There are many iconic Texas destinations you can escape to for your spring break but for a body and soul-replenishing experience, which is what spring is all about, nothing beats a short vacation in a lakeside resort.
A Texas spring break would not be complete without taking a trip to the lake, taking a dip in cool invigorating water, boating, fishing, and camping together with great company. In this post, we look at some of the best Texas spring break lakes in 2021 where you can stay with your significant other, family, or alone and still have an unforgettable time.
The best Texas Spring Break Lakes in 2021 are:
- Lake Texoma
- Cedar Creek Lake
- Lake Sam Rayburn
- Lake Fork
- Toledo Bend
- Lake Palestine
- Possum Kingdom
- Lake Bridgeport
Texas lakeside destinations are famous for their endless range of fun activities for everyone in both spring and summer. Most of these lakes are man-made reservoirs created by damming large rivers to control floods or provide water to the state’s residents. The lakes are also home to local and migrating bird species. Some of the lakes in Texas are also surrounded by parkland, evergreen forests, and rolling hills.
Like other natural features in the Lone Star State, lakes in Texas come in large sizes. Some of the lakes in Texas such as Canyon Lake and Lake Travis have shorelines extending for hundreds of miles. The size of the lakes and the wide availability of different fish species have made Texas lakeside towns popular spring break destinations for fishing, swimming, and water sports.
Some of the man-made lakes such as Lake Texoma and Sam Rayburn Reservoir are reputed to be the best two bass fishing lakes in the whole of Texas. The sunny weather, tranquil environment, and picturesque landscapes have made Texas lakes a top spring break destination for both locals and visitors from different parts of the country.
If you are looking for the perfect spring break destination, the following Texas lakes are definitely worth considering for your upcoming vacation.
Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is located 80 miles north of Dallas City at the border of Texas and Oklahoma, precisely where the Red River meets Washita River.
As one of the largest lakes in Texas and the entire country, Lake Texoma is a popular destination for vacationers in spring and summer. Every year millions of people come to fish and spend quality time at Lake Texoma. Most people are attracted to the lake by the sheer size of the Red River.
Lake Texoma has a massive shoreline of 580 miles. It also boasts of 70 fish species including crappie, catfish, and bass which attract anglers from every corner of the country. The lake has previously produced record-breaking bass. There are also many marinas and boat ramps and boat rentals dotting the lake’s shoreline.
Besides fishing, Lake Texoma is also famous for water sports activities and boating. You and your family will definitely have a great time here windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, and many other exciting activities Lake Texoma has to offer.
If you are staying for more than a day, there are many camping sites and vacation rentals to choose from. Lake Texoma is, without a doubt, one of the best destinations for your next spring break.
Lake Texoma Spring Break Activities
Cedar Creek Lake
Located in Northern Texas 50 miles southeast of Dallas, Cedar Creek Lake is another popular spring break destination.
The reservoir is the 4th largest lake in the state of Texas with a 320-mile shoreline. It is actually a man-made lake built in 1964 to provide water to residents of Tarrant County. It is also among the few lakes in Texas where waterfront property owners can build their private boathouses close to the lake.
Cedar Creek Lake is famous for its great fishing thanks to its fish diversity. It has a self-sustaining population of different fish varieties including channel, blue, and flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and crappie.
The lake is also great for romantic getaways and spring break vacations. Dallas residents normally flock around the lake in spring and summer or whenever they need a change of scenery.
The lake is only an hour’s drive from the DFW Metroplex and offers gorgeous panoramic views, air shows, live music performances, and lots of fun activities for the family. There are many vacation rentals, campsites, and RV parks in the area.
Cedar Creek Lake Spring Break Activities
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Sam Rayburn Lake is a reservoir located in East Texas. It was opened in 1965 by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers as a dam project to prevent flooding of the Neches and Angelina Rivers and provide water to the local residents.
The lake lies at the center of East Texas pine forests which makes it an idyllic evergreen place to run to when you want to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of urban living during your spring break. The lake is also quite popular with anglers thanks to its overabundance of different fish species.
The reservoir covers over 110,000 acres with plenty of parks and public spaces. The 80 feet lake is home to a self-sustaining population of largemouth bass. It is no surprise why the locals claim that Sam Rayburn is the best bass fishing lake in Texas.
They even hold more than 300 fishing tournaments in the area every year. Besides bass fishing, the lake is a popular destination for camping, boating, water skiing, swimming, scenic drives, nature hikes, and mountain bike riding. It is another exciting option for your spring break getaway.
Lake Sam Rayburn Spring Break Activities
Lake Fork
Lake Fork is another Texas reservoir created by the Sabine River Authority in 1980 to control flooding of the Sabine River and provide water to the city of Dallas and its environs.
The lake is located 65 miles east of Dallas. It boasts of a long 315-mile shoreline although most of it is owned by private individuals. However, there are many vacation rentals and cabins along the shore.
Lake Fork is known for trophy fishing in Texas and the rest of the world. Of the top 15 largest largemouth bass found in Texas, fifteen have been fished from Lake Fork. Besides largemouth, the lake has a healthy population of crappie, catfish, sunfish, bowfin, bluegill, and gar just to mention a few.
