Texas has a reputation for being a state where everything is larger. Texas stands out as a prosperous state that is constantly growing. It’s one of the largest in the country and is second only to Alaska. Texas, though, is about much more than cuisine, sports, and huge oil. The state offers some of the most gorgeous weather in the world, with certain parts of the state seeing more than 300 days of sunshine every year. Additionally, Texas has a plethora of lakes, making it an ideal location for water sports such as swimming, kayaking, and of course, sailing! So, in this article, I will list the best sailing lakes in Texas in order to give you some ideas about which ones you should sail to. Keep reading!

Lake Texoma, Bryan and Grayson Counties

When it comes to Texas sailing lakes, Lake Texoma, unlike many others in the state, is a stunning place to visit with a sailboat. Sailing around the lake is a great experience because of the mild breezes, clear waters, and a large surface area of roughly 29,000 acres. Lake Texoma is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, and its location on the border of Texas and Oklahoma allows you to tour two states. It’s a popular tourist destination on the state line between Texas and Oklahoma. Marinas, boat rentals, hotels, and golf courses dot the coastline, which stretches over 580 kilometers. This creates a vibrant environment for people that come to visit or sail the lake. It’s also one of the best places to go fishing because it has a variety of fish species.

Lake Travis, Travis and Burnet Counties

When the Mansfield Dam was built in 1942, it created a reservoir called Lake Travis. Lake Travis is situated along the Colorado River and has an area of 29.6 sq. miles. It boasts a 271-mile shoreline and gorgeous sceneries that make it a wonderful spot to visit. Lake Travis is possibly the most gorgeous lake in Texas when it comes to boating sports. Moreover, it is known around the world for its clear blue water. You’ll have the greatest fun on a speedboat because it has almost 270 miles of shoreline, but you can sail with other types of boats and watercraft. Whether you want to sail on the lake or visit the surrounding area and sites, this lake is a must-see for all boaters and water sports enthusiasts.

Lake Austin, Colorado River – Austin

This lovely lake, located in the middle of Austin, is one of Texas’ most popular boating destinations. It’s easy to get to, and it welcomes all forms of motorized watercraft. However, pontoon boats tend to create traffic on the lake during the high season. Lake Austin is traditionally the ideal place to conclude a day of sightseeing in the city, especially if you want to relax after a long day of sailing. Enjoy a stunning Texas sunset while relaxing on the waters of what has become one of the city’s most popular tourist and local attractions.

Lake Livingston, Livingston and Trinity Counties

Lake Livingston is the second largest lake entirely within the state of Texas. It stretches for about 39 miles and is about seven miles broad at its widest point. Lake Livingston is never congested, thanks to its 450 miles of shoreline. It covers around 84,000 acres and is known as a “Water Wonderland.” It’s a terrific spot to spend a weekend, a vacation, or a lifetime, and it’s only 80 miles north of Houston and 175 miles southeast of Dallas. There’s also a seemingly limitless amount of wildlife around the lake, which adds to the enjoyment of being in nature there. The lake is surrounded by four east Texas counties: Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker. It is located in the heart of the East Texas piney woodlands.

Sailing is popular on Lake Livingston throughout the year, but especially in the spring and fall. The majority of sailing events, including races, cruises, lessons, parades, and so on, take place on the lake’s deeper waters toward the south end. Lastly, the Cape Royale Boating Association is a well-known boating group (CRBA).

Possum Kingdom Lake, Forth Worth

One of the most beautiful lakes of North Texas, Possum Kingdom Lake is just 80 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas, on the Brazos River. This gorgeous lake is known for the massive cliffs that border the south end of the lake’s walls. The pristine blue waters of Possum Kingdom are ideal for fishing and boating. On the lake, there are two primary park areas. Possum Kingdom State Park is located on the west side of the lake and offers some of Texas’ best campgrounds. Possum Kingdom Lake winds for 65 miles along the Brazos River from the north end to the dam at the south end.

Note that from the north end of the lake, there are markers that follow the river channel, making it easier for boaters to navigate the length of the lake. Hell’s Gate Possum Kingdom Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The breach in the steep cliff cliffs that leads back into a large cove area is well-known in this area. In the summer, the Hell’s Gate region is a popular spot for boaters to gather and anchor for the day.

