The Best Sailing Lakes In Texas
Lake Travis
From its sparkly blue waters to 271 miles of shoreline, all you have to do is take a glance at the map of Lake Travis to see how gorgeous it would be to sail on this majestic lake! Sitting on the Colorado River in central Texas, Lake Travis was formed during the construction of Mansfield Dam in 1942.
With a surface area of over 7,660 hectares, this lake offers you miles and miles of sailing. Its proximity to Austin, plenty of scenic shorelines, and charming surroundings make it hugely popular with sailors. Whether you're looking for a great place to explore, indulge in some fishing, or looking for sail camping, Lake Travis is quite charming and an ultimate sailing destination in Texas.
Lake Texoma
Of course, we've sailed in many lakes in Texoma and believe us; very few actually match Lake Texoma in terms of quality of winds, superb areas to explore, and the number of marinas available. As one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, Lake Texoma is so huge and gives you the chance to explore two states as it's located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma.
And given its size, don't be surprised if you come across those huge sails fluffing in the breezy winds as you sail around. The best part of this lake is that you're likely to find more sailboats than any other type of boat! What's more; Lake Texoma is also one of the best fishing lakes in Texas.
Lake Conroe
Running through the East Texas Piney Woods forests, Lake Conroe is located just an hour north of Houston. Covering approximately 21,000 acres, this is another superb sailing lake in Texas, especially for sailors looking to escape from the vibrant city lights. This gorgeous lake was created in 1973 as the reserve drinking water supply for Houston and is surrounded by beautiful houses, hills, and trees.
So if you've ever dreamt of sailing deep in the forest, Lake Conroe is the best place to make your dreams come true. Besides sailing, it's a great destination for fishing, skiing, swimming, golfing, and camping.
Possum Kingdom Lake
Located in a rugged canyon country, Possum Kingdom Lake is situated less than an hour north of Fort Worth. Sitting on the Brazos River, this marvelous lake is widely as home to the outstanding Hell's Gate cliffs but it's a great destination for sailors.
With a total surface area of nearly 8,000 hectares and an average depth of 37 feet, Possum Kingdom Lake offers you a perfect opportunity of sailing at the backdrop of the well-known natural cliffs that majestically line the south end of the lake. The clear waters also make it a great destination for scuba diving and fishing.
Lake Austin
You've probably explored Austin, the state capital of Texas but that's not enough and you won't be complete until after you sail on Lake Austin, which is a true gem of Austin! Unlike Lake Lady Bird, which prohibits motorized boating, Lake Austin offers you a great opportunity of sailing within the proximity of Downtown Austin.
Although most boats on Lake Austin are pontoon boats, this can be a good place to try a bowrider. Other than that, you can choose to indulge in a unique experience that comes with sailing on Lake Austin. You can hike up Mount Bonnell and you'll get an unmatched view of the bright-blue green water and the surrounding areas. Just don't forget to bring your camera with you.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Located in Deep East, Texas north of Beaumont, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a 463-kilometer lake and probably the largest inland lake in the Lone Star State. Created by the impounding Angelina River, the surroundings of the lake are so natural and offer you the opportunity of sailing at the stunning backdrop created by rolling hills.
The fact that the lake is located in a windy area makes it so perfect for sailing. If you want to change tact, you can indulge in some fishing or relax in one of the several marinas on the shorelines of this magnificent lake.
Lake Granbury
Situated 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Lake Granbury may look a bit narrow but is one of the best resort lake destinations on the Brazos River. While many sailors who are looking for wide-open waters may avoid Lake Granbury, it is still a great sailing destination for those looking for a low-key sailing adventure.
This lake is popular for fishing, sailing, water skiing, paddle boarding, and many more water activities. The lake is surrounded by five parks that offer access to the lake and are open throughout the year with no entry fees. So if you're in the city of Granbury and looking for a great place to enjoy some sailing, Lake Granbury will serve you just right.
Lewisville Lake
Situated in North Texas and an hour's drive from Dallas, Lewisville Lake is not only gorgeous but it's easily accessible for anyone who wants to sail and enjoy the winds while on the water. The lake covers a surface area of nearly 29,000 acres, which gives you wide open and crystal clear waters to enjoy sailing.
