Prettiest Lakes in Texas

What makes a lake one of the prettiest lakes in Texas? We have some ideas. You probably have your own feelings about that. Let's see if you agree with us!

Texas Lakes That Are Soooo Pretty!

Every Southwestern state has towns and cities with lakes that people think are pretty.

But everyone knows about Texas - that everything's bigger there!

Are their lakes even prettier, too? We bet Texans think so. Let's find out!

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But first, because it's such a huge state, we've got to think about that if you're making plans. Maybe you want to get right to see our view of the prettiest Texas lake in a particular area? Then Choose It Now! 

Panhandle>
North TX>
East TX>
West TX>
South TX>

Otherwise, scroll on down to visit them all.

Even tell us: What you think is the Prettiest Lake in Texas>

Prettiest Lakes in Texas - The Panhandle!

Just driving through the Panhandle on I-40, you don't typically get an idea of seeing a pretty lake in this area. Every time we've been through Texas on this interstate, the wind is blowing, and it doesn't have much of an inviting look. The solution of course is to get off the freeway! Find out that this is one of the prettiest lakes in Texas!

LAKE MEREDITH - Huge lake formed from the Sanford Dam on the Canadian River. Many options for recreation & exploration. 

  • Sanford Recreation Area, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument & Lakes Recreation Area. 
  • 11 campgrounds - most no-hookup free sites (Reserve Hook-up sites). 
  • Hiking, picnicking, off-roading, boating & fishing, seasonal hunting, Ranger programs. 
  • Plus the history, like McBride Ranch! Why is it pretty?
two people in the distance standing on the shoreline of a large lakeTwo People Enjoying a Lake Meredith Viewpoint

Why Is Lake Meredith Among
The Prettiest Lakes in Texas?

  • Called a "hidden oasis" because it dips 200 ft. into Canadian River canyons
  • Diversity of flora: desert-biomes adjacent to wildflower pastures, cottonwood bottoms, mesquite meadows & shortgrass prairie, lakeside brush & more.
  • Awesomely stunning geological features like red-bed cliffsides, dolomite bouldered mesas, layered gypsum bluffs & petrified wood/fossils.
Flower with 5 petals surrounding the circular fluffed interior ball. With green narrow leaves, buds, and seed pods around its edge.Scarlet Globemallow fields Make a Gorgeous Lake Meredith Backdrop

DIRECTIONS: From the West, I-40 Exit 62B to S-Loop 335W. From the East, I-40 Exit 75, make right for N335/Lakeside Dr. Either Way, get Rt.87 North OR Hwy.136N. Depending on your plans, best to call 806-857-3151 or first stop at 419 E.Broadway, Fritch TX Park Headquarters.

PARK LAKE - In Childress, SE of Amarillo, from Hwy. 287, off Avenue I NW.

  • Very pretty town lake in a town park. Just like you'd want in a small town. 
  • But other amenities: Event Center, rodeo arena, swimming pool, disc golf, playgrounds, trails & picnicking. 
  • Even a reasonably priced RV Campground: 5 elec/water/table sites.2 
  • For another town lake for fishing: Scott Lake, take Main Street all the way South, go right to Park. 
lake with spraying fountain has a fence along the far shore, with trees and grass behind that.The Lake in Fair Park - Childress, TX

Prettiest Lakes in North Texas

LAKE GRANBURY - Southwest of Fort Worth, this prettiest of Texas lakes, is big like Texas. But small in home-town goodness!

With Brazos River waters, it's been created to give you fishing, swimming, boating & camping opportunities. Lots of stuff to do there, even get watercraft rentals.

And it's sure pretty to look at. See its sandy beach at the Granbury City Beach Park. 

sandy beach on a lake with people under beach umbrellas, and some swimming in the water. A few scattered palm trees, and a grassy area. A pier extends into the lake.Lake Granbury Swimming Beach - Cool Off Here!

About 1/2 hour from I-20 Exit 408/409 in Weatherford, take Hwy.171S, edge right, onto Hwy.51/Granbury Hwy.

CHAMPION CREEK RESERVOIR - Created from North & South Forks of Champion Creek, outflows as tributary to Texas Colorado River. Over 1100 acres for fishing/boating or swimming.

Best accessed from Fisher Park. About 8 miles south of Colorado City, in the Northwest part of the state.

Why is it pretty?

  • The lovely full bucket of fish you can catch!
  • The beautiful Western Sunset view.

Pretty Lakes in East Texas

LAKE RAVEN - Sits serenely inside Huntsville State Park. Off I-40 Exit 109.

