The 100 Biggest Lakes in Texas | List for 2024 ✅✅

1	Toledo Bend Reservoir	182,490
2	Sam Rayburn Reservoir	112,590
3	Falcon Reservoir	85,195
4	Lake Texoma	78,420
5	Amistad Reservior	66,465
6	Richland-Chambers Reservoir	43,384
7	Lake Tawakoni	37,325
8	Cedar Creek Reservoir	32,873
9	Lake Livingston	32,583
10	Ray Roberts Lake	28,646
11	Lake Fork Reservoir	27,264
12	Lake Lewisville	27,175
13	Lake Caddo	26,800
14	Choke Canyon Reservoir	25,989
15	Lake Whitney	23,220
16	Lake Palestine	22,656
17	Lake Buchanan	22,137
18	Lake Ray Hubbard	20,963
19	Lake Lavon	20,559
20	Lake Conroe	20,118
21	O.H. Ivie Reservoir	19,149
22	Lake Travis	19,048
23	Lake Corpus Christi	18,256
24	Wright Patman Lake (Texarkana)	18,247
25	Cooper Lake	17,958
26	Barker Reservoir	17,225
27	Lake O’ the Pines	16,919
28	Addicks Reservoir	16,780
29	Possum Kingdom Lake	16,716
30	Lake Meredith	16,411
31	Lake Kemp	15,357
32	Hubbard Creek Reservoir	14,992
33	Lake Arrowhead	14,969
34	Spence Reservoir, E.V.	14,640
35	Lake Limestone	12,553
36	Belton Lake	12,135
37	Bridgeport, Lake	11,954
38	Houston, Lake	11,854
39	Somerville Lake	10,843
40	Steinhagen Lake, B.A.	10,687
41	Cisco, Lake	10,430
42	Texana, Lake	9,676
43	Bob Sandlin, Lake	8,703
44	Eagle Mountain Lake	8,694
45	Twin Buttes Reservoir	8,445
46	Canyon Lake	8,308
47	Waco, Lake	8,190
48	Granbury, Lake	7,945
49	Red Bluff Reservoir	7,495
50	Joe Pool Lake	7,470
51	J.B. Thomas, Lake	7,282
52	South Texas Project Reservoir	7,000
53	Grapevine Lake	6,893
54	J.D. Murphree WMA Impoundments	6,881
55	Stillhouse Hollow Lake	6,484
56	Brownwood, Lake	6,443
57	Kickapoo, Lake	6,028
58	Lake Lyndon B. Johnson	6,024
59	Pat Mayse Lake	5,638
60	Medina Lake	5,426
61	O.C. Fisher Lake	5,348
62	Stamford, Lake	5,158
63	Anahuac, Lake	5,035
64	Martin Creek Lake	4,981

Rank	Lake	Surface Area (acres)
65	Tyler, Lake / Lake Tyler East	4,737
66	Navarro Mills Lake	4,736
67	Proctor Lake	4,537
68	Fort Phantom Hill, Lake	4,213
69	Granger Lake	4,203
70	Natural Dam Lake	3,710
71	Benbrook Lake	3,635
72	Calaveras Lake	3,624
73	Murvaul, Lake	3,507
74	Cherokee, Lake	3,467
75	Worth, Lake	3,458
76	Cypress Springs, Lake	3,252
77	Squaw Creek Reservoir	3,169
78	Truscott Brine Lake	3,146
79	Bardwell Lake	3,138
80	Diverson, Lake	3,133
81	Coleto Creek Reservoir	3,100
82	Aquilla Lake	3,066
83	Gibbons Creek Reservoir	2,770
84	Alan Henry, Lake	2,741
85	Mountain Creek Lake	2,696
86	Loma Alta Lake	2,490
87	Smithers Lake	2,480
88	Graham, Lake	2,444
89	Palo Duro Reservoir	2,413
90	Fayette County Reservoir	2,400
91	Oak Creek Reservoir	2,375
92	Delta Lake, Units 1, 2	2,371
93	Twin Oaks Reservoir	2,330
94	Millers Creek Reservoir	2,212
95	Nacogdoches, Lake	2,212
96	Wichita, Lake	2,200
97	Palo Pinto, Lake	2,176
98	Fairfield Lake	2,159
99	Greenbelt Lake	2,025
100	Brady Creek Reservoir	2,020

The Five Biggest Lakes in Texas

1. Toledo Bend Reservoir (182,490 acres)

Let me tell you about Toledo Bend Reservoir, the grandest lake in Texas and the largest artificial, one in the southern United States. Right smack dab between Texas and Louisiana, this lake boasts a whopping 1,200 miles of shoreline – now that’s something!