Whether you want to relax on the water or enjoy some fishing, keep in mind that boating and fishing are the most frequent activities at the lake and so you won't feel out of place. You can also enjoy hiking, camping, and biking at the parks than line the lake's shorelines.
Lake O' The Pines
Located in East Texas, Lake O' The Pines truly lives up to its name. This 18,700-acre lake is surrounded by piney woods, which makes the entire area even more attractive. This is perhaps why it's widely considered the best lake in East Texas.
As a boater, this lake will make you feel like you have the whole world for yourself and is a perfect example of why Texas is considered the best sailing destination not just in the country but in the whole world. This is a lake that makes you feel so far away from the hustle and bustle of dry land while still being near a big city.
Lake Amistad
Located along the Texas-Mexico border, Lake Amistad is a beautiful lake thanks to its spectacularly-deep canyon walls. This is a wildly unique desert oasis that offers plenty of boating and fishing activities.
While the entire place will take your breath away, this is a perfect place to sail. If you want to switch gears and engage in something else, you can choose to stay on your boat and view the ancient and majestic 4,000-year-old Native American rock art. The Lake's open waters, of course, make it one of the most family-friendly lakes in the region. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to engage in nature photography, scuba diving, bird watching, and many other enjoyable outdoor activities.
Eagle Mountain Lake
Located north of Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake is widely known for its splendor, challenging trails, and fishing adventures. However, it's one of the best sailing lakes in Texas; a hidden gem that has become so famous thanks to its wild party coves that are not hard to find. All you have to do is look for a cluster of boats and you'll most likely be in the company of other sailors.
You'll find gorgeous houses lining the east side of the lake but that shouldn't discourage you from your sailing activities as residents are very friendly and tend to let everyone mind his/her own business, albeit legally and morally.
Lake Grapevine
Located in the heart of Fort Worth, Lake Grapevine is an 8,000-acre lake that's surrounded by 8 parks that offers camping spots and beautiful hiking trails. This lake is home to some enjoyable water activities including sailing, boating, and other water sports.
With beautiful rolling shorelines, there's a reason why this lake is very popular with many holidaymakers. While it only has three marinas, accessing this lake is quite easy and is a great sailing destination in Texas if you're looking for an impressive but quiet place to enjoy your sailing. The lake is also home to various fish species, so you can do some fishing as long as you adhere to the statewide fishing regulations.
Lake LBJ
Starting in Austin and stretching more than 85 miles on the north, Lake Lyndon B. Johnson was formed in 1959. It is part of the Highland Lakes chain of seven lakes that start from Austin going to the northwest.
The lake is normally at a constant level, is 21 miles long, and has a maximum width of over 10,000 feet. These features not only make it a great sailing lake in Texas but the lake is also a unique destination for several water-related activities. Keep in mind that this lake is highly attractive and can easily get crowded, especially on the weekends so it's wise to choose your time perfectly.
Balmorhea Lake
Located within the Balmorhea State Park, Balmorhea Lake is one of those perfect sailing destinations that you can consider if you're looking for a quiet place that offers wide-open waters for sailing. This is a reservoir on the Sandia Creek and is located just 2 miles southeast of Downtown Balmorhea, Texas.
This lake draws its waters from the nearby San Solomon Springs, Toyah Creek, and Phantom Lake Canal. This means that there's always plenty of water at the lake, which is essential for sailing. The best part about sailing in Balmorhea Lake is the scenic mountain views that you get to enjoy while sailing. That's not all; this is home to one of the largest spring-fed pools in the world.
Cedar Creek Lake
With over 320 miles of shoreline and as the 4th largest lake in Texas, the Cedar Creek Lake is a great sailing destination in the Lone Star State. It's located just an hour away from Dallas in the southeast and is packed with lots of fun activities. Besides sailing, this is a haven for fishing and is great ground for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass.
The fact that this lake has 8 marinas makes it a lot easier to launch your boat. The deepest part of the lake measures 53 feet while the widest part of the lake is over 8.5 miles. In addition to its proximity to Dallas, Cedar Creek Lake is hugely popular with inland sailors in Texas as well as Dallas weekenders thanks to its gorgeous panoramic views.
There you have it; these are the 15 best sailing lakes in Texas. Have you ever sailed in any of these lakes? Did you enjoy it? And is there any lake that you thought should have made the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Until next time, happy sailing!
