Dallas 10 Best Lakes
Both locals and visitors from other states love Dallas for various reasons, including its vibrant arts district, thriving music scene, distinctive cultural events, and much more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with amazing Dallas 10 best lake retreats to pick from if you hear the call of the wild while you’re in the area. In this area of Texas, a waterfront oasis is never far away!
Some of the country’s most stunning lakes and reservoirs, such as Lewisville Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, and White Rock Lake, are located in the Dallas region. Most are ideal for day trips because they’re only an hour and a half’s drive from the city as there are more than 60 lakes but we are covering Dallas 10 best lakes which are about 1-hour drive from the city centre.
Leading lakes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Vicinity
There are many lovely lakes and reservoirs in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Which one, however, would you pick for the ideal relaxing day? These are a handful of the area’s most well-known lakes.
We’ve gone into much more detail on each of these in our article below, along with another 10 stunning lakes around the Dallas-Fort area.
| Lake | Travel time from Dallas | Drive Time |
| White Rock Lake | 8 miles | 15 minutes |
| Lake Ray Hubbard | 18 miles | 20 minutes |
| Lavon Lake | 45 miles | 50 minutes |
| Benbrook Lake | 50 miles | 55 minutes |
So continue reading for a recap of the most enjoyable parts of each lake, directions from Dallas, and all the information you need for an amazing day there.
The 10 best lakes in Dallas within an hour’s drive
1. Texas’s White Rock Lake
8 miles and -15 minutes from Dallas
Reasons for heading there: Rowing has historically been the most popular sport in White Rock Lake, which has made White Rock Dam a popular destination for tourists and Dallas residents alike for leisure and recreation. You don’t need to search far for a place to row because the lake hosts numerous yearly races, including the White Rock Marathon, a historic boathouse, numerous boat-loading decks, and other attractions.
How to get there: Only fifteen minutes from the city center, White Rock Lake is perfectly situated in the middle of Dallas. To get to White Rock Lake, just head east on Interstate 30 and take the White Rock Road exit.
covering 1,254 acres in east Dallas, this area was formerly agricultural land before the construction of the lake as a municipal water supply. In addition, the lake is a popular destination for sailing clubs; the official White Rock Boat Club was established in the 1960s. The variety of exotic birds, mammals, and insects that live here will amaze you.
Bonus: One of Dallas’ most well-known urban legends, the story of the Lady of White Rock Lake, originated in White Rock Lake Park. There is a myth of a pale spirit of a young woman who drowns in a lake and comes back to earth as a ghost, dwelling in and around the lake.
Hours of Operation: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Kindly contact ahead for any daily modifications to these hours
2. Lake Ray Hubbard, Texas
Dallas is 20 minutes away (18 miles)
Reasons to go there: A great place to spend a day away from the bustle of the city is Lake Ray Hubbard, a lovely lake. If you’d want to spend the night near the lake, there are plenty of resorts and campers in the region.
Less than thirty minutes separate the center of Dallas from Lake Ray Hubbard, one of the largest lakes in north Texas. This enormous 22,000-acre lake, which takes its water from the East Fork Trinity River, evolved as a result of the construction of the Rockwall-Forney Dam.
How to get there: Drive Interstate 30 East until the exit onto Lake Hubbard Parkway to find this stunning lake. The route passes the lake via a bridge, as do several other state routes.
A few of the area’s notable attractions are Sapphire Bay Marina, Heath Golf and Yacht Club, an ideal 18-hole course with stunning views of the lake and beyond, Rockwall Harbor, an entertainment complex with scenic pathways and live music, and more. Rockwall Harbor is open from 7 am to 10 pm. The Rowlett Wet Zone, an ample water park with lots of slides, attractions, and play areas, sits right next to the lake.
Lake Ray Hubbard is a fantastic location for exploration, boating, sailing, and fishing (rare species like blue catfish and hybrid striped bass can be found there, etc
3. Joe Pool Lake, Texas
20 miles and 25 minutes from Dallas
Reasons to go there: Joe Pool Lake is a freshwater impoundment spanning 7,400 acres that has steadily gained popularity as a recreational spot among locals and visitors. It’s a great place to take in the lake’s landscape because it has boat ramps, picnic tables, volleyball courts, wide beaches, and a lot of lakefront dining options. You may also camp there overnight.
The lake itself is stunning, but it’s also surrounded by Cedar Hill State Park, which spans almost 2,000 acres and is home to a mountain bike trail, a fishing barge, and many hiking and walking trails; Loyd Park offers a boat dock, a track suitable for riders, a softball field, and other attractions.
How to get there: Joe Pool Lake is about a 20-mile drive from Dallas, though the exact distance may differ based on where you live or are visiting. Take Interstate 30 West to get to Joe Pool Lake. To get to your location, you’ll then proceed along Belt Line Road and other local routes.