Lake Fork is also known for boating adventures, shopping in local antique shops for souvenirs, and the educational Southwest Dairy Museum in Sulphur Springs. It is an idyllic spring break destination whether you are a fishing fan or not.
Lake Fork Spring Break Activities
Toledo Bend Lake
Toledo Bend Lake is another large reservoir located on the border between Texas and Louisiana on the Sabine River. The river flows in both Louisiana and Texas. Toledo Bend Lake is the largest reservoir in the south.
It was opened by the Sabine River Authority in 1969 as a project to dam the Sabine River flooding. The lake has over 1,200 miles of shoreline and provides a scenic location for recreation. It is surrounded by pine trees and green rolling hills.
Toledo Bend Lake is famous for its sandy beaches where you can spend quality time with family picnicking, swimming, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing as you soak in the sun. The lake has calm water perfect for boating although you have to ensure that you stay within the stipulated boat lanes to avoid collision with tree stumps left behind when the reservoir was constructed.
If you love fishing, you’ll have a great time here fishing for different types of fish including catfish, striped bass, and bluegill. The best time for fishing is during spring and autumn. There are also plenty of fun activities in Toledo Bend Lake such as the MTM Mud Truck Madness and Music Festival.
This is an annual event held on Easter weekend featuring modified cars and ATVs racing on muddy inclines and a weekend of live entertainment. You will definitely have plenty of fun on your spring break at Toledo Bend Lake.
Toledo Bend Spring Break Activities
Lake Palestine
Lake Palestine is found in Tyler in the hilly part of East Texas. It is the largest lake in the Tyler region, which enjoys mild winter weather and a perfect spring climate.
The lake is a popular tourist destination all year round. It has a lot of activities for everyone such as water sports, biking, fishing, and other laid-back activities like canoeing, boating, biking, and hiking.
Houseboating is another popular activity that is unique to Lake Palestine. The area has plenty of accommodation options for visitors including campgrounds, vacation rentals, luxury resorts, motels, B&Bs, and RV parks. There are several boat rentals too.
Most campgrounds have boat launch ramps and docks where are you can dock your boat. If you are looking for a unique Texas lake destination for your spring break, Lake Tyler is a good option to consider.
Lake Palestine Spring Break Activities
PK Lake
The Possum Kingdom Lake or PK Lake is located an hour west of the Fort Worth metropolitan area in Dallas. The lake is surrounded by the Possum Kingdom State Park, a 1,500-acre state park built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940s.
PK Lake boasts of miles of shoreline and clear blue water ideal for scuba diving and other underwater activities. It is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at PK Lake. You can fish from the pier, from your own boat, or even from a canoe that you can easily rent at the park’s marina. You’ll definitely have a good time catching a wide range of fish species including largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, catfish, and white crappie.
The Possum Kingdom State Park provides a wide range of exciting activities to keep you occupied on your spring break. You can spend time on the water exploring the lake’s inlets and coves or take a hike to enjoy the beautiful views of the area. The lake is also famous for natural cliff features that line the southern part of the reservoir.
At the marina, you can rent water skis, tubes, kneeboards, and wakeboards. There are plenty of accommodation options around the lake including air-conditioned cabins, vacation rentals, and camping sites.
Lake Bridgeport
Lake Bridgeport is another reservoir built in 1932 to dam the Trinity River’s western fork. The lake provides flood control and water for irrigation in the surrounding areas.
It is also a popular recreational lake in this region. One of the most popular sports around Lake Bridgeport is game fishing. Anglers flock to the lake to catch sand and largemouth bass, sunfish, and crappie.
Located on the northern shores of Lake Bridgeport is the Wise County Park which provides visitors with picnic facilities, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and public restrooms. The lake has clear and clean water ideal for jet skiing, swimming, boating, and fun water sports.
There are several boat ramps and marinas along the lake’s 170 miles of shoreline. You can even rent a boat from one of the many rental agencies in the area.
If you love playing golf, there is the Bridgeport Country Club which has a nine-hole golf course, and the RB Golf Club and Resort which also boasts of an excellent golf course and other amenities such as a pro shop, clubhouse, driving range, and much more.
Lake Bridgeport Spring Break Activities
Final Thoughts on Spring Break for 2021
If you are looking for the best Texas spring break lakes in 2021, you won’t go wrong with any of the destinations mentioned above. Other popular options to consider include Lake Bob Sandlin in Northeastern Texas and Lake LBJ near Austin.
East Texas has a dense concentration of beautiful lakes with unique landscapes such as Lake O’ the Pines and Caddo Lake. The Central Texas highlands region is home to five lakes along the Colorado River including the famous Lady Bird Lake.
All these massive reservoirs provide great opportunities for fishing, boating, water sports, camping, picnicking, scenic views of rolling hills and pine forests, and a wide range of family-friendly activities.
The lakes have clear water that’s perfect for scuba diving and other underwater activities. Best of all, you’ll find ample accommodation around the lakes.
They all have safe campgrounds, vacation rentals, RV parks, and cabins for visitors coming for a short or long spring break visit.
As we look forward to the complete reopening of the world, take time to plan your spring break in an idyllic less crowded Texas lake region this year.
