Cooper TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Cooper, Texas.
1. Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
SANDY BEACHES AND SWIMMING
Cooper Lake State Park's South Sulphur Unit features a beautiful sandy beach area ideal for swimming and building sandcastles. Visitors can enjoy the white sandy beach, plant an umbrella, and experience summer goodness with the whole family. The swim area provides a refreshing escape during hot Texas summers and is complemented by various recreational activities including fishing, boating, and waterfront camping.
2. Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
WHITE SAND TROPICAL FEEL
The Doctors Creek Unit of Cooper Lake State Park offers a second white sandy beach that transports visitors to a tropical-like setting. The soft white sand is perfect for building sandcastles or setting up a beach umbrella for a day of swimming and relaxation. This waterfront escape features swimming opportunities along with nearby camping facilities for extended stays.
3. Jim Chapman Lake
SCENIC LAKE ACTIVITIES
Jim Chapman Lake provides ample opportunities for water sports including fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and kayaking. The lake's shoreline allows for swimming in various areas outside of designated swimming beaches, though visitors should exercise caution. Cool cabins perched on the banks of the lake offer romantic waterfront accommodations with stunning sunset views over the water.
4. Cooper Lake Shoreline
SWIM AT YOUR RISK
Cooper Lake's shoreline extends beyond the designated swimming areas, offering adventurous visitors swim-at-your-own-risk opportunities. Some areas of the shoreline feature shallow waters where swimmers can wander 40-50 feet from shore while still maintaining foot contact with the lake bottom. The less crowded shoreline areas provide privacy and romantic settings, especially during sunset swims.
5. Lake Tawakoni
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Tawakoni is a popular fishing and recreational lake located near Cooper, offering 36,700 acres of water activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming at designated beach areas, boating, and world-class fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass. The lake features several parks with swimming areas and boat ramps, making it a family-friendly destination during summer months.
6. Lake Bonham
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPOT
Lake Bonham is a 1,020-acre recreational lake offering swimming beaches and water activities just a short drive from Cooper. The swim beach area provides a designated space for families to enjoy the water with sandy shores and picnic facilities nearby. Beyond swimming, Lake Bonham is known for excellent fishing, boating, and waterfront camping opportunities.
7. Caddo Lake State Park
MYSTICAL CYPRESS SWAMP
Caddo Lake State Park offers a unique waterfront experience with its mysterious cypress swamps and bayous within driving distance of Cooper. Visitors can swim in designated areas, though the real attraction is paddling through the maze of waterways surrounded by ancient cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. The park's otherworldly atmosphere provides an enchanting escape with opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography.
8. Cedar Creek Reservoir
EXPANSIVE RECREATIONAL WATERS
Cedar Creek Reservoir spans 32,000 acres with numerous swimming areas and sandy beaches within a reasonable drive from Cooper. The lake features multiple public access points for swimming, including beaches with amenities like picnic areas and boat ramps. Popular for weekend getaways, Cedar Creek offers clear waters for swimming alongside excellent fishing, water sports, and shoreline relaxation opportunities.
9. Lake Ray Hubbard
URBAN WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Lake Ray Hubbard provides a metropolitan waterfront escape with swimming areas and beaches within an hour's drive of Cooper. The 22,000-acre reservoir offers multiple parks with swim beaches, boat ramps, and picnic facilities for day-use visitors. Sunset views across the water are particularly spectacular, with the Dallas skyline visible from some vantage points, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and urban proximity.
10. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
PEACEFUL PINEY WOODS RETREAT
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park features a designated swimming area nestled among the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods. The beach area provides a clean swimming environment with nearby shaded picnic spots perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere while taking advantage of fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and camping facilities that complement the waterfront experience.
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