Your Guide to the Lake Towns of Texas
Summer in Texas can be best described by one word: hot. Unlike cities in the Great Lakes region, where there are bodies of water everywhere, most of Texas is pretty dry. And when you want to cool off in the middle of a hot summer, sometimes a swimming pool just won’t do. You can escape for a day or a week to one of the lake towns in Texas — or maybe even decide to move there.
The state of Texas has 170 lakes in total, but the ones that are a short drive from the big cities are especially loved. Here are some of the most popular lake towns in Texas.
Looking for the most affordable lake towns in Texas? Check out our list.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Lake Cypress Springs
Rated the most beautiful lake near Dallas in D Magazine, Lake Cypress Springs is one of the most luxurious lake towns. The water is clear and reflective, which is highly unusual in Texas. Located about 110 miles northeast of Dallas in the Piney Woods area of East Texas, the lake is surrounded by gorgeous trees. It’s known as an excellent fishing spot, too.
Eagle Mountain Lake
Located just 15 miles northeast of Downtown Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake offers an affordable opportunity to live full-time by the lake and still maintain a high-powered career. Eagle Mountain Lake is on more than 8,600 acres and provides boat ramps, a party cove, water-skiing, and fishing. Numerous hills and hiking trails surround the lake for an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Austin
Lady Bird Lake
Austin isn’t a lake town in the traditional sense, but it might as well be with how much Austinites enjoy this large lake. Located in Downtown Austin near the exciting Zilker neighborhood, this is the place for people who love being active. The nearby Barton Springs Pool is a popular, pet-friendly spot for swimming and kayaking, with clear, spring-fed water that’s around 68 degrees year-round. Joggers frequently enjoy the trails around Lady Bird Lake.
Marble Falls
Texas doesn’t have many true lake towns, but Marble Falls is one of the rare exceptions. Located about 60 miles from Austin in the Texas Hill County, Marble Falls is a beautiful vacation spot. There are five major lakes in Marble Falls, the largest of which is Lake Marble Falls. Lake LBJ Marina is the main spot for activities, with a water park and boat dock. Pace Bend Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
Lake Somerville
If you’re looking for a place for great camping and fishing, Lake Somerville is it. It’s centrally located 90 miles east of Austin and 90 miles northwest of Houston, making it a popular destination for residents of both cities. It’s also a great getaway for Texas A&M University students since it’s only 36 miles south of College Station. With kayak and canoe rentals, hiking trails, and centers to learn about native wildlife, this state park area is perfect for a day trip. The famous Blue Bell Creamery is just a few miles away, too, so plan an extra stop.
Houston
Lake Conroe
With a reputation as one of the nicest lakes in the Houston area, Lake Conroe can get pretty crowded, especially in the summer. Located 53 miles north of Downtown Houston and 15 miles northwest of suburban Conroe, this lake lies on the west fork of the San Jacinto River. It was originally created as an alternative water supply for the city of Houston and is surrounded by East Texas Piney Woods forests. You’ll find lots of people boating, water-skiing, and fishing on this popular lake. It’s not the most affordable lake for buying property, but it’s a great place for the locals to enjoy water recreation.
San Antonio
Canyon Lake
One of the deepest lakes in Texas, Canyon Lake is 125 feet deep and has more than 80 miles of beautiful, scenic shoreline. The location is 35 miles northeast of Downtown San Antonio and 14 miles northwest of New Braunfels on the Guadalupe River. It’s a perfect getaway for residents of San Antonio, with the scenery of the southern edge of Hill Country. Canyon Lake is formed by a hydroelectric dam and controlled by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, so fishing and boating access is limited to eight publicly accessible parks.