Dallas' largest lake is a pocket of nature less than an hour from downtown.
Fringed by parklands, swimming beaches, and shady woodlands, Lewisville Lake feels a world away from Dallas—despite being less than an hour from downtown. Getting on the water is easy, whether you want to launch your boat from one of five marinas or numerous boat ramps, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or fish for bass, crappie, and catfish. Summer brings the crowds to the lake, with a host of parties and open-air events held around the lakeside, but the many campgrounds, RV parks, and lake-view cabin rentals are all available year-round.
Parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas dot the west coast of Lewisville Lake, drawing large crowds on summer weekends. If boat parties sound like your idea of fun, head down to Party Cove by Westlake Park on a Friday or Saturday evening. Alternatively, escape the crowds at the rustic campsites of Sycamore Bend or practice your swing at one of the inland golf courses.
If you prefer lake views and brisk hikes to partying and picnicking, head over to the east shore. Hidden Cove Park and Wynnward Park have wildlife-filled wetlands and scenic nature trails, among them the popular Tribute Shoreline Nature Trail, or you can play golf along the Stewart Peninsula. As for camping, there’s a choice of cabins, RV sites, and a bunkhouse at Hidden Cove.
The north shore of the lake forks off into peace-sign-shaped fingers, where you can paddle around secluded coves and cruise past picturesque lakefront villas. There are no campgrounds here, but if you’re looking for a challenge, you can hike, paddle, or horseback ride through the 39-mile Greenbelt Corridor, which connects Lake Lewisville to nearby Ray Roberts Lake.
The LLELA Nature Preserve hugs the south shore of Lewisville Lake, where walking and kayaking trails lead the way around scenic wetlands, lakeside forests, and prairies. There’s a campground within the preserve, or you can pitch your tent or park your RV at Stewart Creek Park, a good choice for hikers and bikers, or Lake Park, which has a swimming area