Wheeler TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Wheeler, Texas.
1. Wheeler Branch Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Wheeler Branch Park offers a complete lakeside recreation experience with a beach area and floating dock island for swimmers. Visitors can enjoy boating from the dedicated boat ramp with floating dock, relax at covered picnic areas, or gather at the large pavilion for family outings. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM until posted closing time, providing accessible waterfront fun for all ages.
2. Gulf Coast Resort ATV Park and Beach
ADVENTURE MEETS RELAXATION
Gulf Coast Resort ATV Park and Beach combines thrilling off-road adventures with relaxing beachfront experiences in the heart of Texas' Golden Triangle. Opening May 31st, 2025, this all-in-one destination offers miles of ATV trails alongside sun-soaked beach areas with plenty of space to unwind by the water. Families particularly appreciate the resort's family-friendly amenities and activities suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.
3. Tyler State Park
PRISTINE WOODLAND SWIMMING
Tyler State Park features a stunning 64-acre spring-fed lake nestled among towering pines and hardwoods, offering one of the most scenic swimming areas in East Texas. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area with designated swimming zones, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities in the crystal-clear waters. Beyond water activities, the park boasts over 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas that make it perfect for day trips or extended stays.
4. Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit
EXPANSIVE LAKEFRONT RECREATION
Cooper Lake State Park's South Sulphur Unit provides access to the sprawling 19,300-acre Cooper Lake with designated swimming areas and sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy water recreation including swimming, fishing, and boating, with boat ramps and rentals available for those wanting to explore the lake. The park's natural setting includes wooded areas, open meadows, and shoreline vistas that create a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike.
5. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
SCENIC WOODLAND SWIMMING
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park offers access to a 9,400-acre reservoir surrounded by the lush pine forests of East Texas, featuring a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy the clear waters for swimming during summer months, with additional water activities including fishing and boating from the park's boat ramp. The park's natural setting includes scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas that make it an ideal destination for families seeking a waterfront escape.
6. Cooper Lake State Park Doctors Creek Unit
TRANQUIL COVE SWIMMING
The Doctors Creek Unit of Cooper Lake State Park offers a more secluded swimming experience with protected coves and gentle shorelines perfect for families. This quieter section of Cooper Lake features designated swimming areas, picnic facilities, and boat access for exploring the lake's expansive waters. Visitors appreciate the unit's less crowded atmosphere, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and spectacular sunsets over the water that create a peaceful retreat.
7. Harry Myers Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY URBAN SPLASH
Harry Myers Park offers a refreshing urban swimming escape with its popular splash pad and water features designed for family enjoyment. Located in Rockwall, this community park combines water play areas with traditional park amenities including playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic pavilions. The park provides a convenient waterfront recreation option for locals and visitors alike, particularly popular during hot Texas summers when families seek relief from the heat.
8. Rusk KOA
CAMPGROUND WATER RECREATION
Rusk KOA campground features a swimming pool and water recreation areas set among the scenic Piney Woods of East Texas. Campers can enjoy swimming, splashing, and relaxing pool-side after exploring the nearby natural attractions and historic sites. The family-friendly destination offers various accommodation options from tent camping to cabin rentals, making it an accessible waterfront getaway for different camping preferences and budgets.
9. Martin Creek Lake State Park
YEAR-ROUND WARM WATERS
Martin Creek Lake State Park is unique for its consistently warm water temperatures year-round due to being a power plant cooling reservoir, making it possible to swim even in winter months. The park features designated swimming areas, fishing piers, and boat ramps along the 5,000-acre lake surrounded by East Texas woodlands. Visitors enjoy the park's diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and camping facilities that complement the unusual swimming experience in this special warm-water lake.
10. Possum Kingdom Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR LIMESTONE WATERS
Possum Kingdom Lake is renowned for its strikingly clear blue waters created by the limestone bed, featuring popular swimming areas like Possum Kingdom State Park and Sandy Beach. The 17,000-acre reservoir offers numerous coves and inlets perfect for swimming, with the iconic Hell's Gate limestone cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop for water recreation. Visitors can enjoy multiple public access points, marina services, and waterfront dining options that make this one of North Texas's premier lake destinations.
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