Beautifully ringed with piney woods & wildflowers. Lilly pads adjacent to shore.

Yes, you could even spot a gator! Is that true in lots of watery spots of East Texas?

LAKE MURVAUL - With 3,397 surface acres, this is one of the prettiest lakes in Texas because of its countrified character.

Not so huge you're lost in it. But big enough to not be crowded in.

Great bass fishing, with its ongoing fish management methods. South of Longview & Marshal, Southwest of Carthage.

  • Satisfying family stuff to do. The marina (903-693-6562) rents kayaks & pedal boats. There's also a playground & swimming area.
  • Varied camping/stay options, from full Utility hook-ups, to tenting, to Cabins.
  • However, don't let it spoil any fun, but - Good To Know:

Prettiest Lakes in Central Texas

JOSHUA SPRINGS PARK & PRESERVE - 9-acre Lake for boating & fishing. Formed from Little Joshua Creek. Opens 7am.

Also hiking trails (including ADA), model airplane area, birding (help with census 8am alternating Tuesdays), fishing piers, picnicking, disc-golf, playground, & more.1

  • Described as tranquil, pretty, scenic & beautiful!
  • Near Nelson City, not far off I-10, north of Boerne, Exit 533. Turn left, follow FM 289, left entrance into park.

FORT PARKER LAKE - Wonderfully pretty lake surrounded by an excellent state park of the same name. Gorgeous tree-lined banks with awesome sunsets.

All kinds of camping, even cabins. Plus trails via foot or bicycle.

You'll love the boating (rentals available), & fishing (on the lake no license required!). They'll even loan you fish gear.

  • East of Waco, along Hwy.14 between Mexia & Groesbeck. 

BRADY CREEK RESERVOIR- About midway between Killeen & San Angelo, south off Hwy.87 on Rt.3022 & Fife St. to Lake Brady Park, the best access.

Beautifully wooded area, near Hill Country, finds this centrally located prettiest lake in Texas. 25 shoreline miles & 2020 surface acres.

dirt road leads to a lake with a tree-lined foreshoreBrady Lake

Camping - Tenting, RV sites/hookups, primitive sites, cabins & screened cabanas. Restrooms/showers. To reserve: 325-597-1823

Activities - Swimming, boating/water-skiing, fishing (bass, catfish, crappie), gun-range, picnicking. Marina & store facilities.

Prettiest Lakes in Texas Hill Country

LADY BIRD JOHNSON PARK RESERVOIR - This prettiest Fredericksburg Texas lake they've even called the town jewel.

It's got tons of offerings. The adjacent park provides it all.

  • Picnicking, playgrounds, sports fields & courts, pavilions, swimming in summertime.
  • Be sure to drive Lady Bird Dr. to not miss any options, like the Golf Course, Nature Center & Live Oak Wilderness Trail.
  • Camping at the RV Park

KERRVILLE LAKE3 - Made from waters of the Guadalupe River in Knapp Crossing Park, Kerrville.

Get those hungry fish at dawn right there. The boat ramp can get your non-motorized craft into the thick of it.

So pretty, the lakeside lined with trees.

Accessed from Rt.689/Bandera Hwy. Cross the bridge to the other side to Flatrock Park for swimming.

a block and rock sign stating a welcome to Kerrville in Texas, with a small waterfall flowing over the rocks in front

Loveliest Lakes in West Texas

BALMORHEA STATE PARK - You could easily overlook this small town. We've been here twice, each time a unique experience! Once in summer to this unique oasis. Once in winter, when we were ice/snow stranded!

car covered with snow and ice in a desert landscapeOur Car in the Hotel Parking Lot the a.m. - No RV on This Trip
We Stayed in a Balmorhea Hotel Overnight, When It Began Snowing Like Crazy on I-10!

What's It About?

  • It's a curiosity! 
  • They have a combo spring fed pool/lake/swimming hole/concrete swimming pool! 
  • You'll find a 2-acre cement-sided pool entraining San Soloman Spring waters. 
  • Step in, you'll walk on sand & some endemic water plants, among which fish swim. Ten native species including endangered Pecos mosquitofish & Comanche Springs pupfish.
  • Water so pristinely pretty! How unique. Try going underwater to observe: snorkel, swim. Look around. It's An Experience.
pool-like waters with walkways alongside and scattered trees around it. Mountains in the distant background.Balmorhea State Park's Oasis

LAKE NASWORTHY - This pretty lake in San Angelo has plenty you'll love. And love to look at! Maybe the prettiest lake in West Texas for scenic views!

