Campers have access to beaches, boating, and biking trails at this Dallas lake.
One of the largest lakes in North Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard, lies just a half-hour drive from downtown Dallas. When the temperatures soar in summer, pack your swimsuit and head to the water to cool off with a swim, picnic at the lakeside parks, or rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Or why not BYOB (bring your own boat) to cruise the 22,000-acre lake and try your luck fishing for striped bass and catfish? Lake Ray Hubbard has no public campgrounds, but a few RV parks and resorts sit within minutes of the lakeside.
A short hop from Dallas, Lake Ray Hubbard’s west shore has a number of public parks where you can picnic by the shore, drink in the lake views, or take a swim in the summer months. Play a game of volleyball and choose from two swimming beaches at Windsurf Bay Park, head to the golf course at Waterview Golf Club, or fire up the barbecue at Lakeside Park South.
Drive across Interstate 30 to the east shore of the lake, where the Harbor at Rockwall affords some of the most impressive lake views. Take a peek at the landmark lighthouse, dine at one of the harborside restaurants, and stick around to enjoy the nightlife. To get on the lake, Chandler’s Landing Marina has boat rentals and a boat launch, or head north to hit the mountain trails at Squabble Creek.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit the northern shore, including a golf course, a winery, and the lake’s only RV park, which sits between Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lavon to the north. The neighboring lake makes a worthwhile detour, too, with scenic hiking trails, a public campground, and several sandy beaches.
The south shore of Lake Ray Hubbard is the most undeveloped corner of the lake, making it a great spot for boaters to escape the crowds. Alternatively, head to the Heath Golf and Yacht Club, which has a championship golf course and walking and biking trails right by the lakeshore.