Dumas TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Dumas, Texas.
1. Dumas Aquatic Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER FUN
Dumas Aquatic Park offers a refreshing escape with multi-lane swimming pools, water slides, and splash pads perfect for cooling down during hot summer months. Visitors can enjoy the shade umbrellas, swirling slides, and kid-friendly water jungle gym area that provides entertainment for all ages. The park is open to the public from June to August with free admission for children under 3 and seniors 60 and older.
2. Cactus Playa Lake
NATURAL BIRD WATCHING HAVEN
Cactus Playa Lake is a natural waterfront attraction located northeast of Dumas, just off Highway 287. The playa lake offers nature tourism enthusiasts an opportunity to observe hundreds of species of birds during migration seasons. An observatory and visitor center enhance the experience, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing and photography.
3. Treasure Island Water Park
PIRATE-THEMED AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Treasure Island Water Park in nearby Sunray features a 7,000 square foot pool designed with a beach shore edge that creates a coastal feel in the Texas Panhandle. Thrill-seekers can enjoy two 20-foot water slides and a whale slide, while younger visitors are drawn to the USS Bobcat pirate ship. The family-friendly waterpark provides a perfect way to beat the summer heat with various aquatic attractions.
4. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a variety of water-based activities including freshwater fishing for walleye, trout, bass, catfish, and crappie. The blue water and canyon walls with white limestone cap rock create scenic views that serve as a backdrop for boating, swimming, and shoreline relaxation. Beyond the water, visitors can enjoy hunting during special seasons, off-roading, and hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Texas Panhandle.
5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
DRAMATIC CANYON WATERS
Palo Duro Canyon State Park features seasonal swimming opportunities in the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River that winds through the second-largest canyon in the United States. Visitors can cool off in the gentle waters after hiking the canyon trails or enjoy the unique experience of wading through shallow streams surrounded by dramatic red rock formations. The park combines waterfront relaxation with breathtaking desert scenery for a distinctive outdoor experience.
6. Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
SERENE WETLAND ESCAPE
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a tranquil waterfront experience at its seasonal lake and wetland areas that attract diverse wildlife and migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy peaceful shoreline walks, wildlife photography, and bird watching in this protected natural habitat. The contrast between water features and surrounding prairie landscapes creates a unique ecosystem just a short drive from Dumas.
7. Meredith Reservoir
ANGLER'S WATERFRONT PARADISE
Meredith Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities with multiple boat ramps and shore access points for anglers seeking walleye, bass, and catfish. The expansive reservoir provides open water recreation with stunning views of the surrounding canyons and rolling hills. Water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, swimming, and camping along the shoreline, making it a complete outdoor recreation destination.
8. Martin Road Lake
HIDDEN URBAN OASIS
Martin Road Lake in Amarillo serves as a convenient urban waterfront escape with fishing piers and shoreline access for casual anglers and families. The small lake features shaded areas for picnicking and gentle slopes to the water's edge that make it accessible for wading during warm months. Its location within the city limits makes it a popular spot for quick fishing trips and afternoon relaxation near the water.
9. Lake Rita Blanca
PEACEFUL PRAIRIE WATERS
Lake Rita Blanca offers a serene waterfront setting surrounded by open prairie landscapes just northwest of Dumas. The lake provides fishing opportunities for multiple species and features shoreline trails for walking and wildlife viewing. Visitors appreciate the uncrowded atmosphere and beautiful sunsets reflecting off the water surface in this tranquil Texas Panhandle destination.
10. Thompson Park Aquatic Facility
URBAN WATERPARK EXPERIENCE
Thompson Park Aquatic Facility in Amarillo features multiple swimming pools, water slides, and splash zones for visitors of all ages. The modern waterpark offers a beach-entry pool that mimics a shoreline experience, creating an accessible water environment for families with young children. With shade structures and concession areas, the facility provides a complete day of water recreation within easy driving distance from Dumas.
Dumas Things To Do
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