazing houses. Some of the best golf courses in Texas are in the area of Lake Conroe. Water and jet skiing are popular sports here for both, locals and visitors.
Lake Austin
Austin Lake was created after the construction of the Tom Miller Dam in 1939. There is a big population of bass in the lake, which makes it a favorite fishing and boating destination. The bass in Lake Austin can weigh over 10 pounds. Here you can go canoeing, play volleyball on the shore, or just enjoy the view from Emma Long Park.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Sam Rayburn Lake is a 288 mile long lake, and it’s the largest lake entirely in Texas territory. The surrounding areas of the lake has not been over developed by tourism, so make a perfect natural background. People come here to relax by swimming, water skiing, and fishing. There are plenty of campgrounds and marinas on the lake’s coast, as well as the Rayburn Country Resort, where you can find a professional golf course. Those who like to stay dry can go hiking through the Sabine National Forest.
Above are some of the best lakes you can visit while in Texas. If you are a fan of watersports or prefer to go fishing, you know where to go. Texas is a state that offers lots of opportunities for people who like to spend their time outside and enjoy the last days of the summer. Good luck!
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