Tyler TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Tyler, Texas.
1. Tyler State Park
PEACEFUL FOREST RETREAT
Tyler State Park features a serene 64-acre spring-fed lake surrounded by towering 100-foot trees and historic structures. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the designated beach area, fishing for bass, perch, catfish, and crappie, or exploring the many hiking trails that wind through the lush pine forest. The park offers a perfect escape from urban life with opportunities for boating, picnicking, and camping in a tranquil natural setting.
2. Lake Tyler
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Tyler provides a vast playground for water enthusiasts with excellent fishing, boating, and skiing opportunities. The lake's shoreline features multiple access points, parks, and marinas where visitors can launch boats, rent equipment, or simply enjoy the scenic views. Its proximity to the city of Tyler makes it a convenient getaway for both locals and tourists seeking refreshing water activities.
3. East Lake Tyler
ANGLER'S HIDDEN GEM
East Lake Tyler connects to Lake Tyler through a canal, creating an expansive waterfront destination for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. The lake offers more secluded shores than its counterpart, providing peaceful spots for shoreline fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere while still enjoying the same recreational benefits of the Tyler lake system.
4. Lake Palestine
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Palestine stretches across 25,600 acres with plenty of coves and inlets perfect for fishing, boating, and water sports. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass, catfish, and crappie, with numerous fishing tournaments held throughout the year. Its expansive shoreline offers multiple access points, marinas, and waterfront restaurants where visitors can enjoy stunning views and sunset vistas.
5. The Boulders at Lake Tyler
LAKEFRONT CAMPING RETREAT
The Boulders at Lake Tyler offers a first-rate campground and RV park on 128 acres of scenic lakefront property in Whitehouse, Texas. Visitors can fish from the newly refurbished boardwalk and fishing barge, stay in comfortable cabin rentals with lake views, or choose glamping and RV sites that provide the perfect camping atmosphere. The retreat provides both relaxing and action-packed experiences with direct access to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tyler.
6. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
SCENIC WOODLAND WATERFRONT
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park features a 9,400-acre lake surrounded by beautiful pine forests and offers a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, or explore the park's many hiking trails that showcase the East Texas landscape. The park provides clean camping facilities, picnic areas, and boat ramps for those looking to experience the tranquility of this pristine waterfront destination.
7. Martin Creek Lake State Park
YEAR-ROUND WARM WATERS
Martin Creek Lake State Park offers a unique experience with its warm waters that remain swimmable year-round due to the nearby power plant. The 5,000-acre lake is known for excellent fishing, particularly for bass, catfish, and sunfish, with fishing piers and boat ramps available for easy access. Visitors can enjoy the swimming area, hiking trails, and wildlife observation opportunities while camping in scenic waterfront sites.
8. Daingerfield State Park
PRISTINE FOREST LAKE
Daingerfield State Park features a beautiful 80-acre lake nestled among towering pines and hardwood trees that create a stunning backdrop for water activities. Visitors can swim in the designated beach area, rent canoes or paddleboards to explore the peaceful waters, or fish for bass, catfish, and crappie. The park's CCC-built facilities add historical charm to this natural retreat that showcases the beauty of East Texas landscapes throughout all seasons.
9. Cooper Lake State Park
EXPANSIVE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Cooper Lake State Park encompasses two units on the shores of the 19,300-acre Jim Chapman Lake with beaches and swimming areas. The South Sulphur Unit offers excellent fishing opportunities, boat ramps, and scenic shoreline camping spots surrounded by open prairie and woodland areas. Visitors can enjoy water sports, bird watching, and stargazing in this less crowded alternative to other regional lakes.
10. Caddo Lake State Park
MYSTERIOUS CYPRESS BAYOU
Caddo Lake State Park showcases one of the only natural lakes in Texas, featuring a mystical landscape of cypress trees draped with Spanish moss that create a maze-like waterway. Visitors can paddle through the bayou's narrow channels, fish for more than 70 species, or take guided boat tours to learn about the area's rich ecological and cultural history. The lake's unique atmosphere with its misty mornings and ancient trees creates an otherworldly experience unlike any other waterfront destination in Texas.
Tyler Things To Do
Visit our list of attractions and things to do near Tyler, Texas.
Tyler Restaurants
Visit our list of restaurants and places to eat near Tyler, Texas.