Best Lakes Near Dallas for Swimming – My Top Picks

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If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat in Dallas, Texas, then taking a dip in one of the nearby lakes is a great option. With the abundance of lakes in the area, it can be tough to know which ones are best for swimming. That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of the best lakes near Dallas, Texas for swimming.

The largest lake in North Texas, Lewisville Lake, is a popular spot for swimming. With over 233 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to lay out and soak up the sun. Grapevine Lake is another great option, with several beaches and parks surrounding the lake. For a more secluded swimming experience, check out Lake Ray Roberts, located just north of Dallas.

Top Lakes for Swimming Near Dallas, Texas

When it comes to finding the perfect spot to cool off during the hot summer months, Dallas has plenty of options. With numerous lakes in the area, there is no shortage of places to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the top lakes for swimming near Dallas, Texas.

Lake Lewisville

Lake Lewisville is the largest lake in North Texas, offering over 233 miles of shoreline and plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is easily accessible from Dallas, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With clear blue water and sandy beaches, Lake Lewisville is the perfect place to spend a summer day.

Lake Lavon

Located in Collin County, Lake Lavon is another popular destination for swimming and water sports. With 121 miles of shoreline and five sandy beaches, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the water. The lake is also home to several parks and campgrounds, making it a great place to spend a weekend.

Joe Pool Lake

Joe Pool Lake is located just south of Dallas and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. With over 7,500 acres of water, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the lake. The lake is also home to several parks and beaches, making it a great place to spend a day with family and friends.

Lake Ray Hubbard

Lake Ray Hubbard is located just east of Dallas and offers over 22,000 acres of water for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is home to several parks and beaches, including the popular Rockwall Harbor, which features restaurants, shops, and a marina.

White Rock Lake

Located in the heart of Dallas, White Rock Lake is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The lake is surrounded by several parks and trails, making it a great place to spend a day outdoors. With clear water and stunning views of the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique swimming experience.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day on the water or an action-packed adventure, these lakes near Dallas offer something for everyone. So grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and head out to one of these top lakes for an unforgettable summer experience.

Swimming and Water Sports

Swimming Conditions

Dallas, Texas is home to numerous lakes that offer excellent swimming conditions. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful parks and trails, making them perfect for swimming enthusiasts. Some of the most popular lakes for swimming include:

  • White Rock Lake
  • Lewisville Lake
  • Lake Lavon
  • Joe Pool Lake

White Rock Lake is a city lake and one of the most popular spots for on-the-water recreation in Dallas. The lake has several designated swimming beaches that are perfect for swimming enthusiasts. The water here is pristine, and the lake is surrounded by beautiful parks and trails.

Lewisville Lake is the largest lake in North Texas, offering 233 miles of shoreline and 46 acres of land. The lake provides water to the Dallas suburbs and is home to several birds, animals, and insects. The lake has several designated swimming areas that are perfect for swimming enthusiasts.

Lake Lavon is one of the largest reservoirs in North Texas, offering 121 miles of shoreline and five wide sandy beaches. The lake is perfect for swimming and other water sports activities.

Joe Pool Lake is a beautiful lake located in the southern part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The lake offers excellent swimming conditions and is surrounded by several parks and trails.

Water Sports Opportunities

Apart from swimming, the lakes near Dallas also offer several water sports opportunities. Here are some of the most popular water sports activities that you can enjoy in the lakes near Dallas:

  • Kayaking
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Jet skiing
  • Sailing

Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports activities that allow you to explore the lakes and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Boating is also a popular water sport activity that allows you to enjoy the lakes with family and friends. Jet skiing is another popular water sport activity that is perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Sailing is a popular water sport activity that allows you to enjoy the lakes while cruising at a leisurely pace. The lakes near Dallas offer excellent sailing conditions, and there are several sailing clubs that offer sailing lessons and rental services.

In conclusion, the lakes near Dallas, Texas offer excellent swimming conditions and a variety of water sports opportunities. Whether you are a swimming enthusiast or an adrenaline junkie, the lakes near Dallas have something for everyone.

Fishing Opportunities

When it comes to fishing opportunities, the lakes near Dallas, Texas have plenty to offer. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of fish to catch in these lakes. Some of the most popular fish species in these lakes include catfish, crappie, and bass.

Catfish are abundant in most of the lakes near Dallas, and they can be caught using a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing, drift fishing, and jug fishing. Some of the best lakes for catfishing include Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Lavon, and Lake Tawakoni.

Crappie are also a popular catch in the lakes near Dallas, and they can be caught using jigs, minnows, and other small lures. Lake Lewisville is one of the best lakes for crappie fishing, but you can also find them in Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Lavon.

Bass fishing is another popular activity in the lakes near Dallas, and the most sought-after species is largemouth bass. Some of the best lakes for bass fishing include Lake Fork, Lake Ray Roberts, and Lake Grapevine. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch bass, including topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms.

Overall, the lakes near Dallas offer a wide range of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to catch catfish, crappie, bass, or any other species, you’re sure to find a lake that meets your needs. So, grab your fishing gear and head out to one of these lakes for a day of fishing fun!

Recreational Activities and Amenities

When it comes to recreational activities and amenities, the lakes near Dallas have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach, a picnic with friends and family, or an adventure-packed day of boating and kayaking, these lakes have got you covered.

Hiking and Biking

Many of the lakes near Dallas offer hiking and biking trails, making them the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. White Rock Lake, for example, has a 9+ mile paved trail that circles the lake, providing ample opportunity for walking, jogging, and cycling. Bachman Lake also features hiking and biking trails, as well as areas to sit and relax and enjoy a picnic.

