Swimming
What would a Texas lake vacation be without actually diving into a lake? One of the most beautiful places to be underwater in Texas is in Possum Kingdom Lake near Graham (Dallas area). Eighty-foot rock walls jut out of the water, which is so clear in the spring that you can see between 10 feet and 30 feet below. If Possum Kingdom Lake is too far north for you, try Inks Lake near Burnet. With many swimming areas that are easy to access, you might like it so much you decide to stay overnight and camp.
Fishing
Is reeling in a bass is bliss for you? Then check out the Sam Rayburn Reservoir near Jasper. Each year, there are more than 300 fishing tournaments held at the reservoir, so you’re sure to find some friendly competition. If you just want to be alone with your rod and reel on your Texas lake vacation, try the Toledo Bend Reservoir near Milam (East Texas). Nestled in the Piney Woods, this place is all about peaceful.
Boating
Canyon Lake, near New Braunfels, is one of the lakes of Texas you’ll love when you want to get your boat out on the water. But if you don’t own a boat and you live near Dallas, you can rent one at Joe Pool Marina on Joe Pool Lake. A favorite for water skiers is Lake Texoma, which is near Denison (also in the Dallas area). If your idea of a boat is one you row yourself, look no further than Town Lake in downtown Austin. You can rent a kayak and explore one of the lakes of Texas that’s really a river. If you time it right and are around at dusk, go near (but not too close to) the Congress Avenue bridge so you can watch the amazing sight of swarms of bats flying out into the night.
Cycling
If your idea of the perfect Texas Lake vacation is making like Lance Armstrong, then Joe Pool Lake is for you. It’s in the southwest part of Dallas County, and it offers about 20 miles of trails for mountain biking, courtesy of the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association.
Camping
Inks Lake near Burnet is famous for its camp-ability. Many people find that camping is the Texas lake vacation for them once they’ve spent a day at Inks. Whether you like to “rough it” or rent an air-conditioned cabin, Inks is one of the most hospitable lakes of Texas.
Hanging Out
If you’re in the Dallas area, Lake Lewisville might be just the place you can go to relax (if you like to party to relax). The lake is located about 20 miles north of Dallas, so it’s just a short drive away from the Metroplex. Once you’re there, the place to be is Sneaky Pete’s. It’s a huge bar and restaurant that caters to the “we just came here to have fun” crowd. There’s also Party Cove, if you can convince someone to let you on his boat to take you out there.
An Austin-area lake, Lake Travis, offers something a little more literal under the “hanging out” category—the state’s only public park that allows nudity. It’s called Hippie Hollow, and it’s located on the north side of Lake Travis, which is just a half-hour west of Austin proper. Believe it or not, more than 300,000 people make the Hollow their destination of choice each year for their Texas Lake vacations.