Garrison TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Garrison, Texas.
1. Lake Naconiche Park
SERENE LAKESIDE RETREAT
Lake Naconiche Park is a beautiful 692-acre lake located in Nacogdoches County, about 14 miles northeast of Nacogdoches. Visitors can enjoy a sandy beach area that stretches for about 100 yards along the shoreline, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The lake was impounded in 2009 and offers various recreational activities including fishing, boating, and picnicking in a tranquil natural setting.
2. Martin Creek Lake State Park
FISHING PARADISE GETAWAY
Martin Creek Lake State Park offers a peaceful waterfront escape with swimming areas and sandy shores just a short drive from Garrison. Visitors can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, catfish and crappie in the 5,000-acre lake, which stays warm year-round due to being a power plant reservoir. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that showcase the East Texas woodland scenery.
3. North Toledo Bend State Park
PRISTINE RESERVOIR RECREATION
North Toledo Bend State Park sits on the shores of Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made bodies of water in the United States. The park provides visitors with swimming beaches, boat ramps, and fishing piers to enjoy the expansive waterfront. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the hiking trails through pine forests and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife along the reservoir's shoreline.
4. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
SCENIC BAYOU WATERS
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is situated on the shores of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, offering tranquil waterfront experiences near the confluence of the Angelina and Neches rivers. Visitors can swim at designated beach areas, paddle through scenic bayous, and explore the interconnected waterways that showcase cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. The park is known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for bird watchers and nature photographers.
5. Tyler State Park
SPRING-FED LAKE OASIS
Tyler State Park features a 64-acre spring-fed lake with a designated swimming area complete with a sandy beach. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the clear waters surrounded by towering pine forests. The park offers 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas that make it a perfect natural retreat in the Piney Woods region.
6. Camp Tonkawa Springs
HISTORIC SWIMMING HOLE
Camp Tonkawa Springs is a historic natural swimming hole that has been a favorite cooling-off spot for generations of locals in the Garrison area. The crystal-clear spring-fed waters maintain a refreshing temperature year-round, offering a unique swimming experience surrounded by East Texas woodlands. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, camping options, and the rustic charm of this hidden gem.
7. Brookeland/Lake Sam Rayburn KOA
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE RESORT
Brookeland/Lake Sam Rayburn KOA provides direct access to Lake Sam Rayburn, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas known for its excellent fishing and water recreation. The resort offers a swimming beach area, boat rentals, and guided fishing tours for visitors looking to experience the lake's 114,500 acres of water surface. Comfortable accommodations range from tent sites to cabins, all within easy reach of the lake's many coves and inlets.
8. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
HISTORIC FOREST LAKE
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area features a scenic 45-acre lake nestled within the Davy Crockett National Forest, just a short drive from Garrison. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the designated beach area, fishing for bass and catfish, or paddling across the tranquil waters surrounded by towering pine trees. The recreation area includes historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adding cultural interest to this natural retreat.
9. Lake Nacogdoches
EXPANSIVE RECREATIONAL WATERS
Lake Nacogdoches spans 2,200 acres and offers multiple swimming areas and boat ramps for water enthusiasts near Garrison. The lake is renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, attracting anglers throughout the year. Surrounding parks provide picnic facilities, camping options, and trails that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of East Texas while enjoying waterfront recreation.
10. Lake Cherokee
PRIVATE LAKE PARADISE
Lake Cherokee is a 3,987-acre private lake with restricted access that offers a peaceful waterfront escape within driving distance of Garrison. The lake features numerous sandy coves and swimming areas where property owners and their guests can enjoy water activities away from crowds. Though primarily a residential lake, visitors can experience its beauty through vacation rentals, guided fishing tours, or by invitation from property owners.
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