Crawford TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Crawford, Texas.
1. Tonkawa Falls
WATERFALL SWIMMING PARADISE
Tonkawa Falls is a popular swimming hole in Crawford located in a city park known for its 15-foot waterfall and cliffs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, cliff jumping, sliding down on tubes, and even kayaking in the spacious swimming hole below the falls. The park offers nice grassy and shaded areas perfect for picnicking and relaxing while viewing the falls, making it especially popular with families who bring their kids, pets, and coolers for a day of fun.
2. Inks Lake State Park Beach
SCENIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
Inks Lake State Park Beach is a picturesque lakeside destination surrounded by natural beauty in Burnet, Texas. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the clear waters of the lake while taking in scenic views from the shore or picnic areas. The park features all necessary facilities and tends to get crowded on weekends, but remains a favorite spot for nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike.
3. Lake Waco
URBAN WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Lake Waco offers multiple recreational areas just a short drive from Crawford, providing boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. The lake features several parks along its shoreline with beaches, picnic areas, and boat ramps for visitors to enjoy. Its proximity to the city of Waco makes it a convenient waterfront escape for residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation without traveling far from urban amenities.
4. Lake Whitney
LIMESTONE CLIFFS OASIS
Lake Whitney is a scenic reservoir known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and clear blue waters located near Crawford. Visitors can enjoy swimming at designated beaches, boating in open waters, or fishing for striped bass, catfish, and other species. The lake is surrounded by state parks and recreation areas that provide camping facilities, hiking trails, and picturesque spots for day use.
5. Belton Lake
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER RECREATION
Belton Lake provides extensive waterfront recreation with multiple swimming beaches and boat launches within driving distance of Crawford. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers well-maintained parks with facilities for picnicking, camping, and water sports. Its clear waters and scenic shoreline make it popular for swimming, fishing, and boating throughout the warmer months of the year.
6. Stillhouse Hollow Lake
TRANQUIL BLUE WATERS
Stillhouse Hollow Lake features crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by rolling hills and wooded areas not far from Crawford. The lake offers several designated swimming areas with beaches, along with excellent fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, and crappie. Visitors appreciate the generally quieter atmosphere compared to other regional lakes, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful waterfront experience.
7. Meridian State Park Lake
HIDDEN WOODLAND GEM
Meridian State Park Lake is a small but scenic body of water nestled within a state park featuring limestone outcroppings and juniper trees. The park offers a designated swimming area with a small beach, hiking trails that provide beautiful views of the water, and fishing opportunities for sunfish and bass. Its intimate size and natural setting create a charming atmosphere perfect for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a quiet day by the water.
8. Lake Limestone
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Lake Limestone spans over 12,000 acres with numerous coves and inlets that create diverse waterfront experiences within driving distance of Crawford. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, while also offering swimming areas and boating opportunities. Its less developed shoreline compared to other regional lakes provides a more natural setting for those seeking to escape more crowded waterfront destinations.
9. Mother Neff State Park
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PARK
Mother Neff State Park, Texas's oldest state park, features access to the Leon River with scenic spots for wading and wildlife viewing. The park combines natural water features with historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures, creating a unique atmosphere that blends recreation with cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the riverside setting along with hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities in this historic park that served as the seed of the Texas State Park system.
10. Proctor Lake
RURAL WATERFRONT GETAWAY
Proctor Lake offers a less crowded waterfront experience with sandy beaches and clear waters within regional proximity to Crawford. The lake features multiple parks with swimming areas, boat ramps, and camping facilities managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its location away from major urban centers provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating without the crowds found at lakes closer to larger cities.
Crawford Things To Do
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