Gatesville TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Gatesville, Texas.
1. Owl Creek Park
SERENE LOCAL WATERFRONT
Owl Creek Park offers visitors a peaceful body of water in Gatesville for outdoor recreation. The park provides a natural setting where locals and travelers can enjoy waterfront activities and relaxation away from the bustle of city life. Its accessible location makes it an ideal spot for families seeking a quick nature retreat in Coryell County.
2. Owl Creek Wildlife Management Area
PRISTINE RIVER WILDERNESS
Owl Creek Wildlife Management Area features a clean river running through primitive, unspoiled natural terrain. Visitors with 4x4 vehicles can access this secluded area that offers an authentic outdoor experience with waterfront activities. The management area maintains a balance between accessibility and preserving the natural environment, making it perfect for those seeking solitude by the water.
3. Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area
COMPLETE LAKE RECREATION
Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area provides extensive lake access and multiple waterfront amenities for visitors. The recreational area offers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and even horseback riding along scenic shorelines. Its comprehensive facilities make it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities near Gatesville.
4. Meridian State Park
HISTORIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
Meridian State Park features a serene 72-acre lake surrounded by limestone hills and woodland areas. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling in the clear waters while hiking trails offer scenic views of the waterfront. The CCC-built park combines natural beauty with historic structures, creating a peaceful lakeside destination within driving distance of Gatesville.
5. Lake Whitney State Park
LIMESTONE BLUFFS WATERFRONT
Lake Whitney State Park showcases dramatic limestone bluffs overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Whitney. The park offers swimming beaches, boat ramps, fishing piers, and waterfront camping sites for overnight visitors. Its combination of water recreation and scenic vistas makes it a popular destination for those seeking refreshing escapes from the Texas heat.
6. Colorado Bend State Park
WILD RIVER ADVENTURES
Colorado Bend State Park features six miles of Colorado River frontage with primitive waterfront camping and swimming areas. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and wading in the cool river waters surrounded by rugged Hill Country terrain. The park is known for its natural swimming holes and Spicewood Springs, offering pristine water experiences in a less developed setting.
7. Shore Club Volente Beach
LAKESIDE WATER PARK
Shore Club Volente Beach combines a waterpark experience with natural Lake Travis shoreline access near Austin. The facility features water slides, swimming pools, and a private beach area with direct lake access for swimming and relaxation. Its family-friendly atmosphere with restaurant facilities makes it a complete day trip destination for Gatesville residents seeking more developed water recreation.
8. Dinosaur Valley State Park
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSINGS
Dinosaur Valley State Park offers visitors the chance to wade and swim in the Paluxy River while discovering dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed. The clear, shallow waters create natural swimming holes between limestone formations, providing cooling recreation in a site of paleontological significance. Families enjoy the unique combination of natural history and refreshing water activities in this distinctive park setting.
9. Stillhouse Hollow Lake
CLEAR WATERS RECREATION
Stillhouse Hollow Lake spans over 6,400 acres of clear, clean water with multiple access points and beaches for swimming and recreation. The reservoir offers excellent conditions for boating, fishing, and waterfront picnicking with several developed parks along its shores. Its proximity to Gatesville makes it a convenient destination for day trips focused on quality water activities.
10. Krause Springs
NATURAL SWIMMING PARADISE
Krause Springs features 32 natural springs feeding crystal-clear swimming pools and a creek that flows into Lake Travis. The privately-owned property combines natural swimming holes with landscaped gardens, creating a serene oasis for water recreation. Its spring-fed waters maintain a refreshing temperature year-round, making it a beloved swimming destination worth the drive from Gatesville.
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