Quanah TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Quanah, Texas.
1. Copper Breaks State Park
SERENE LAKE GETAWAY
Copper Breaks State Park offers beautiful quiet water bodies surrounded by rugged terrain and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking throughout this small but beautiful park named after the pockets of copper deposits scattered throughout the area. The park's dark night skies provide additional appeal for stargazers looking to escape city lights while enjoying waterfront recreation.
2. Quintana Beach County Park
HISTORIC GULF COAST BEACH
Quintana Beach County Park is a 52-acre beachfront park located on the upper Texas Gulf coast with both day-use amenities and overnight facilities. The park features a pedestrian beach, wooden lighted fishing pier, access to the west jetty, and numerous recreational facilities including picnic areas, pavilions, and hiking trails. Natural attractions include bird watching, fishing, swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and shelling, all set against the backdrop of a site with unique and colorful history including Fort Bates (1862) and remains of the Freeport Harbor Defense from WWII.
3. Lake Pauline
TRANQUIL FISHING SPOT
Lake Pauline is a small reservoir located near Quanah offering peaceful fishing and water recreation opportunities. The lake provides habitat for various fish species and serves as a quiet getaway for locals seeking relief from the Texas heat. Visitors can enjoy bank fishing, small boating, and picnicking along the shoreline with minimal crowds even during peak seasons.
4. Lake Arrowhead State Park
PRAIRIE LAKE PARADISE
Lake Arrowhead State Park features a 14,000-acre reservoir surrounded by rolling prairie only a short drive from Quanah. The park offers swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, and a floating dock fishing pier for water enthusiasts of all types. Visitors particularly enjoy the prairie wildflower displays in spring and the abundant bird watching opportunities throughout the year.
5. Lake Kemp
VAST RECREATIONAL WATERS
Lake Kemp is one of the largest lakes in north Texas, offering extensive water recreation opportunities within driving distance of Quanah. The reservoir is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for catfish, bass, and crappie, while also providing ample space for boating and water sports. Its sandy beaches and coves create natural swimming areas that are popular with families during summer months.
6. Greenbelt Reservoir
SCENIC CANYON LAKE
Greenbelt Reservoir sits in a picturesque canyon setting with dramatic red cliffs reflecting in its clear waters. The lake offers excellent bass fishing, water skiing, and swimming beaches that provide relief from the Texas Panhandle heat. Its relatively remote location ensures a peaceful experience even during busy summer weekends.
7. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
DEEP CANYON WATERS
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area features a large reservoir carved into the rugged landscape of the Canadian River Valley within a reasonable drive from Quanah. The lake's deep, cool waters provide swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities in a dramatic setting surrounded by colorful canyon walls. Visitors can enjoy designated swimming areas, boat launches, and shoreline camping with stunning views of both sunrise and sunset over the water.
8. Fort Cobb State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE RESORT
Fort Cobb State Park centers around a 4,000-acre lake with sandy beaches and clear water that attracts visitors from across the region including those from nearby Texas towns like Quanah. The park offers designated swimming areas with gentle slopes ideal for families with children, along with boat rentals, fishing docks, and waterfront camping. Its well-maintained facilities include shower houses near beach areas, picnic pavilions overlooking the water, and a marina providing all necessary supplies for a day on the lake.
9. Great Plains State Park
MOUNTAIN VIEW WATERFRONT
Great Plains State Park features Tom Steed Reservoir nestled at the foot of the Wichita Mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for water recreation within driving distance of Quanah. The park's swimming beach offers a refreshing escape with mountain views rarely found in this part of the country. Boaters and anglers particularly appreciate the clean waters and abundant fish populations, while hikers enjoy waterfront trails with opportunities to spot wildlife coming to drink at dawn and dusk.
10. Buffalo Springs Lake
OASIS ON THE PLAINS
Buffalo Springs Lake provides an unexpected aquatic playground in the otherwise arid South Plains region within a reasonable drive from Quanah. The 225-acre lake features a sandy swimming beach, water slides, and designated swimming areas that attract families seeking relief from summer heat. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and waterfront camping while taking in views of unique canyon formations that surround parts of the shoreline.

Quanah Things To Do
Visit our list of attractions and things to do near Quanah, Texas.

Quanah Restaurants
Visit our list of restaurants and places to eat near Quanah, Texas.