Picnicking and Camping

For those looking to spend a day outdoors with friends and family, the lakes near Dallas offer plenty of picnic areas and campsites. Lake Lavon, for example, has five wide sandy beaches and picnic tables throughout the park. Possum Kingdom Lake also has several picnic sites and a campground, making it a popular recreation destination for families.

Boating and Marinas

If you’re looking for a day of adventure on the water, the lakes near Dallas have plenty of options for boating and water sports. Lake Texoma, for example, has several boat launches and marinas, as well as opportunities for rowing and kayaking. Lewisville Lake also offers a variety of water sports, including diving boards and waterslides.

Overall, the lakes near Dallas offer a wide range of recreational activities and amenities, making them the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun. From hiking and biking to picnicking and camping, these lakes have something for everyone.

Specific Lakes and Their Features

Grapevine Lake

Grapevine Lake is located between Dallas and Fort Worth and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake has over 8,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline. There are several parks and boat ramps around the lake, including the Oak Grove Park, Meadowmere Park, and Rockledge Park. The lake is also home to the Grapevine Lake Park, which offers camping, hiking, and biking trails.

Joe Pool Lake

Joe Pool Lake is located in Cedar Hill State Park, just south of Dallas. The lake is over 7,500 acres and has four parks with boat ramps. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are several picnic areas and hiking trails around the lake, including the Cedar Ridge Preserve.

Lewisville Lake

Lewisville Lake is the largest lake in North Texas and has over 29,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including Lewisville Lake Park, which has a beach area for swimming. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Lake Ray Hubbard

Lake Ray Hubbard is located in the eastern part of Dallas and has over 22,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Harbor Bay Marina and Terry Park. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Lavon Lake

Lavon Lake is located northeast of Dallas and has over 21,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including Lavonia Park and Brockdale Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake is located in the heart of Dallas and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake has over 1,000 acres of water and is surrounded by several parks and trails, including the White Rock Lake Park and the White Rock Lake Trail.

Lake Tawakoni

Lake Tawakoni is located east of Dallas and has over 37,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Lake Tawakoni State Park and the Two Mile Bridge Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Bachman Lake

Bachman Lake is located in the northwest part of Dallas and has over 200 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Bachman Lake Park and the Bachman Lake Trail. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Lake Ray Roberts

Lake Ray Roberts is located north of Dallas and has over 29,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Isle du Bois State Park and the Jordan Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is located on the border between Texas and Oklahoma and has over 89,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Eisenhower State Park and the Juniper Point Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Eagle Mountain Lake

Eagle Mountain Lake is located northwest of Fort Worth and has over 8,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Eagle Mountain Park and the Twin Points Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Mountain Creek Lake

Mountain Creek Lake is located in the southwest part of Dallas and has over 230 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Mountain Creek Lake Park and the Mountain Creek Preserve. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Cedar Creek Reservoir

Cedar Creek Reservoir is located southeast of Dallas and has over 32,000 acres of water. The lake has several parks and boat ramps, including the Purtis Creek State Park and the Gun Barrel City Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

When visiting the best lakes in Dallas for swimming, there are plenty of nearby attractions and amenities to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:

Marinas and Boathouses

Many of the lakes near Dallas have marinas and boathouses where visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. For example, Lake Ray Roberts has a marina with boat rentals, while Lake Lewisville has several boathouses that offer rentals and other services.

Restaurants

If you’re feeling hungry after a swim, there are plenty of restaurants near the best lakes in Dallas. For example, Lake Grapevine has several restaurants with lake views, including the Glass Cactus and the Rockin’ S Bar & Grill.

Local Wildlife

Many of the lakes in the Dallas area are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and other aquatic creatures. Visitors can often spot wildlife while swimming or hiking around the lake.

Campgrounds

For those who want to spend more time at the lake, there are several campgrounds near the best lakes in Dallas. For example, Lake Tawakoni has several campgrounds with RV and tent sites, while Lake Lavon has several camping areas with picnic tables and fire pits.

Day Trips

If you’re looking for a day trip from Dallas, there are several lakes within driving distance. For example, Lake Texoma is just over an hour’s drive from Dallas and offers plenty of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

For those who want to take a break from the water, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. Located near White Rock Lake, the arboretum features 66 acres of gardens and scenic views.

Golf Courses

Several of the lakes near Dallas have golf courses nearby, including Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lewisville. These courses offer scenic views of the lake and challenging holes for golfers of all skill levels.

Lifeguards

Many of the lakes near Dallas have lifeguards on duty during peak swimming season. For example, Lake Grapevine has several lifeguard stations along its sandy beaches.

Meadowmere Park, Twin Points Park, and Collin Park

These three parks are located on Lake Grapevine and offer plenty of amenities for visitors, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and boat ramps.

Sandy Beaches and Fountains

Several of the lakes near Dallas have sandy beaches and fountains for visitors to enjoy. For example, Lake Lavon has five sandy beaches, while Lake Lewisville has several fountains that shoot water into the air.

State Highway 78

State Highway 78 runs through several of the best lakes in Dallas, including Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. This makes it easy for visitors to access the lakes and nearby attractions.

Party Cove

Lake Lewisville is known for its “Party Cove,” a popular spot for boaters to anchor and socialize. While swimming is not allowed in this area, it’s a fun place to people-watch and enjoy the lake atmosphere.

Love Field Airport

For those flying into Dallas, Love Field Airport is the closest airport to the best lakes in Dallas. It’s located just a short drive from several of the lakes, making it easy to get to your destination.

Army Corps of Engineers

The Army Corps of Engineers manages several of the lakes near Dallas, including Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Lavon. They are responsible for maintaining the lakes and ensuring they are safe for visitors to enjoy.