Discover the best lakes around Dallas for your next weekend adventure! Whether you’re craving a refreshing swim, a relaxing day of fishing, or an exciting boating trip, the Dallas-Fort Worth area offers a variety of beautiful lakes perfect for outdoor fun. From serene urban escapes just minutes from downtown Dallas to larger lakes a bit further out, these spots cater to all kinds of water enthusiasts. Plus, if you’re dreaming of a getaway with a lake house, you’ll find some great rental options to make your stay even more memorable.
With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That’s why we’ve rounded up 17 of the best lakes near Dallas for swimming, highlighting key activities like swimming, boating, fishing, golfing, and even where you can rent a lake house. Whether planning a family picnic, a fishing trip with friends, or a weekend retreat, this guide will help you find the perfect lakes around Dallas to fit your needs.
White Rock Lake has become a beloved urban oasis. It was created in 1911 as a reservoir to supply Dallas with fresh water. Just 5 miles from downtown Dallas, White Rock Lake offers a peaceful retreat with nearly 10 miles of scenic trails for biking and jogging. While swimming and motorised boating aren’t allowed to protect the environment, visitors enjoy kayaking and fishing in designated areas. The lake is perfect for nature lovers wanting a quick escape into the outdoors without leaving the city. It remains one of the most accessible lakes around Dallas for outdoor activities.
Activities: Kayaking, biking, birdwatching
Swim: ❌ Boat: ✔️ (Non-motorized only) Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ✔️
Built in 1903 as a water supply reservoir, Bachman Lake is a peaceful recreation area within Dallas city limits.
About 10 miles from Dallas, Bachman Lake offers calm waters ideal for paddleboarding and fishing. Swimming is prohibited, but the surrounding trails attract joggers and casual walkers. Picnic areas and open green spaces provide a relaxing atmosphere for families and individuals alike. As one of the quieter lakes around Dallas, it’s a great spot for easy, low-key outdoor fun close to home.
Activities: Fishing, jogging, and paddleboarding
Swim: ❌ Boat: ✔️ (Non-motorized only) Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Just 15 miles from downtown Dallas, Mountain Creek Lake is a quieter spot primarily for fishing and non-motorised boating like kayaking. Swimming isn’t allowed, but birdwatchers and anglers appreciate its peaceful environment. Though no lake houses for rent are available, it is a convenient choice for those seeking a tranquil natural experience close to the city.
Activities: Fishing, boating (non-motorised), birdwatching
Swim: ❌ Boat: ✔️ (Non-motorized only) Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Located 17.2 miles east of Dallas, Lake Ray Hubbard is known for excellent swimming areas, boating, and fishing. It’s also surrounded by several golf courses, offering diverse recreational options. A highlight of Lake Ray Hubbard is the availability of lake houses for rent, making it a top choice for weekend lakefront stays near the city. It’s a great spot for water lovers looking to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, and golfing
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ✔️ Lakehouse Rental: ✔️
Joe Pool Lake is a well-maintained reservoir approximately 19 miles from Dallas. It is popular for its clean swimming beaches and excellent fishing spots. Boating is also a common activity, with multiple ramps available. While lake house rentals aren’t available here, the lake offers plenty of opportunities for family day trips and outdoor adventures. It remains one of the favourite lakes near Dallas for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Activities: Swimming, fishing, boating
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Lewisville Lake is a large, popular reservoir known for its clear waters and sandy beaches, making it one of the best lakes near Dallas for swimming. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, and several nearby golf courses. The lake also offers many lake houses for rent, perfect for families and groups wanting a full weekend getaway. It’s an ideal destination for combining water sports and leisure, just a short drive from Dallas.
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ✔️ Lakehouse Rental: ✔️
Just 25 miles east of Dallas, Lake Ray Hubbard is a favourite spot for residents and visitors alike. It offers excellent swimming, boating, fishing, and nearby golfing facilities. The lake is surrounded by several communities with beautiful lake houses for rent near Dallas, providing perfect spots for weekend retreats. It’s an ideal location for those wanting to combine outdoor fun with comfortable lakeside living.