This lake, which gets its name from former district representative Joe Pool, is primarily fed by Walnut Creek and Mountain Creek and drains into Mountain Creek Lake. One of the main attractions in the area is Lynn Creek Park, which is located on the northwest corner of the lake and is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Other parks that are open 24 hours a day are Loyd Park and Cedar Hill State Park.
Bonus: If you want to take your trip to the next level, you can camp in Cedar Hill State Park or Loyd State Park during the summer.
4. Lake Arlington, Texas
Dallas is 30 minutes away (27 miles)
Why you should go: Lake Arlington, which is near Fort Worth, is a great place to go fishing if you’re looking for a top spot. On this lake, you may also engage in thrilling water sports like jet skiing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing (the Lake Arlington Paddling Trail is the first of its type in Dallas-Fort Worth)
How to travel there: Heading from Dallas, take Interstate 30 West and you’ll pass by Trammell Crow Park, Stevens Park Golf Course, Six Flags Over Texas, and other nearby attractions in only thirty minutes.
Lake Arlington offers a variety of activities, scenic views, and more, making it the ideal day trip destination for people of all ages, from thrill-seekers to those seeking relaxation. The lake is home to rare species of black bass, hybrid stripers, crappie, and catfish, which is good news for anglers.
Many parks border the lake, including Eugene McCray Park, Richard Simpsons Park, and Bowman Springs Park (which spans 14 acres and features picnic tables with views of the lake, a pier, and boat ramps). Additionally, a golf game featuring a view of the stunning Lake Arlington Golf Course can be played.
Bonus: When it was finished in 1957, it was dubbed the “Miracle Lake” since it filled up to capacity in less than a month as opposed to the two years that was expected.
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
5. Grapevine Lake, Texas
30 miles and 35 minutes from Dallas
The reasons for visiting: Northwest of Dallas is Grapevine Lake, a popular destination for boating, hiking, camping, and fishing, among other activities. This stunning lake, which spans 7,280 acres in North Texas, is surrounded by numerous parks and tourists.
How to get there: Texas 114 TEXpress leads to this lovely park, which is a perfect destination to spend a weekend getaway. The drive from the city takes about forty minutes.
Grapevine Lake was created in 1952 as a result of a dam being built in Denton Creek, a tributary of the Trinity River. It serves as a reservoir for water and a means of controlling floods. Aside from that, it has developed into a popular destination for recreation since its creation.
Among the noteworthy parks in the vicinity are Murrell Park, which is well-known for a variety of hiking trails, Trophy Club Park, McPherson Slough Park, Rockledge Park (open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.), and more. The Meadowmere Campgrounds, Meadowmere Park Pavilion, Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, Whozone at Grapevine (a floating water park), and other attractions are nearby.
Lake Grapevine is a terrific destination to spend a day trip from Dallas. It’s a great place for adventurous sports, camping (tent or RV choices available), or picnics with a great view of the surrounding mountains and water.
6. Lewisville Lake, Texas
38 miles and 40 minutes from Dallas
Reasons to go there: During the summer, Lewisville Lake is a well-liked attraction, particularly for its three marinas and the restaurants surrounding its shore. At the lake, you may go jet skiing or boating, participate in a fishing competition, camp nearby for the ultimate outdoor experience, or hang out at Party Cove, a group of boats featuring live entertainment, food, and beverages.
How to get there: Lewisville Lake is less than an hour away. To get there, simply follow Interstate 35 East until you cross the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge, which crosses the lake and offers wide scenery of the countryside.
This artificial lake in Denton County was formerly known as the Garza-Little Elm Reservoir or Lake Dallas. Over a vast expanse of 29,592 acres, it was constructed as a means of mitigating flooding and serving as a water supply. Over time, It has become a well-known tourist destination.
The lake is surrounded by a variety of scenic areas, such as Willow Grove Park (open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Westlake Park, Lake Park Swimming Beach, and Wynnwood Park (open 6:30 am to 10 pm), Cottonwood Park, Hidden Cove Park, and more.
Bonus: Remember that Lewisville Lake is home to what is thought to be the greatest crocodile population in all of Texas!
Operating Hours: March-September: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; October-February: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m
7. Lake Worth, Texas
40 minutes from Dallas (45 miles)
Reason to go there: Lake Worth is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, and fishing. It is situated on the West Fork of the Trinity River. Situated about 45 miles from Dallas, this reservoir is little yet attractive nonetheless.
How to get there: The Texas 121 TEXpress is the most straightforward route to take to travel to Lake Worth. You may also use a few local roads to get there.
While it is not advised to swim in Lake Worth, you can still enjoy your vacation while taking in the breathtaking scenery from one of the many walks in the surrounding parks.