Fishing is the real star of the show at Toledo Bend. They host loads of fishing tournaments throughout the year, reeling in folks from all around. Bass, crappie, carp, white bass, striped bass, and catfish are just waiting to be caught here.

But hold your horses if fishing ain’t your thing! Toledo Bend is a blast for jet skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. And if you prefer staying dry, the hiking trails are top-notch – you can even trot along on horseback! So, whether you’re a fishing fanatic or just looking for a splashin’ good time, Toledo Bend’s got you covered.

Read Also: Top 7 Places Where to See Snow in Texas This Winter

Toledo Bend Stats

• Surface area: 182,490 acres
• Length: 65 miles
• Width: 10 miles
• Max depth: 110 feet
• Average depth: 24 feet

2. Sam Rayburn Reservoir (112,590 acres)

 Let me share the scoop on Sam Rayburn, the second-largest lake in Texas sprawling across a whopping 112,590 acres. Tucked away in east Texas, it’s just a short jaunt, a little over an hour, from the city of Beaumont.

Now, if there’s one thing to remember about Sam Rayburn Reservoir, it’s the fishing. This place clinched the top spot in the country for the best bass, and let me tell you, it’s bass heaven! Stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, and more, Sam Rayburn is the go-to for hundreds of fishing tournaments each year. So, if you’re aiming for pro-level bass action, you’ve hit the jackpot right here.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Stats:

• Surface area: 112,590 acres
• Length: 36.4 miles
• Width: 4.3 miles
• Max depth: 80 feet

These numbers paint the picture of Sam Rayburn—a sprawling 112,590 acres of water, stretching 36.4 miles in length and 4.3 miles in width, with a maximum depth of 80 feet. Quite the aquatic marvel!

3. Falcon Reservoir (85,195 acres)

Let’s dive into Falcon Reservoir, a sizable lake straddling the Rio Grande between Texas and Mexico. Just a quick hop, skip, and jump—around half an hour—from Laredo, it proudly claims the title of the third-largest lake in the Lone Star State.

Given its vast expanse, Falcon Reservoir offers a smorgasbord of activities! Take in the sights of feathered friends while bird-watching, try your hand at geocaching, carve through the waters on a water ski, or simply soak up the sun on your trusty boat.

And calling all amateur anglers! Falcon Reservoir is a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts. Ever wanted to reel in an alligator gar? Well, here’s your golden opportunity! A word to the wise: if your boat ventures into Mexican waters, make sure you’ve got a Mexican fishing license. Keep a keen eye on your GPS if paperwork isn’t your strong suit. Falcon Reservoir is a gem waiting to be explored!

Falcon Reservoir Stats:

• Surface area: 112,590 acres
• Max depth: 110 feet

Picture this: Falcon Reservoir, sprawling across 112,590 acres and reaching a maximum depth of 110 feet. It’s a vast aquatic playground waiting to be discovered!

4. Lake Texoma (78,420 acres)

 Ah, the memories of summers spent at Rocky Point Girl Scout Camp on the shores of Lake Texoma! Let me share from my firsthand frolicking experience that Lake Texoma is the quintessential American lake—truly offering something for everyone. While you won’t find perfect azure waters for swimming, there are plenty of decent beaches perfect for a family outing.

Whether you’re into horse trails, camping, or cozy cabins, Lake Texoma’s got it all. And hey, if you fancy a cruise around the lake, you’re in luck!

Now, here’s a unique twist: you can hop over to the Oklahoma side for a bit of casino action. Some folks like to shuttle from Texas to Oklahoma, making a whole day of it. So, if you need a break from the hot sun, why not try your luck at gambling? Lake Texoma is truly a treasure trove of fun!

Lake Amistad Stats:

• Surface area: 66,465 acres
• Max depth: 217 feet

Imagine the vastness of Lake Texoma, spanning across 66,465 acres and reaching a maximum depth of 217 feet. It’s a haven for memories, offering a blend of outdoor delights for all who venture to its shores!

5. Lake Amistad (66,465 acres)

 Up for a border adventure? Lake Amistad beckons! As one of Texas’ largest and most unique lakes, it sits perched on the Rio Grande River. Interesting fact: about two-thirds of the lake lies in the US, while the remaining third crosses into Mexico (FYI, “amistad” means “friendship” in Spanish).

Lake Amistad is a free-spirited destination; access is free if you’re just looking to chill and swim. However, if boating, camping, or hunting is on your agenda, you’ll need to snag a special pass.