Many surrounding areas to try your fishing luck, go boating or swimming. Even excellent campsites. 

sun going down in a clear sky over a lake with a pier near the foreshoreThe Prettiest Sunset Over Lake Nasworthy

Here are some camping ideas:

  • Spring Creek Marina4 offers boating boating ramp, picnicking & campsites. At the lake's west end's confluence at Middle Concho River to Spring Creek. 325-944-3850
  • Hot Water Slough Park4 on the northern side. A beautiful picnic area & playground. Free entry. Take Knickerbocker Road to Red Bluff Road.
  • Mary E.Lee Park5 on the southern shore. Nice sandy swimming beach, playground, picnicking, boat ramp/dock. Knickerbocker Rd. to Mary E.Lee Rd.
  • South Concho Park5 at the lake's southeastern inlet. Take Knickerbocker Rd. bridge over the lake, turn left into S.Concho Dr. Volleyball, playground, picnicking, boat ramp/dock. 8 acres along this prettiest lake in Texas!

Plus Where Else Can You Camp?

FIND SAN ANGELO CAMPING

footbridge over a river with scattered trees on its shore, and city buildings in the background.Along the Side Canals from Lake Nasworthy are Even More Parks
Like Spring Creek & Concho Park

SUCH PRETTY LAKE PARKS HERE

MIDDLE CONCHO PARK5 - Northwest of the lakeside.

Swimming beach, playground, volleyball/basketball, fishing, boating dock/ramp.

Knickerbocker Rd. to Red Bluff Rd., stay straight for Middle Concho Dr. to park. 325-657-4279.

SPRING CREEK PARK5 - At the lake confluence of Middle Concho River to Spring Creek.

Nice swimming beach, volleyball/basketball/horseshoes, playground. Marina with boating dock/ramp.

Knickerbocker to Spillway to Spring Creek Dr. to Fisherman's Rd. 325-657-4279.

PLUS - There are still more options nearby on another lakeshore.

  • O-C-Fisher Lake's campgrounds in San Angelo State Park (325-949-4757).

HIDE-AWAY LAKES

map showing the two hideaway lakes in Texas that are shaped like horseshoes

Rare West Texas Lake - This camping experience is in this pretty desert area.

In Tornillo, you'll arrive at two horse-shoe shaped artificially-created lakes, to give each campsite lakeside access.

Bait shop on-site. They charge to fish, & sites seem somewhat pricey. Since the spot is a bit of a rarity, may be worth it. Multi-day & senior/Sunday discounts.

Southeast of El Paso. 915-247-6695.

  • I-10 Exit 55, take Turnillo Rd./3380, make left on O-T-Smith Rd. into town. Make left on Alameda Ave., right on Hideaway Lake Rd., left on Hideaway Lakes to RV park/lake. 

Pretty Lakes in South Texas

CHOKE CANYON RESERVOIR - Prettiest lake in Texas, for its sunsets amidst the vegetation.

You'll love all the animal varieties you can see. But careful for the always hungry javelinas, and watch for alligators.

Access it from the State Park. It's best for camping, nature, hiking, and relaxing.

No swimming beach, but they don't prohibit it. Just saying, "at your own risk."

alligator resting along a lake bankA Gator Resting Up on Choke Canyon Lake's Shore

LAGUNA ATASCOSA - Spanish for muddy lagoon. This National Wildlife Refuge at the Southernmost part of Texas contains multiple types of wetland freshwater: from oxbow lakes (called resacas) to large & small ponds to tiny potholes of freshwater. All helping survival for wildlife. For instance: frogs, turtles, alligators & multiple bird species. What's so pretty?

Ocelot roaming at night on an island in a wildlife refugeThe Ocelot in its Texas Domain
  • Brackish water areas abut salt-prairie lands. View unique wildflowers like sea ox-eye daisy & sea lavender
  • Silt-clay dunes are characteristic of vegetation islands called lomas, about 36 feet high. Not found many places, but important to the cat here: the ocelot!
  • Four habitat genres get together here adding to its entry as one of the prettiest lake areas in Texas. Numerous trails take you through coastal, temperate, desert & subtropical landscapes.

Directions: I-2/I-69E to Harlingen, heading South on S.Commerce, left on Tyler. Continue on curve into E.Harrison/FM106. Continue FM106 while curving right onto Colorado Ave.

It becomes General Brant Rd./106. Turn left on Buena Vista Blvd. & left on Lake Side Dr. into the refuge.

What's Your Prettiest Lake in Texas?

What's your opinion? What do you think is the prettiest lake in Texas. After all, you don't have to agree with us! We want to hear what you think!

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