Lake Worth Beach, Marion Sansom Park, Camp Joy Park (open 5 am to 11:30 pm), Greer Island, Love Circle Park (open 24 hours), and Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (a 3,000-acre wildlife conservation area home to alligators, deer, and several bird species) are some of the nearby attractions.
Burger’s Lake is a 30-acre park in Lake Worth that features a spring-fed swimming area that’s ideal for relaxing or trying out some basic water sports.
Bonus: It’s thought that a massive creature that resembles a cross between a goat and a fish formerly resided in Lake Worth. One name for it is the “Lake Worth Monster”
8. Lavon Lake, Texas
50 minutes from Dallas (45 miles)
The reasons for visiting: Lavon Lake, which is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Dallas, is among the greatest lakes on the list due to the abundance of things to do, which includes some excellent boating and fishing options.
How to get there: Tickey Creek Park, which is regarded as the lake’s entrance, may be reached by using local routes after driving on US Route 75 North until you leave Plano.
When Lavon Dam was built, the East Fork of the Trinity River was impounded, creating this freshwater reservoir. The lake is home to several notable fish species, including crappie, largemouth bass, and blue catfish.
Around the lake are also several Army Corps of Engineers-managed parks, including Sister Grove Park (6 am to 9 pm), Twin Groves Park (open 24 hours), Lavonia Park (10 am to 8:30 pm), Brookdale Park, and Collin Park (8 am to 8 pm). One of the most amazing aspects of the lake is Fantasy Island, a park situated on an island encircled by water that offers excellent views of the surrounding scenery, particularly at sunset in the fall!
The lake is a fantastic location for an overnight escape because it is also home to several RV Parks and camping areas that are spread out over the area. All of these facilities offer all the essentials and outstanding views.
9. Eagle Mountain Lake, Texas
50 minutes from Dallas (50 miles)
The reason for visiting: Eagle Mountain Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Dallas-Fort Worth. In addition to having a perfect lake, the surrounding hills and peaks give the area a picture-perfect quality. You can go fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, boating, or hiking on one of the trails in the nearby parks to make the most of the area.
How to get there: From the center of Dallas, go along several state highways, most notably Texas 121 TEXpress, until you reach Boat Club Road, which will take you to Eagle Mountain Lake, which is stretched across 8,700 acres.
The most prominent park close to the lake is Twin Points Park, which is accessible from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and features several picnic tables, paddleboard rentals, and well-thought-out self-guided hiking trails.
A rental with a large porch, a BBQ grill, and—most importantly—a view of the lake is essential if you’d like to spend the weekend away from the city with friends and family. The lake is particularly well-known for its famous lake houses.
Bonus: Before starting your drive back to the city, you can schedule a day of lake activities and stop for lunch at Sammy’s on the lake to refuel.
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
10. Benbrook Lake, Texas
55 minutes from Dallas (50 miles)
The reasons for visiting: Benbrook Lake, which is surrounded by the Benbrook Dam and is less than an hour’s drive from the city center, is a great place to get away from the bustle of the city.
There are various activities to enjoy Benbrook’s breathtaking scenery, including boating, hiking, fishing, bird viewing, camping, and hunting (with the necessary permits).
How to get there: Interstate 35 East is the quickest way to get from Dallas to Benbrook Lake, and it will take even less time if you travel early in the morning.
Benbrook Lake covers 3,770 acres and is well-known for its scenic landscape, including its hills, valleys, and meadows. There are many sites to explore and amazing views to take in.
Since the lake has had its fair share of renovation and floods, some routes may be closed for maintenance.
The lake is bordered by several distinctive parks and campgrounds, including the North Holiday Park (open from 6 am, the finest place to see the area and lake), Mustang Park, Bear Creek Campground, South Holiday Park, and Rocky Creek Park. You can also enjoy a gorgeous round of golf at Pecan Valley Park, followed by a meal at the clubhouse viewing the lake.
Operating Hours: 7:30 am-9:00 pm (April-September), 24 hours (rest of the year)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the largest lake in Dallas?
White Rock Lake is the largest urban lake in the Dallas and the United States.
How many lakes are around Dallas?
There are nearly 60 lakes and reservoirs around Dallas.
What is the best lake near Dallas for vacation?
The greatest place to go on vacation is Lake Lavon, which has 16 parks, 244 picnic areas, nine boat ramps, and five campsites.
Can I swim in White Rock Lake Dallas?
White Rock Lake prohibits swimming, however, boating is a common activity there.
Is White Rock Lake free?
There are lots of free activities and places to explore around White Rock Lake. A couple are picnic areas a dog park, and trails.
Does White Rock have a beach?
There are numerous routes to access the beach and attractions along White Rock’s travel, which stretches nearly the whole length of the beach.
For more information on parks near Dallas Fort, you can visit the site https://www.llela.org/
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