One might ask how Texans survive the unbearable heat in the summers. And Texans know, that's an easy one. We all just find a body of water and jump in. Yes, indoor activities and indoor play places are abundant, and we spend plenty of time soaking those up in our free summer time. But the best part about Texas summers are the endless lists of lakes, swimming holes, and beaches we can get to in Texas. And if we want to add camping to that fun, well that's just a whole other list to go through. However, if you do love camping, Eisenhower State Park is literally a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from Collin County. Don't forget your Day Pass before you go. In fact, if you plan to visit any state park, be sure you've grabbed a day, month, or yearly pass before you go.
Grab your sunscreen mama, pack up that family of yours. If you're not just relaxing and watching the kids play or reading a book in the shade. You can be jet skiing, boating, swimming, fishing, even parasailing on these vast Texas lakes. At any of the state parks the kids can pickup junior ranger packets for some nature exploration.
Since there is nowhere for us to really get out of the house and spend time inside with our families. We've got a list of the Best Texas Lakes within a 3 hour drive from Collin County, TX. Get outside! Stay safe and healthy.
Best Texas Lakes Less than 3 Hours Away
Lake Lewisville
Location: Denton County
So, for basically the closest boating lake to Collin County, you've got Lake Lewisville. And then of course Little Elm Swim Beach is gonna be the shortest drive to get you on the beach and in the water swimming away. During summer they have the Lakefront Grill open. There's fire pits for roasting marshmallows. Along with 10 volleyball courts along one of the largest swimming beaches in North Texas.There are 12 boat launch ramps total on Lewisville and 5 marinas. During COVID, get there early because they'll only allow enough cars that fill up the circle parking lot and the lot adjacent to the playground (playground not open). Once spots are filled they won't allow anymore visitors.
Lake Texoma
Location: Texas/Oklahoma border
Lake Texoma is truly like they call it, "A Lake for All Seasons". They've got an abundance of events and things to do year round. From horseback riding trails to sunset dinner cruises, they've got it all. Every marina has something fun to offer you as well. There are 26 camping sites listed on the Lake Texoma website. There's restaurants, golf courses, and casinos nearby. Here is a list of the Most Popular Swim Beaches on Lake Texoma.
Lake Bridgeport
Location: Wise County
Lake Bridgeport is a beautiful spot less than 2 hours from Collin County. You can head down the Chupacabra Paddling Tail. Or head up north of the lake to Wise State Park where you can day camp and swim to your heart's desire. This lake has plenty of facilities to enjoy and be comfortable there is also overnight camping. Runaway Bay Swimming Beach is located toward the south west side of the lake.
Possum Kingdom Lake
Location: Palo Pinto/Stephens/Young counties
Possum Kingdom Lake is known for some of the best clear blue water in Texas - you can swim, boat, fish, ski, scuba dive and snorkel in that water. There are a ton of spots to access the lake many with no fees. Sandy Beach is for day-use only and has no camping. In addition to all the camping sites though, there are numerous vacation rentals and cabins. There are also hotels and The Cliffs Resort.
Tyler State Park
Location: Tyler
If you want to be amongst 100 foot pines on a 64 acre spring-fed lake, then head to Tyler State Park. This is a natural swimming hole. Grab your day pass online ahead of time. You'll drive through the gorgeous pine forest on your way to the swimming area. Camping and rentals are not available right now but this state park is open. It's always a hit and recommended by many.
Eagle Mountain Lake
Location: Tarrant County
There are several lake access points on Eagle Mountain Lake. There is also a great park, Twin Points Park. They typically open back again on Memorial Day so keep that on your radar and check for COVID updates. Twin Points Park is actually a newer park on the southern end of the lake, and has some great facilities. The swim beach there is gorgeous and will be a great place to relax with your family. There is a per vehicle fee to enter based on the day of the week. And don't forget to visit Eagle Mountain Park just 12 miles from Twin Points Park.
Joe Pool Lake
Location: Tarrant/Dallas/Ellis counties
Joe Pool Lake visitors can camp and swim at Cedar Hill State Park and Loyd Park. On May 1, 2020, the city of Grand Prairie reopened Lynn Creek park for day-use and they're open Thursday-Sunday. The Lynn Creek swim beach (which is supposed to be the best on the lake) is not quite open yet, but there is plenty to do along the shoreline and places to picnic. Checkout the Lynn Creek Marina here they've got plenty of boat access and a restaurant. If you wanna have a fun day kayaking the Walnut Creek Paddling Trail is accessible from Loyd Park. Just don't forget to contact these parks ahead of time to be 100% on open dates and capacity.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Location: Hunt/Rains/Van Zandt Counties
Lake Tawakoni is a gem you may have not heard of yet, named after the Tawakoni Native American people who lived here. There are 376 acres of oak forest on this lake. It is less than 2 hours away and the park offers boating, fishing, hiking trails, sandy beaches, boat docks, picnicking, and viewing of wildlife and fauna. It has three nature trails with beautiful views of Lake Tawakoni.
Cedar Creek Lake
Location: Henderson/Kaufman Counties
Cedar Creek boasts many large coves that are great for swimming. The lake itself can become pretty choppy from boat activity but the coves are good for swimming without the rough water. The best coves have been reported to be on the east side or south east end of the lake.These coves and swimming here in general are going to be accessed mainly by launching a boat into the lake or jumping off a dock of a vacation rental. There are no day-use parks on the lake. There are RV and camp sites such as Waterfront Lodge Cabins where you can pay to be there for the day. On the west side of the lake you can head to Don's Port Marina and eat some yummy food at a 2 story deck restaurant overlooking the water.
Lake Ray Roberts State Park
Location: Cooke/Grayson/Denton Counties
Lake Ray Roberts is located about 43 miles north of Frisco, TX. Designated swimming areas in both the Johnson Branch and Isle du Bois state parks of the lake. Of course you can also boat, fish, and hike. The 2 main marinas have boat slips and water sport rentals. There's a 20 mile Greenbelt Corridor for hiking and horseback riding. Always check ahead for flooding closures.
Lake Whitney
Location: Bosque/Hill counties
Lake Whitney is less than 2 hours from Collin County. It is a state park so again don't forget the day pass. As of the publication of this article the website listed the Lake Whitney State Park as open. Lake Whitney has over 20 private and public boat ramps and marinas to get you on the lake. McCown Valley, Lofers Day Use, Walling Bend North, and Lofers Bend West boat ramps are all currently open.
Hancock Springs Free Flow Pool
Location: Lampasas
At over 100 years old, Hancock Springs Pool, is one of the very few free-flowing pools in the state and the oldest spring-fed pool in Texas. Ok it is not an actual lake, but it's fed from a large spring which keeps the water at a constant cool all year round. Just beware its a sulfur spring pool so you'll get those hints of sulfur from time to time. They have a small fee to enter for adults and kids and during the summer they allow swimmers Thursday to Sunday. The springs are now part of a 109-acre park which includes the historic limestone Hostess House, Hancock Park Golf Course (512-556-3202), a picnic area, and a playground.
Please tag @MacaroniKidFrisco when you share pictures of your adventures. We cannot wait to see all the lakes you swim in this season.
With Love,
Ashlee Gold
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