And yes, you heard it right—**hunting** is on the menu at Lake Amistad. Deer, javelina, turkey, rabbit, antelope, hog, and more game are fair game here. Of course, there are rules to follow, covering hunting gear and seasonality, so be sure to check their requirements before you embark on your hunting adventure.

While Lake Amistad is generally considered safe, it does straddle the border between two countries, so it’s wise to keep your wits about you. Ready for a unique lakeside experience? Lake Amistad is calling your name!

Lake Amistad Stats:

• Surface area: 66,465 acres
• Max depth: 217 feet

Imagine the vast expanse of Lake Amistad, spanning 66,465 acres with a maximum depth of 217 feet. This unique lake, straddling the border and offering a blend of recreational activities, is truly a distinctive gem waiting to be explored!

Other large notable lakes

Lake Livingston (32,538 acres)

Lake Livingston, just an hour north of Houston, is nestled in the stunning Piney Woods. While it may be a tad swampy, fret not – it’s safe to take a dip at the designated beaches around Lake Livingston.

For those keen on canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, rentals are available Thursday through Sunday, courtesy of the park rangers. And if you fancy a serene picnic, you’re in luck – Lake Livingston’s tall, fragrant pine trees set the perfect backdrop for a delightful outdoor feast. Dive into the natural beauty of the Piney Woods at Lake Livingston!

Address: 300 State Park Rd 65, Livingston, TX 77351-1601

Website: [Lake Livingston] 

Caddo Lake (26,800 acres)

Behold, the colossal Caddo Lake in East Texas! Here’s a fun tidbit: it’s situated in Karnack, TX, the hometown of former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. This mammoth lake rests right on the eastern border of Texas and Louisiana, offering a genuine swamp experience.

Now, swimming is a no-go in Caddo Lake due to the critters lurking in the swamp. However, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can either rent a canoe or bring your own kayak to navigate the park’s extensive 50+ miles of paddling trails. Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of bald cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss as you embark on a day of hiking, boating, or camping at one of Caddo Lake’s numerous campgrounds. The swampy wonders of Caddo Lake await your exploration!

Address: 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX 75661

Website: [Caddo Lake State Park]

Lake Ray Hubbard (20,963 acres)

Surprising revelation – Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in North Texas! Hailing from the Dallas suburbs, I discovered that our drinking water mainly flowed from Lake Ray Hubbard. Despite being artificial, it’s a fantastic hub for water sports. 

The Rockwall Harbor shopping area, offering picturesque views of the water, adds to its popularity. Fishing is also on the agenda, but swimming might not be the best call due to the lake’s vegetation and overall setup – Lake Ray Hubbard is more of a boating haven.

Address: 6775 Miller Rd, Rowlett, TX 75088

Website: [Lake Ray Hubbard]

Lake Travis (19,048 acres)

A trip to the Austin area is incomplete without a visit to Lake Travis, a true icon in Central Texas life. This renowned lake is synonymous with leisure and is undoubtedly a party destination. If you’ve ever dreamed of renting a yacht or treating your BFFs to a party boat extravaganza, Lake Travis is the place to be.

P.S. If you’re considering a swim in Lake Travis, exercise extreme caution. While swimming is allowed, there have been unfortunate accidents involving drunk boaters colliding with swimmers. Always stick to designated swimming areas for safety!

Address: 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732

Website: [Lake Travis]

Canyon Lake (8,308 acres)

I must confess that Canyon Lake holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite lakes in Texas. Nestled about 40 minutes north of San Antonio, this natural haven boasts one of the deepest lakes in the state. What sets Canyon Lake apart is the mesmerizing color of its water: the lake’s depth and unique features result in stunningly blue waters, practically inviting you for a refreshing dip.

While Canyon Lake welcomes both boating and swimming, it truly shines as a destination for tubing and rafting. Rent a boat for the day and relish the invigorating warmth of the Texas air as you race across the lake on a tube, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Address: 1178 Comal Park Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: [Canyon Lake]

FAQs

What are the biggest lakes in Texas?

The biggest lakes in Texas include Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and Richland-Chambers Reservoir.

What are the top three lakes in Texas?

The top three lakes in Texas are Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and Richland-Chambers Reservoir.

How many lakes are in Texas?

Texas is home to over 200 major lakes, providing ample opportunities for water recreation and outdoor activities.

Where is the largest artificial lake in Texas?

Toledo Bend Reservoir, located on the Texas-Louisiana border, holds the title of the largest artificial lake in Texas.