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Exploring Lake Life in Texas

Exploring Lake Life in Texas

When thinking of Texas, one usually imagines open plains, big skies, expansive cattle ranches, and rolling hills. Of course, there is more to Texas than meets the eye, as it also has a large number of lakes that allow for lots of outdoor fun and enhance the local lifestyle. Is there any better way to beat the Texas heat than by heading to the lake? 

Here at The Dominion, Lubbocks premier apartment community, we love to help our residents discover new and exciting outdoor activities in West Texas. Thats why weve compiled a list of our favorite lake destinations throughout Texas. Lets dive in! 


Natural Lakes of Texas 

While Texas has a lot of lakes, most are man-made reservoirs that are used for flood control, and water supply. But they also have several opportunities for recreation. Just how many natural lakes are in Texas? Natural lakes in Texas are rarer. The exact number estimates of natural lakes in Texas range from between 20 and 40, and they are mostly in the Eastern part of the state. There are smaller bodies of water, however, that can raise the overall count by thousands! 

A family of four are on a boat fishing.

The Biggest Lake in Texas 

What is the largest lake in Texas? Including reservoirs, the largest lake in Texas, the Toledo Bend Reservoir, on the Texas and Louisiana border has the largest surface area covering over 182,000 acres! The largest natural freshwater lake entirely within the state of Texas is Green Lake covering about 10,000 acres. While that is a small fraction of the size of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, 10,000 acres is nothing to sneeze at. Green Lake has plenty to offer lake enthusiasts. 



Enjoying Lakes Near Lubbock 

Lubbock is part of West Texas and is known for being very dry. That does not mean that you cannot enjoy fun in the water. While there are no large natural lakes, there are a great number of nearby lakes and reservoirs that allow for recreational usage. The following are just some of the options either in or close to Lubbock. 

Lake Alan Henry is located an hour Southeast of Lubbock near Justiceburg. It is a popular regional destination with more than 2,800 acres of water and over 56 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy boating and water sports including water skiing, fishing, and even camping and hiking. Those who enjoy fishing will find catfish, crappies, and bass to be plentiful! 

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Buffalo Springs Lake is just about a 15 minute drive from Lubbock. It is a small reservoir that is great for shore or boat fishing, as well as swimming. Buffalo Springs is the perfect place to spread out and enjoy a picnic right by the lake. 


Ransom Canyon Lake is just South of Lubbock, and surrounded by red rock bluffs, as well as residential areas. It boasts a great environment for kayaking or paddleboarding because of the calm water. The views are absolutely breathtaking as well, so make sure you bring your camera. 


The Canyon Lakes are a series of small lakes within Lubbock. These Lubbock lake getaways are found along the Yellow House Draw and Mackenzie Park. They are great for walking, picnicking, and limited fishing. They are very nice places to visit to enjoy some time in nature. 



Lake Fun Expectations 

While West Texas lakes are usually smaller and not quite as crystal clear than the larger reservoir destinations in other parts of the state, you can still have a great time and an outstanding experience. Many of these lakes offer wonderful fishing with catfish, crappies, and bass, just to name a few. 

Boating and water sports activities are also plentiful with plenty of room for your pontoon, or jet skis. Wakeboarding, water skiing, and other fun water sports are all available at larger reservoirs near Lubbock. 

If you like RV or tent camping, there are lots of different environments at the lakes to enjoy. Scenic trails, and beautiful landscapes at the lakes make it a great place to get away from it all. Make sure you bring your camera too, because the West Texas skies reflecting off the lake provides the perfect background. 

A group of people are riding in a speedboat on the water.

Enjoy the Lakes of Texas 

Are you just curious about how many natural lakes are in Texas? Do you want to know what is the largest lake in Texas? Are you already planning your next lake adventure near Lubbock? Just know that there is plenty of water fun to be had in the Lone Star State. You can take some time to explore gigantic reservoirs like Lake Alan Henry and Buffalo Springs Lake or just stroll along the peaceful Canyon Lakes right in the middle of Lubbock. The West Texas area provides the best balance of scenic getaways and recreational fun. 

If you’re looking for your next apartment home in Lubbock, then visit us at The Dominion Apartments. We offer beautiful 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans designed to maximize comfort, style, and spaciousness. Residents gain access to exclusive amenities including the resort-style swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, stainless steel grilling stations, and much more. 

Schedule a tour today and discover your next home in Lubbock at The Dominion Apartments. Best of all, the community is surrounded by the great outdoors of West Texas and its stunning lakes.