Center TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Center, Texas.
1. Toledo Bend Reservoir
LARGEST RESERVOIR IN TEXAS
Toledo Bend Reservoir is a massive 185,000-acre lake straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, just about 35 miles east of Center, offering numerous public beaches and recreational areas. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing for bass and crappie, and camping along its 1,200 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is renowned for world-class fishing tournaments and provides stunning sunset views across its expansive waters.
2. Sam Rayburn Reservoir
PREMIER BASS FISHING DESTINATION
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, located about 50 miles south of Center, is the largest reservoir completely within Texas borders offering multiple beaches and swimming areas. The 114,500-acre lake provides exceptional opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, and is nationally recognized as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country. Its wooded shores and clear waters make it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking waterfront recreation.
3. Martin Dies Jr. State Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Martin Dies Jr. State Park sits on the shores of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, offering swimming beaches and waterfront cabins approximately 65 miles south of Center. The park features three developed camping areas, hiking trails through bottomland forests, and opportunities for canoeing through cypress-lined waterways. Visitors particularly enjoy the spectacular bird watching and peaceful paddling trails that wind through sloughs and backwaters.
4. Caddo Lake State Park
MYSTICAL CYPRESS BAYOU
Caddo Lake State Park, around 60 miles north of Center, showcases the only naturally formed lake in Texas with its mysterious cypress trees draped in Spanish moss creating a primeval atmosphere. The lake offers designated swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and is best explored by canoe or kayak through its maze of bayous and sloughs. Visitors are enchanted by the otherworldly landscape of the lake, which is home to over 70 species of fish and countless birds.
5. Lake Murvaul
PEACEFUL FISHING HAVEN
Lake Murvaul is a serene 3,800-acre reservoir located about 25 miles northwest of Center, featuring a public swimming area and boat ramps. The lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass, crappie, and catfish, with less crowded waters than larger nearby reservoirs. Its tranquil setting surrounded by pine forests makes it a favorite local spot for family outings and peaceful weekend retreats.
6. Cypress Bend Park
PREMIER WATERFRONT RECREATION
Cypress Bend Park on Toledo Bend Reservoir, approximately 40 miles east of Center, features sandy beaches, swimming areas, and picnic facilities in a resort-like setting. The park provides boat launches, fishing piers, and camping sites with spectacular views of the massive reservoir. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained facilities and access to some of the best fishing spots on the eastern shore of Toledo Bend.
7. Lake Nacogdoches
RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT PARADISE
Lake Nacogdoches, situated about 40 miles southwest of Center, is a 2,200-acre reservoir featuring designated swimming areas and multiple public access points. The lake offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, along with water skiing and paddling opportunities in a less crowded environment. Its proximity to the historic town of Nacogdoches makes it an ideal day trip combining waterfront recreation with cultural exploration.
8. Lake Cherokee
SCENIC PRIVATE LAKE
Lake Cherokee is a 3,987-acre private lake approximately 65 miles northwest of Center, with limited public access available through marinas and restaurants on the waterfront. The lake is surrounded by beautiful homes and wooded shores, creating a picturesque setting for boating and water recreation. While primarily a residential lake, visitors can experience its beauty by dining at lakeside restaurants or arranging boat rentals through local businesses.
9. Martin Creek Lake State Park
WARM WATER FISHING HAVEN
Martin Creek Lake State Park, about 70 miles northwest of Center, features a swimming area with a sandy beach on a lake known for its consistently warm waters due to being a power plant reservoir. The park offers excellent fishing year-round, particularly for bass, catfish, and crappie, with winter fishing being especially productive. Nature trails, camping facilities, and bird watching opportunities complement the waterfront recreation options at this unique state park.
10. North Toledo Bend State Park
WATERFRONT WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
North Toledo Bend State Park, located about 45 miles east of Center on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend Reservoir, offers pristine beaches, swimming areas, and waterfront cabins with spectacular views. The park provides boat launches, fishing piers, and hiking trails through forested terrain overlooking the expansive waters of the reservoir. Visitors particularly enjoy the less crowded atmosphere compared to other Toledo Bend access points, along with modern facilities and beautifully situated campsites.
Center Things To Do
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