Swimming Lakes Near Dallas

Lake Grapevine

How far is it from Dallas? 36 minutes without traffic.

This is one of the best swimming lakes near Dallas because it has several designated swimming spots. Meadowmere Park is one of the most popular and well-known spots, and even has a designated swimming area roped off for safety. Plus, it’s home to the WhoaZone, a giant inflatable obstacle course kids swim to and climb to their heart's content. Lakeview Park doesn’t have a designated swimming area, but plenty of shoreline, green space, shade pavilions, and a playground make it ideal for a fun day with the kids. Entry is $10 per car on regular days and $20 on holiday weekends.

Joe Pool Lake

How far is it from Dallas? 26 minutes without traffic.

Joe Pool Lake is a quick drive from Dallas and a reasonable drive from Fort Worth. If you want to spend the day and have a safe place to swim, the best places to do so are Cedar Hill State Park, which has a designated swimming area alongside campsites and picnic areas. The best spot for swimming, however, is Lynn Creek Park, where you’ll find a sandy beach, a concession stand, sand volleyball, and plenty of grassy space for a picnic.

Lake Lewisville 

How far is it from Dallas? 34 minutes without traffic.

This lake near Dallas is one of the largest in Texas and is known for its water sports, but it’s also great for swimming. Little Elm Park is hands-down the best spot for families. It’s got a sandy beach, a playground, two beach volleyball courts, pavilions, and a life jacket loaner program.

There is always something going on in the entertainment district known as Lakefront at Little Elm, which offers things like Imagination Playground Days, holiday events, a polar plunge, plenty of restaurants, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and more. Parking fees usually start in April, and once you’re in for the day, that's it—there are no in-and-outs. Seasonal parking passes are available for purchase.

Lake Ray Roberts

How far is it from Dallas? 1 hour, 7 minutes without traffic.

There are two good spots for swimming in Ray Roberts Lake State Park. In the Johnson Branch area on the northern edge of the lake, you’ll find Post Oak Beach, where you’ll find a beach, swimming area, and picnic tables. The Isle Du Bois unit on the south side of the lake is the best for families as it has a sandy beach, a playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and trailheads nearby. You can buy a day pass, reserve a camping spot, or stay at the Lone Star Lodge.

Lake Texoma

How far is it from Dallas? 1 hour, 34 minutes without traffic.

This swimming lake near Dallas runs along the border of Texas and Oklahoma and is a popular DFW destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and other recreational activities. Island View Park is the most popular spot for swimming and picnics, but there’s also Preston Shores Beach, Sunset Beach, where, not surprisingly, you can watch the legendary Lake Texoma sunsets, and Sandy Beach in Eisenhower State Park, located in a cove in Elm Point Camping Area. Entry fees are required for all spots.

Swimming Lakes Near Fort Worth 

Burgers Lake 

How far is it from Fort Worth? 17 minutes without traffic. 

This nearly 100-year-old swimming lake near Fort Worth is small but mighty. Probably the most beautiful of all the bodies of water in DFW, Burgers Lake is a spring-fed, chlorinated lake that's 20 feet at its deepest point and surrounded by sandy beaches and water slides. You can bring in blankets, chairs, canopies, a grill, and food, or rent one of the pavilions. There is a strict no-alcohol policy, and reservations are required before entering.

Lake Granbury

How far is it from Fort Worth? 52 minutes without traffic.

This idyllic lake is located in the charming town of Granbury, and a trip here is a perfect weekend getaway for anyone living in DFW. City Beach is in the heart of town and is where you’ll find free public swimming access, a splashpad, and Beachside Toys & Takeout, which has everything from floaties and paddle boards to snacks like nachos and hot dogs. There’s a life jacket loaner station at City Beach, as well as occasional beach monitors during the busy months.

When you’re done playing, pack up and walk the short distance to the historic Granbury town square, where you can browse over 40 locally-owned shops, splurge on family-style dining at Babe’s Chicken, and enjoy ice cream at Silver Saddle Saloon.

Eagle Mountain Lake

How far is it from Fort Worth? 31 minutes without traffic.

While there are plenty of places to spend time in the water, the only official beach at this swimming lake near Fort Worth is Twin Points Park. It’s busy during the warmer months, but a day spent here is well worth the effort. Tucked away in a cove, the large sandy beach is well-maintained, there are plenty of grills and picnic tables, there are pavilions to rent, and the restrooms are clean.

Kona Ice has a truck at Twin Points Park at all times during the summer, there’s a swim platform in the middle of the cove, free life jackets to borrow, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The day-use fee is $10 Monday-Thursday and $20 Friday-Sunday, and you must reserve online in advance.

Possum Kingdom Lake

How far is it from Fort Worth? 2 hours without traffic.

Known simply as “PK” to frequent visitors, this swimming lake near Fort Worth has some of the best Insta-worthy views in North Texas. Towering cliffs, rolling hills, clear blue water, and plenty of sandy beaches line the shores. This is the farthest lake from the metroplex, so plan on making it a day trip or book one of the many rental homes or campsites available.

Sandy Beach is usually busy during the summer as it has a roped-off swimming area, a large beach, restrooms, and picnic tables. There’s an entrance fee during June and July and a camping fee all summer. Turtle Beach is great for families as it has a kid-safe swimming area and is not as crowded as other spots on the lake. BRA #1 is a small park and camping area with a clean beach, grills, and picnic tables. Best of all, it’s free to use all year round.