Paris TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Paris, Texas.
1. Lake Crook
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE SANCTUARY
Lake Crook is a scenic lakeside retreat located just three miles north of Paris, offering swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and expansive picnic areas. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with a newly added sandy beach near the playground and opportunities to spot wildlife along the Lake Crook Trail. Its unique appeal lies in the combination of recreational facilities, natural beauty, and annual powerboat racing events that enliven the peaceful setting.
2. Pat Mayse Lake
VAST RESERVOIR ADVENTURE
Pat Mayse Lake, just outside Paris in Powderly, is a sprawling 6,000-acre reservoir renowned for its serene swimming coves, abundant fishing, and scenic tranquility. Visitors enjoy lakeside beaches for sunbathing and cooling off, as well as opportunities for boating and wildlife watching along the wooded shoreline. Its unique draw is the peaceful escape it offers, making it ideal for families and anglers seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
3. Lake Crook Beach
RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Lake Crook Beach features a sandy shoreline perfect for swimming and basking in the sun, just minutes from downtown Paris. With picnic shelters, playgrounds, and open water for kayaking and paddle boarding, it provides an inviting, active setting for visitors of all ages. The welcoming, pet-friendly vibe makes it a favorite spot for locals to unwind and gather during warm months.
4. Pat Mayse Lake Recreation Area
WILDLIFE AND WATERFRONT FUN
The Pat Mayse Lake Recreation Area is known for its tranquil lakeside swimming spots, shaded campsites, and extensive hiking trails. Families and outdoor enthusiasts come for the calm waters, picturesque fishing piers, and colorful sunsets over the reservoir. Its unique appeal lies in the combination of natural solitude, excellent angling, and easy access from Paris.
5. Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit
EXPANSIVE LAKESIDE ESCAPE
Cooper Lake State Park's South Sulphur Unit, about 40 minutes from Paris, boasts broad sandy beaches, clear swimming areas, and shaded pavilions along sparkling Cooper Lake. Visitors can swim, fish, boat, hike, and picnic among tall pines and rolling meadows. The park's peaceful waterfront and well-kept facilities offer a classic lake day escape for families and groups.
6. Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek Unit
NATURE-FOCUSED SHORELINE PARK
Doctors Creek Unit at Cooper Lake State Park offers quiet beaches, excellent swimming holes, and gentle coves ideal for kayaking and fishing. Surrounded by dense woodlands and wildflowers, the park provides a peaceful, natural atmosphere for campers and day-trippers. The site is popular for its wildlife observation areas and serene, less-crowded swimming spots.
7. Lavon Lake – East Fork Park
FRESHWATER BEACH GETAWAY
East Fork Park, located on Lavon Lake about 90 minutes from Paris, features a broad lakeside beach popular for swimming, picnicking, and family barbecues. The park offers shaded areas, boat ramps, and clean waterfront for both relaxation and water sports. Its easy access and vibrant summer scene make it a top regional waterfront destination.
8. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
FOREST-EDGED SWIMMING SPOTS
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, about an hour southeast of Paris, provides sandy banks for swimming, fishing piers, and quiet coves surrounded by pine and hardwood forests. Visitors enjoy boating, hiking, and cooling off in the refreshing lakeside waters. The park's tranquil woodlands and scenic swimming holes set it apart as a relaxing nature escape.
9. Lake Texoma – Eisenhower State Park Beach
EXPANSIVE RESERVOIR SHORE
Eisenhower State Park Beach on Lake Texoma, located west of Paris, is known for its broad sandy shorelines, clear swimming areas, and views across Texas's largest lake. Boaters, swimmers, and anglers flock to this lively park to enjoy sunbathing, jet skiing, and lakeside picnics. With its vast open water and activity-filled beaches, it stands out as a top-tier waterfront retreat.
10. Bonham State Park Lake
SECLUDED LAKESIDE RETREAT
Bonham State Park Lake offers a peaceful, wooded lakeside with gentle shorelines for swimming, canoeing, and picnicking just east of Paris. The intimate setting is surrounded by historic park architecture, shaded trails, and serene views. Its quiet, uncrowded atmosphere makes it popular for those seeking a more intimate beach getaway.
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