6 Crystal-Clear Lakes in Texas that You Have to See (2024)

There’s more to Texas than jagged mountain ranges and dry desert. The Lone Star state is also home to some gorgeous lakes, giving locals and visitors plenty of picturesque spots to cool off in the hot Texan summers. Man-made reservoirs and river-fed lakes offer incredible fishing, boating, and swimming. Below are the best of the best, the most crystal clear lakes in the state, perfect for spending your summer vacation enjoying lazy days on (or in) the water.

Lake Amistad

Lake Amistad, also known as Amistad Reservoir, is a sparkling 64,900-acre body of water on the Rio Grande River as it crosses the border with Mexico. If you’re fishing the lake, be aware that Mexico has different fishing regulations, and you will need a Mexican fishing license. Anglers can expect to catch a good haul here, with plenty of catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, and striped bass.

The lake is located in the Amistad Recreation Area, so there are plenty of boat launches, picnic facilities, and hiking trails to explore the beaches and surrounding landscapes. It’s also an area of cultural and historical significance thanks to the unique pictographs etched onto rock walls at the northern end of the lake. This 4,000-year-old art can be viewed in the Panther and Parida Caves, which are accessible by boat, depending on water levels.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake, in the south of the state, has a well-deserved reputation as being the most beautiful body of water in Texas. Formed in 1964 after the Canyon Dam was built, this crystal clear lake covers 8,230 acres with 80 miles of pristine shoreline. Canyon Lake is well-known as a recreation hotspot, giving visitors lots of options for a great day out — hire a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard for the afternoon, launch a boat from the Canyon Lake Marina, camp in one of the many campgrounds dotted around the shore, or just hang out on the beautiful beach at Comal Park.

Lake Travis

On the outskirts of Austin, Lake Travis is a 19,297-acre highland reservoir in the Colorado River Basin. Like most highland reservoirs, it has clear water and steep banks with rocky cliffs and jagged terrain dominating the shoreline. This scenic spot has the best fishing in the fall and spring when anglers can grab Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. It’s not just the fish that draw visitors to Lake Travis, however. Thanks to its close proximity to Austin, the reservoir is a hive of activity during the tourist season with summer concerts, boat cruises, sunset paddles, and more.

Inks Lake

Just west of the town of Burnet in mid-Texas is Inks Lake, an 831-acre reservoir on the Colorado River known for its stunning scenery and glassy-clear waters. This lake is in Inks Lake State Park, which contains nine miles of scenic hiking trails, nearly 200 campsites, two fishing piers, and a boat ramp. The park also has a large, no-wake zone on the lake for those who want to swim or paddle. You can rent boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards in the park to explore the serene waters of the lake. If you have the time after your swim, head upstream to Valley Spring Creek, where you’ll find some picturesque waterfalls, unique rock formations, and rock pools.

Lake Tawakoni

At 37,879 acres, Lake Tawakoni is one of the largest in the state and known as one of the best for fishing. Several angling records have been broken here over the years as anglers test their skills against white bass, striped bass, and largemouth bass. Channel and blue catfish are also abundant in the lake, which is the centerpiece of Lake Tawakoni State Park, a 376-acre paradise of oak forest and lakeshore habitats. Kayaks and fishing gear are available for rent at the park, which also includes five miles of trails. Look out for some unusual wildlife around the lake; there are over 200 species of birds, as well as bobcats, possums, deer, and occasional mountain lions.

Possum Kingdom Lake

The unusually named Possum Kingdom Lake is a 15,588-acre body of water 75 miles west of Fort Worth. The dazzling clear blue waters of this serpentine lake offer some of the best diving, swimming, and boating in southwest Texas. The lake is adjacent to the Possum Kingdom State Park, which was established in 1950 in the rugged canyons of the Palo Pinto Mountains. The park has a large population of white-tailed deer, and, as the name suggests, it’s also the perfect habitat for possums. There are five large islands in the lake, but the best known is Devil’s Island, which is a popular spot for boaters. Another eye-catching landmark is Hell’s Gate, a narrow channel bordered by towering 90 ft tall cliffs.

Enjoy the Clear Waters of Texas Lakes

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says most lakes in the state are safe for swimming, but some lakes have better water quality than others — and conditions can change rapidly. Runoff, such as animal waste or fertilizer, heavy rain, and algae blooms, can all affect the visibility and health of lake water, so be sure to double-check on current conditions before you plan your visit. Whether you’re running down catfish, paddling while catching some rays, lounging on the beach, or hiking by the lakeshore, Texas lakes are a vacation in themselves, promising family fun and magical moments all summer long.