Kilgore TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Kilgore, Texas.
1. Lake Cherokee
PRIVATE LAKE RETREAT
Lake Cherokee offers a tranquil, private lakeside setting just minutes from Kilgore, surrounded by pine forests and dotted with charming homes. Visitors can enjoy a range of water-based activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and paddle sports on its clear, expansive waters. The secluded atmosphere and natural beauty make Lake Cherokee a favored escape for peaceful relaxation and waterfront fun.
2. Martin Creek Lake State Park
NATURE AND LAKEFRONT ACTIVITIES
Martin Creek Lake State Park features a scenic lakeside setting popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking along wooded shores. Hikers and campers appreciate the park's well-maintained trails and picturesque picnic sites overlooking the water. Its combination of recreational activities and tranquil lakeside views makes it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Lake Gladewater
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE BEACH
Lake Gladewater features a sandy, designated swimming beach and family park atmosphere on a peaceful, tree-lined lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking, with plenty of open space for relaxing by the water. The calm setting and gentle shoreline make it ideal for families seeking a classic lakeside beach experience.
4. Lake O' the Pines
EXPANSIVE RESERVOIR ESCAPE
Lake O' the Pines offers miles of wooded shoreline and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Several parks and campgrounds provide access to waterfront activities, including boat rentals and fishing. Its size and scenic vistas make it a popular getaway for both recreation and nature lovers.
5. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park sits on the shores of a beautiful reservoir, offering a swimming area, fishing piers, and kayak rentals. Shaded campsites and picnic spots provide a comfortable base for enjoying the lake's clear water and abundant wildlife. The park is known for its relaxed, natural ambiance and well-kept amenities.
6. Lake Palestine
VAST LAKE DESTINATION
Lake Palestine is a large recreational reservoir with several public beaches and swim areas ideal for cooling off in East Texas summers. The lake is popular for boating, jet skiing, and fishing, with rental options available at various marinas. Its size and array of amenities make it a vibrant destination for waterfront fun.
7. Tyler State Park Lake
PINE-FOREST SWIMMING LAKE
Tyler State Park Lake features a spring-fed swimming area and sandy beach surrounded by towering pine trees. Canoeing, paddle boating, and fishing are among the many activities visitors can enjoy on its clear, tranquil waters. The park's natural setting and lakefront facilities create a classic East Texas outdoor experience.
8. Lake Hawkins
PEACEFUL BEACH AND PARK
Lake Hawkins offers a family-friendly beach and park, with soft sand and a roped-off swim area perfect for children. The lake's calm water is great for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while shaded picnic areas invite all-day relaxation. Its welcoming and scenic environment is a hidden gem for those seeking a laid-back beach escape.
9. Brushy Creek Park & Lake
SMALL-TOWN WATERFRONT SPOT
Brushy Creek Park & Lake provides a quaint lakeside beach with designated swimming and picnic spots. The gentle water and scenic surroundings make it an ideal destination for families and small groups looking to unwind. Its intimate setting and easy access appeal to visitors seeking a quieter waterfront retreat.
10. Lake Gilmer
QUIET RESERVOIR GETAWAY
Lake Gilmer boasts a swimming beach, fishing piers, and boat ramps, all set against the backdrop of a peaceful, undeveloped shoreline. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, and relaxing under large shade trees along the water's edge. The lake's untouched beauty and low crowds appeal to those who seek a more serene lakeside ambiance.

Kilgore Things To Do
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