Henderson TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Henderson, Texas.
1. Lake Striker Marina & Restaurant
BEACHFRONT FUN AND FISHING
Lake Striker Marina & Restaurant offers waterfront games including beach volleyball, horseshoes, and tetherball for visitors looking for recreational activities. Guests can bring their barbecue pits for cookouts while enjoying swimming and fishing opportunities in the lake. The marina provides a perfect setting for a day of family fun with multiple outdoor activities in a natural lake environment.
2. Lake Forest Park
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Forest Park is a beautiful 34-acre city park in Henderson where visitors can fish in the lake and enjoy outdoor cooking on provided grills. Families appreciate the playground facilities and picnic areas that make for perfect day outings. The park also features a nine-hole disc golf course and is home to the Henderson Civic Center with 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
3. Martin Creek Lake State Park
SWIMMING AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Martin Creek Lake State Park offers visitors a refreshing escape with swimming opportunities in its warm waters, which maintain higher temperatures year-round due to being a power plant lake. The park features sandy beaches for sunbathing, fishing spots for anglers seeking bass and catfish, and boat ramps for water enthusiasts. Nature lovers can explore hiking trails through East Texas woodlands while enjoying bird watching opportunities in this diverse ecosystem.
4. Tyler State Park
SCENIC LAKE AND TRAILS
Tyler State Park centers around a 64-acre spring-fed lake with a swimming area featuring a sandy beach perfect for summer recreation. The park offers boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and 13 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through towering pines and hardwoods. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and bird watching while experiencing the natural beauty of East Texas' piney woods.
5. Lake O' the Pines
VAST WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Lake O' the Pines is a sprawling 18,700-acre reservoir with multiple swimming beaches and boat ramps scattered around its extensive shoreline. The lake is renowned for excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass, crappie, and catfish, making it a favorite destination for anglers year-round. Visitors can enjoy camping at numerous sites around the lake, with options ranging from primitive spots to fully-equipped RV areas with waterfront views.
6. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
FISHING AND BEACH SWIMMING
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park features a designated swimming area with a sandy beach on the shores of the 9,400-acre Lake Bob Sandlin. The park offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, with a fishing pier and boat ramp available for visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails through mixed hardwood and pine forests while enjoying wildlife viewing opportunities in this tranquil East Texas setting.
7. Daingerfield State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR LAKE WATERS
Daingerfield State Park is centered around an 80-acre lake known for its crystal-clear waters and a dedicated swimming area with a sandy beach. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats to explore the scenic lake surrounded by towering pines that create a dramatic backdrop. The park's CCC-built facilities include picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing spots where anglers can catch bass, catfish, and crappie in a serene forest setting.
8. Caddo Lake State Park
MYSTICAL CYPRESS BAYOU
Caddo Lake State Park provides access to Caddo Lake, the only natural lake in Texas, featuring mysterious bayous with ancient bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Although swimming is limited due to alligators and underwater hazards, visitors can explore the enchanting waterways via canoe, kayak, or guided boat tours through a maze of sloughs and channels. The park offers fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and cabin accommodations for those wanting to experience this unique ecosystem that feels like stepping into another world.
9. Lake Cherokee
PRIVATE LAKE PARADISE
Lake Cherokee is a private 3,987-acre lake with restricted access that offers residents and their guests pristine waterfront recreation opportunities near Henderson. The lake features several swimming areas and beaches accessible to property owners and authorized visitors along its 65 miles of shoreline. Water enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing for bass and catfish, and water skiing in this well-maintained residential lake community nestled among the East Texas pines.
10. Lake Jacksonville
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER RECREATION
Lake Jacksonville offers a 1,320-acre reservoir with designated swimming areas and beaches for public enjoyment not far from Henderson. Visitors can boat, fish, and water ski on this scenic lake surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of East Texas. The lake features camping facilities, picnic areas, and boat ramps that make it ideal for family outings and weekend getaways throughout the warm months.
Henderson Things To Do
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