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ✔️ Lakehouse Rental: ✔️
About 29 miles northwest of Dallas, Grapevine Lake offers clear waters and plenty of space for boating, fishing, and swimming. Its extensive shoreline includes several parks and trails for hiking and picnics, making it a perfect spot for family outings and outdoor lovers. While lake houses for rent aren’t common here, the lake’s natural beauty and recreational options make it one of the popular lakes near Dallas for weekend adventures.
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ✔️ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
About 30 miles south of Dallas, Lake Waxahachie offers a serene swimming, fishing, and boating setting. It’s popular among locals for picnics and day trips, with well-maintained parks around the lake. While lake house rentals are not offered, its calm waters and natural surroundings make it a nice getaway among the lakes around Dallas.
Activities: Fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Lake Grapevine, about 30 miles northwest of Dallas, is surrounded by beautiful parks and the famous Grapevine Botanical Gardens. Swimming is not permitted, but boating and fishing are popular activities here. It offers scenic hiking trails along its shores, perfect for nature enthusiasts wanting a peaceful day near the water.
Activities: Hiking, boating, fishing
Swim: ❌ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Approximately 35 miles west of Dallas, Eagle Mountain Lake is a favourite for boating enthusiasts and anglers alike. The lake offers several swimming beaches and extensive hiking trails along its shores. Although lake house rentals are unavailable, it provides ample space for outdoor activities, making it one of the well-loved lakes near Dallas for weekend water fun.
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Located about 35 miles north of Dallas, Lake Lewisville is one of the largest lakes in the area. It offers various activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing nearby. It’s a popular destination for water sports and outdoor recreation. Importantly, Lake Lewisville also has lake houses for rent near Dallas, making it a great option for a relaxing weekend getaway by the water with easy access to the city.
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ✔️ Lakehouse Rental: ✔️
Approximately 50 miles northeast of Dallas, Lavon Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing, and camping enthusiasts. It has designated swimming areas and several boat ramps to explore the lake’s wide waters. While no lake house rentals are available, the lake is surrounded by camping sites and parks, ideal for a nature-focused weekend trip close to Dallas.
Activities: Boating, fishing, camping, swimming
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Located 58 miles east of Dallas, Lake Tawakoni is well known for its great fishing and boating opportunities. It also offers designated swimming areas and camping sites along the shoreline. Although lake houses for rent are not common here, the expansive water and quiet surroundings make it a favoured destination for weekend escapes from Dallas.
Activities: Fishing, boating, camping, swimming
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Roughly 60 miles north of Dallas, Lake Ray Roberts is a popular reservoir known for excellent fishing and boating. The lake features designated swimming beaches and several hiking trails through scenic natural areas. While lake house rentals are unavailable, it offers ample recreational activities and peaceful spots for day trips or camping near Dallas.
Activities: Fishing, boating, swimming, hiking
Swim: ✔️ Boat: ✔️ Fish: ✔️ Golf: ❌ Lakehouse Rental: ❌
Looking for a peaceful weekend escape without venturing too far from Dallas? Renting a lake house nearby offers the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor fun. Just a short drive from the city, these serene getaways provide the chance to unwind by calm waters, enjoy fresh air, and disconnect from the fast pace of urban life.
Some of the most sought-after lakes for rentals near Dallas include Lake Lewisville, Lake Ray Hubbard, and Lake Ray Roberts. Each location offers something special—Lake Lewisville is popular for boating and jet skiing, Lake Ray Hubbard boasts excellent waterfront dining and recreational areas, and Lake Ray Roberts is ideal for nature lovers looking for a quiet retreat.
Whether planning a family trip, a romantic weekend, or a solo recharge, lake houses around Dallas offer stunning views and plenty of activities like fishing, swimming, and hiking. With options ranging from cosy cabins to modern waterfront homes, you will find a perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature, just an hour or less from the city.
For the editorial or business inquiries, please, contact DFW editorial team: vendor@dallasfashionweek.org
© 2025 Dallas Fashion Week
