It’s no secret that Texas is known for its warm weather. With 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s no better way to cool down and relax than at a lake. Despite Texas having a dryer climate, there is a wide variety of different lakes throughout the state. Varying in size and recreation activities, the lake destinations are endless! Whether it’s right around the corner or a weekend getaway, here is a list of ten Texas lakes that you should explore.

1. White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake is a prime spot for numerous activities, such as running, hiking, birdwatching, paddle boarding (on-site rentals available), and fishing. This smaller city reservoir is located in the heart of downtown Dallas, making it great day trip option for cooling off and relaxing. White Rock Lake is about a 40-minute drive from Wildcat Ranch.

2. Lake Lewisville

As one of the largest lakes in north Texas, there are countless recreation options here. Lake Lewisville is great for fishing, water skiing, swimming, and boating. There are even plenty of nice beaches to relax on and hiking and biking trails to explore. This lake is conveniently located just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is only an hour away from Wildcat Ranch: perfect for a day trip!

3. Eagle Mountain Lake

Eagle Mountain Lake is another popular lake outside of Fort Worth. It is largely known for its boating activities as it’s home to the historical Fort Worth Boat Club. Aside from boating and water activities, Eagle Mountain Lake also offers numerous surrounding lakes with stunning hiking trails. This location is another great day trip spot and is just over an hour drive away from Crandall.

4. Lake Granbury

Lake Granbury is a long, narrow reservoir near Granbury, Texas with over a hundred miles of shoreline. This is a popular spot for all sorts of lake activities from fishing at one of the many public fishing piers to spending the day on the water on a boat, kayak, jet ski, or a paddleboard! With many camping spots available, Lake Granbury is perfect for a weekend trip or a day trip being just 90 minutes from Crandall.

5. Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is a larger lake that is perfect for all types of water recreation. It is surrounded by marinas, campgrounds, parks, and wildlife refuges. Located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, making it approximately two hours from Wildcat Ranch— perfect for a weekend, or even a day trip!

6. Lake O’the Pines

This is one of the most beautiful lakes of East Texas as it is surrounded by sky-high pine trees. One of the best ways to explore Lake O’the Pines is by boat and has numerous boat ramps available. This lake is also popular for its elaborate fishery that contains several bass species, catfish, crappie, and sunfish! While this lake is only a little over a two-hour drive from Wildcat, it is recommended for an overnight camping trip because the night sky through the pines is unlike any other!

7. Possum Kingdom Lake

Another larger lake that is perfect for a wide variety of recreation activities, such as swimming, boating, water skiing, and even scuba diving and snorkeling! There are also great spots for hiking and picnicking too. Possum Kingdom Lake is located west of Fort Worth and is about a three-hour drive from Wildcat Ranch.

8. Lake Austin

Lake Austin is a reservoir that is actually a part of the Colorado River. This relaxed lake is popular among the locals and is known for its fishing and boating, as it is largely populated with bass fish. Boat rentals are available for reservation if you do not have your own. Located just outside Austin, Lake Austin is roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Wildcat.

9. Inks Lake

Inks Lake is a part of the relaxing Inks Lake State Park. It offers over 200 camping spots and a variety of water activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, northwest of Austin, Inks Lake is perfect for a weekend camping trip and is about a 3.5-hour drive from Wildcat.

10. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a unique river-like reservoir located in the heart of Austin. It offers a wide variety of activities and some of the most popular things to do are kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. The lake also offers hiking and biking with a 10-mile long trail! As this lake is down in Austin, it makes for the perfect weekend trip.

Whether you’re there for a day or weekend, these lakes are the perfect place for families to unwind and make memories. Located driving distance from these beautiful lakes, Wildcat Ranch is a new hometown community in Kaufman County. Its impressive Amenity Center offers parks, a Fitness Center, an expansive pool, tot lot and more, there is something for everyone. Let your furry friends run in the two dog parks. Miles of walking and biking trails weave through the neighborhood. There is even a brand-new school, Noble Reed Elementary, within walking distance of the homes.

Build your dream home by choosing from floorplans hand crafted to your needs. Select one of three Award-Winning Home Builders to construct your home; Beazer Homes, Express Homes, and Lennar Homes. The Model Row Village is now open to tour! Stop by the community at 1000 Wildcat Trail, Crandall, TX 75114 to take a tour, or contact us for more information. Visit WildcatRanchTexas.com or call 214.466.8144 to discover “Life On Your Terms” at Wildcat Ranch.