9 Largest Lakes in Texas

biggest Lake in Texas

What is the Largest Lake in Texas?

Have you ever wondered which are the biggest lakes in Texas? Well, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the nine largest lakes in Texas by surface area. From sprawling reservoirs to serene natural lakes, Texas has a variety of lakes to explore. So, let’s dive in and look at the nine largest lakes in Texas!

1. Toledo Bend Reservoir

Toledo Bend Reservoir is the largest lake in Texas, stretching across the Texas-Louisiana border. It is a massive 185,000 acres – 289 square miles, making the biggest in Texas and the fifth-largest man-made lake in the United States. The lake was created in 1969 when the Sabine River Authority of Texas and the Sabine River Authority of Louisiana constructed the Toledo Bend Dam.

Toledo Bend - Sabine River Authority of Texas

The lake is popular for its recreational activities, such as fishing, camping, and boating. The lake is known for its excellent fishing and is home to some of the largest bass in the state. The lake is also great for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Toledo Bend Reservoir is an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of Texas.

2. Sam Rayburn Reservoir

With a surface area of 114,500 acres, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the 2nd biggest lake in Texas. It is located in the eastern part of the state. Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest lake in Texas, covering an impressive 114,500 acres of land. Located in the east part of the state, it is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. The lake is named after Sam Rayburn, a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a part of the Angelina-Neches River Basin.

USACE and Jasper County provide recreation and safety improvements at Sam Rayburn Reservoir > Fort Worth District > News Releases

It was created in 1965 by constructing the Sam Rayburn Dam on the Angelina River. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, with largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish species. It is also home to wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds. The lake is also a popular destination for boaters, with plenty of marinas and boat ramps located around the lake.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful fishing trip or an exciting day on the lake, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day in Texas.

3. Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is the largest lake in Texas, located on the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma. Spanning an impressive 89,000 acres, it is the twelfth-largest lake in the United States. It is also the 3rd largest lake  Texas. Lake Texoma is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities.

Lake Texoma

It is home to many fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, and catfish. The lake is also known for its abundance of striped bass, which can be caught year-round. Additionally, the lake is home to several marinas, resorts, and campgrounds, making it an excellent spot for a weekend getaway. With its stunning views and abundant activities, Lake Texoma is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the great outdoors.

4. Lake Livingston

Lake Livingston is located in the East Texas Piney Woods region. It is a reservoir created by constructing the Livingston Dam on the Trinity River. The lake is approximately 83,000 acres and has over 450 miles of shoreline. It is the 4th biggest lake in Texas and the sixth-largest in the United States.

Lake Livingston State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. The lake is home to many fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie. It is also an excellent bird-watching spot, with various waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. Lake Livingston is a great place to spend time with family and friends, and it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular lakes in Texas.

5. Cedar Creek Lake

Cedar Creek Lake is one of the largest lakes in Texas, and it’s easy to see why. Cedar Creek Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers in the state’s northeast corner. With over 30,000 acres of surface area, the 5th largest lake in Texas offers plenty of room for fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities.

Aerial view of Cedar Creek Lake, 2] - The Portal to Texas History
image via texashistory.unt.edu

The lake is fed by several creeks and rivers and is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake also features several marinas, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a great place to spend a weekend or a week. Whether looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Cedar Creek Lake has something for everyone.

6. Lake Fork

Texas is home to some of the largest lakes in the United States, and Lake Fork is the largest. Located in East Texas, Lake Fork is a reservoir created in 1980 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Spanning over 27,000 acres, it is the 6th biggest lake in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. The lake is well known for its excellent fishing, and it is the home of the state’s record largemouth bass, which weighed in at 18.18 pounds.

Lake Fork - Sabine River Authority of Texas
Lake Fork; image via sratx.org

Lake Fork is also popular for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and camping. The lake is fed by the Sabine River and is stocked with various fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake is also home to various wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds. With its clear waters and abundant wildlife, Lake Fork is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of Texas.

7. Lake Conroe

Located just north of Houston, Lake Conroe is the 7th largest lake in Texas, with a surface area of 21,000 acres. It is also the deepest lake in Texas, reaching depths of up to 75 feet. Lake Conroe is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming and is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish.

Beaches – Lake Conroe
Lake Conroe; image via lake-conroe.org

Lake Conroe is also an excellent bird-watching spot, with waterfowl and shorebirds frequenting the lake. With its picturesque scenery and abundance of recreational activities, Lake Conroe is a great place to spend a day, or even a weekend, enjoying the beauty of Texas outdoors.

8. Lake O’ the Pines

Lake O’ the Pines is the 8th biggest lake in Texas, located in the state’s northeast corner. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping and a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The lake is over 18,000 acres in size and is surrounded by the Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place to take in the beauty of nature, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and clear blue waters.

Johnson Creek Camp, Lake O' The Pines - Recreation.gov
Lake O’ the Pines; image via recreation.gov

The lake is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. It is also an excellent spot for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds living in the area. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as trails for hiking and biking. Whether looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, Lake O’ the Pines is the perfect destination.

9. Lake Amistad

Lake Amistad is the 9th largest lake in Texas, covering 17,000 acres. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as the lake is home to a variety of species of birds, including the endangered black-capped vireo.

Aerial view of Lake Amistad, 3] - The Portal to Texas History
Lake Amistad; image via NBC 5/KXAS Photograph Collection (AR0847), University of North Texas Special Collections

The lake is also a great place to take in the stunning views of the Texas Hill Country. Lake Amistad is the perfect destination whether you’re looking for a relaxing place or adventure.

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