Packed with rich cultural and historical sites, extensive wildlife parks & zoos, tropical botanical gardens, and vibrant nightlife, Dallas has got you covered with fun things to do. However, if you want to escape city life, a short drive to lakes near Dallas can give you exceptional outdoor activities and natural scenery.
Yes, the city of Lake Dallas, too, is rewarded with the most picturesque lakes and lush green surroundings, no less than a recreational heaven.
If you’re on the hunt for a quick dip in a lake, Browse our list of Lakes near Dallas for activities like swimming, fishing, and boating, and enjoy the tremendous naturalistic view of the stunning lakes in and around Dallas.
Lakes Around Dallas, Tx
1. White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake was built in 1910 to be Dallas’s water supply storage reservoir. It occupies approximately 1,015 acres of land and is located 5 miles from Downtown Dallas.
Why To Visit: White Rock Lake is ideal for visitors as it is beautiful, has hiking, kayaking, lots of wildlife, and is serene.
How to get there: White Rock Lake is just a few miles from downtown Dallas via the I-30 E exit for Lockwood, Skillman, or Garland roads. It usually takes approximately 10-15 minutes to get to the place by car if one is coming from downtown.
Opening hours: The opening hours are 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.
2. Lake Ray Hubbard
Formerly known as Forney Lake, Ray Hubbard Lake was made in 1968 and then was renamed Ray Hubbard in memory of the councilman of Dallas City.
Why To Visit: Come to Lake Ray Hubbard for boat and fishing, beautiful views of the water, and lovely places for eating in Rockwall Harbor.
How to get there: You can get to Lake Ray Hubbard using the I-30 E from Dallas in about 20 minutes. It is situated near Rockwall and Garland.
Opening hours: You can access Lake Ray Hubbard all the time.
3. Joe Pool Lake
It also took Joe Pool Lake a very long time to be referred to complete, and it took about 1989 for the lake to be deemed complete. It is an artificial water body developed for flood and water scarcity regulation and occupies an area of 7 740 Acres.
Why To Visit: Boating, fishing, and camping are also available at the Joe Pool Lake, which is surrounded by beautiful parks.
How to get there: Joe Pool Lake can be reached from Dallas through the I-20 W. The lake is located about a 30-minute drive southwest of the city of Grand Prairie and Cedar Hill.
Opening hours: You can visit the lake from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm in the night.
4. Lewisville Lake
The largest one, initially known as Lake Dallas, was even extended in 1954, and the name was altered to Lewisville Lake. Originally used for flood control and water storage, it is now a lake that occupies an area of more than 117,35 square kilometers.
Why To Visit: Fun activities like boating, fishing, and camping can be done at Lewisville Lake.
How to get there: Take I-35E N to Lewisville Lake, which lies about 30 minutes north of Dallas and near the city of Lewisville and Flower Mound.
Opening hours: The Lewisville Lake Park operates from as early as 6:00 am to as late as 10:00 pm.
5. Grapevine Lake
Famed for recreation, Grapevine Lake takes its size of 7280 acres and is northwest of Dallas. It was created in 1952 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood control purposes, and currently. This is one of the Dallas swimming area-like lakes consisting of parks and beautiful trails on its shore.
Why To Visit: Grapevine Lake Dallas provides recreational facilities like boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking Grounds. Thanks to its natural landscapes and neat parks, such as Meadowmere Park and Rockledge Park, where people can find a good place to stay.
How to Get There: Get to the Grapevine Lake through North Texas through the Texas State Highway 121 northwards. Then, join the Texas State Highway 114 westwards; it takes approximately 30 minutes northwest of downtown Dallas.
Opening Hours: Grapevine Lake is open 24 hours a day, while the individual parks and facilities are open from 6:00AM to 10:00 PM.
6. Lake Lavon
Lake Lavon in northeast Texas near the city of Dallas, was finished in 1953 as a Pretty Boys reservoir in the flood control importance and supply of water.
Why To Visit: Lake Lavon has beautiful parks, including Lavonia Park and East Fork Park, making it appropriate for boating, fishing, and camping activities.
How to Get There: To get to Lake Lavon, travel on US-75 N for about 40 minutes to the northeast of Dallas, and then take the exit for SH-78 N.
Opening Hours: Lake Lavon is an all-weather Lake since it runs round the clock For parks, they open at 6:00 am and close at 10:00 pm.
7. Bachman Lake
Highland Park is a nearby community to Bachman Lake and was constructed in 1903. The main purpose was to serve water to this community. It occupies only 205 acres and is among the oldest artificial lakes in the Dallas area.
Why to Visit: It has a 2.5-mile hike bike walking path, a few picnic tables, an observation deck, and fishing in Bachman Lake.
How to Get There: You can get to Bachman Lake by car through the I 35 N Dallas and then take the Mockingbird lay exit. It is located about fifteen minutes away from downtown Dallas.
Opening Hours: The Bachman Lake is an outdoor facility, and it is open all around the clock, while the recreation amenities have their designated operating time between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
8. Mountain Creek Lake
Mountain Creek Lake was formed in the southwest part of Dallas County in 1937. Its primary usage was as a cooling pond for the Mountain Creek Power Plant.
Why to Visit: Some activities enjoyed there include boat rides, fishing, and having a picnic at Mountain Creek Lake. The lake has beautiful views, ample space for games and other events, and proximity to trails for Trekking.
How to Get There: Road trip through I-30 W from Dallas and then the exit point is Mountain Creek Parkway. It sits approximately 20 minutes drive southwest of the city center.
Opening Hours: The lake is open all night, while park facilities are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
9. Lake Tawakoni
Tawakoni was constructed in 1960 and is situated 50 miles from Dallas and encompasses 37,879 acres of land. Originally established to provide water supply and flood control, it is also famous for being a very productive fishing lake that primarily caters to catfish and bass.
Why To Visit: Many fun activities are associated with Lake Tawakoni, especially fishing and other activities like boating and camping, among others.
How to Get There: Go to I-30 E to Dallas, then to TX-276 E, which is around 50 minutes’ drive northeast to Lake Tawakoni.
Opening Hours: Lake Tawakoni is open at all times, but park services are from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm each day.
10. Lake Fork
Lake Fork is the lake that was created in the year 1980 and the main aim of creating this lake was to supply water to the Dallas area.
Why To Visit: Lake Fork is famous for its superb bass fishing opportunities. However, it provides recreational facilities like boating, camping, and, of course, wonderful views.
How to Get There: The place is located in Texas and is about one hour and thirty minutes drive to the northeast of Dallas. Get there by driving to Lake Fork on US-69 N to TX-154 E.
Opening Hours: Operating hours for Lake Fork are 24 hours, while park operating hours are from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Conclusion
On this point, the lakes within the region, particularly within and around the Dallas area, are an essential part of the recreational life of the city’s population. One can appreciate the latter while fishing at White Rock Lake, boating, or hiking at Ray Hubbard or Lewisville Lake. They are all different as each of the sites provides a special experience, thus making the Dallas area a perfect place for lovers of the outdoors.