Eagle Mountain Lake, Forth Worth

Eagle Mountain Lake, located north of Fort Worth, is well-known for its beauty, tough hikes, and fishing opportunities. It is, nevertheless, one of Texas’ best sailing lakes; a hidden jewel that has many coves, which are easy to spot. Eagle Mountain Lake, with its 8,694 acres, is one of the most picturesque lakes in north Texas. Fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, relaxing, and recreational boating are all popular activities on this recreational lake. There are also a number of parks located surrounding the lake. In addition, there are some excellent hiking paths near the lake, most of them are located inside Eagle Mountain Park.

Lake Grapevine, Forth Worth

Lake Grapevine is a 12.5-square-mile lake in Fort Worth, Texas’ fifth-largest city. It provides excellent sailing experiences for sailors that appreciate the tranquility that nature provides. It is flanked on all sides by eight beautiful parks, which give strategic camping areas as well as wonderful hiking paths. It provides a natural environment for a diverse range of fish species, allowing for a variety of exciting fishing trips. It also honors water sports and three marinas that provide boating services for sailors. Its shorelines offer stunning views, making it a popular tourist destination for boaters.

Cedar Creek Reservoir, Henderson and Kaufman Counties

The Cedar Creek Reservoir is Texas’ fourth-largest lake, with a length of 8.5 miles and a depth of 53 feet. Because of its immense size, it is a fantastic sailing location. Sailing activities on the reservoir are supplemented by eight marinas on the reservoir’s beaches, which make it convenient for sailors to launch their boats. Boating is a popular watersport on Cedar Creek Lake, with five marinas and boat ramps. There are also services for any type of boat or watercraft on the lake. Large bays for swimming and relaxing are available to boaters, and wet bikers will enjoy calm waters in these coves. Note that due to boat traffic and wind during peak seasons, such as spring and summer, Cedar Creek Lake may have turbulent waters.

Lake Granbury, Granbury

Lake Granbury, located 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, may appear narrow at first glance, yet it is one of the top resort lake destinations on the Brazos River. While many sailors seeking wide-open seas will need a larger body of water, it is nevertheless an excellent sailing destination for those seeking a small sailing trip. Fishing, sailing, water skiing, paddle boarding, and a variety of other water activities are popular at this lake. The lake is bordered by five parks, each of which provides free access to the lake throughout the year. So, if you’re in the city of Granbury and searching for a nice area to go sailing, Lake Granbury is the place to go.

Lake Amistad, Val Verde County

Lake Amistad, located on the Texas-Mexico border, is a gorgeous lake with impressively deep canyon walls. This is a one-of-a-kind desert oasis with plenty of boating and fishing opportunities. The entire location will take your breath away, and it is an ideal location for sailing. Consider staying on your boat and view the ancient and spectacular 4,000-year-old Native American rock art. Of course, the Lake’s broad waters make it one of the region’s most family-friendly lakes.

It also provides the ideal setting for nature photography, scuba diving, bird watching, and a variety of other fun outdoor activities. The lake is situated on an ancient desert canyon in America, making it a desert oasis in and of itself. It is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, making it an ideal location for sailing while taking in the tranquility of nature.

Balmorhea Lake, Balmorhea

Balmorhea Lake is one of those great sailing spots that you might choose if you’re seeking a calm place with wide-open waters for sailing. It’s located within Balmorhea State Park. This reservoir is located approximately 2 miles southeast of downtown Balmorhea, Texas, on Sandia Creek. The adjacent San Solomon Springs, Toyah Creek, and Phantom Lake Canal provide water to this lake. This ensures that the lake is always full of water, which is vital for sailing. The gorgeous mountain vistas that you get to appreciate when sailing in Balmorhea Lake are the nicest part of sailing there. Not only that, but it also has one of the world’s largest spring-fed pools.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Beaumont County

The Sam Rayburn Reservoir, located on the state’s eastern border, is perhaps the state’s largest man-made water reservoir. It is located along the Angelina River and spans 287.7 miles in length with a surface area of 172 square miles. It’s extremely deep (80 feet) and serves as a natural habitat for a huge number of largemouth bass. As a result, it’s an excellent fishing spot. The Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of most operations surrounding the lake. Its ideal location in a windy environment makes it an ideal sailing destination. Its natural beauty and picturesque surroundings make sailing an amazing experience.

The largest body of water fully within the state of Texas is Sam Rayburn. The terrain is primarily undeveloped, with undulating hills and plenty of trees. There are many good coves for skiing/boarding, fishing, or swimming, and the water is pure and clear. You can enjoy sailing on the lake for a day or for the whole weekend. Lastly, as the wind sweeps along the lake, big waves can form, and there are a number of islets and shallow areas that you should be aware of.