Luther LarryTexas is known for its diverse and unique geography. From the rolling hills of the Hill Country to the coastal plains of the Gulf of Mexico, Texas is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. One of the lesser known, yet equally impressive, features of Texas is its numerous small lakes.
While they may not be as famous as the larger lakes like Lake Buchanan or Lake Texoma, these smaller lakes offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a more intimate setting. In this article, we will explore some of the smallest lakes in Texas, discussing their unique characteristics and the opportunities they provide.
Texas is home to over 600 lakes, both large and small. Of these, some of the smallest lakes in the state can be found scattered across the countryside. These lakes range in size from less than an acre to over one hundred acres and offer a wide variety of recreational activities.
Small lakes are often surrounded by lush vegetation and are excellent for fishing, bird-watching, swimming, and kayaking. Some of the smallest lakes in Texas include Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Bridgeport, and Lake Palestine. Each of these lakes offers a unique and beautiful setting for outdoor recreation.
12 Small Lakes In Texas (2024)
1. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a 6,400-acre reservoir located in Wichita and Clay Counties in Texas. It is a popular recreation area for swimming, boating, fishing and camping. The lake is fed by the Wichita River and is home to many species of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons. The lake is also known for its abundance of bass, crappie and catfish.
2. Lake Medina
Lake Medina is a 4,200-acre reservoir located in Bandera and Medina Counties in Texas. It is the largest natural lake in the state and is a great spot for fishing, camping, and swimming. The lake is filled with largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish, as well as a variety of other fish.
3. Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake is a 25,400-acre lake located on the Texas and Louisiana border. The lake is popular for its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. It is also known for its abundance of cypress trees and its abundant wildlife population, including turtles, alligators, and a variety of birds.
4. Lake Ray Roberts
Lake Ray Roberts is a 29,000-acre reservoir located in Denton County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, camping, and swimming opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
5. Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is a 89,000-acre reservoir located on the Texas and Oklahoma border. It is popular for its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
6. Lake Travis
Lake Travis is a 18,930-acre reservoir located in Travis County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
7. Lake Lewisville
Lake Lewisville is a 29,000-acre reservoir located in Denton County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
8. Lake Livingston
Lake Livingston is a 83,000-acre reservoir located in Polk and San Jacinto Counties in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, camping, and boating opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
9. Lake Austin
Lake Austin is a 4,500-acre reservoir located in Travis County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
10. Lake Waco
Lake Waco is a 3,400-acre reservoir located in McLennan County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, camping, and swimming opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
11. Lake Possum Kingdom
Lake Possum Kingdom is a 15,588-acre reservoir located in Palo Pinto County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
12. Choke Canyon Reservoir
Choke Canyon Reservoir is a 28,000-acre reservoir located in Live Oak County in Texas. It is popular for its fishing, camping, and swimming opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
Conclusion
The smallest lakes in Texas are often overlooked but they provide a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike. From fishing to swimming and kayaking, there is something for everyone. There are a variety of smaller lakes in the state, ranging from just a few acres in size to tens of acres. Some of the most popular small lakes are located in East Texas, near the Gulf of Mexico.
These lakes offer some of the best fishing in the state and provide a beautiful setting for a relaxing day outdoors. The small lakes of Texas offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience nature and natural beauty in a way that is not found anywhere else.
No matter the size, Texas has a wide variety of small lakes that are perfect for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the outdoors. Some of the more popular lakes in the state include Richland Chambers Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Conroe, and Lake Nacogdoches. These lakes range in size from just a few acres to tens of acres, offering something for everyone.
All of these lakes offer excellent fishing, with a variety of species including bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Additionally, many of these lakes are surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making them perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
The small lakes of Texas offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. From fishing to swimming and kayaking, these lakes provide something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are looking for a quiet day out on the water or a lively day of fishing, the small lakes of Texas are the perfect place to visit. With a variety of sizes and species, the small lakes of Texas offer a unique and beautiful experience that can’t be found anywhere else.