A little over an hour southeast of Dallas, Cedar Creek Reservoir is Texas’ fourth-largest lake, and a popular hub for fishing, boating, and water-based recreation. Cedar Creek boasts 320 miles of shoreline and numerous coves to explore around the lake. Equipped with four full-service marinas, Cedar Creek Lake provides all the necessities you need for a day on the water, including boat rentals and bait and tackle for reeling in white bass, catfish, and crappie. Cedar Creek Reservoir makes a great starting point for exploring the many neighboring towns, including Seven Points, Gun Barrel City, Kemp, Star Harbor, and Trinidad. Its proximity to nearby townships provides a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as opportunities to enjoy local festivals.

The spring and summer months boast balmy weather, making conditions nice for recreational activities at the lake. While Cedar Creek Lake offers excellent fishing year-round, it’s known to be particularly good in the spring. In April, Seven Points, one of the towns situated on the reservoir, hosts its annual festival featuring live music, nearly 100 stalls selling various products from local businesses, a raffle, and food and beverages. In December, Gun Barrel City hosts its annual Christmas Parade and fireworks show, ornamenting the streets with festive twinkling lights and adorning the sky in vibrant colors.

McKinney Roughs Nature Park

McKinney Roughs Nature Park is a lush oasis spanning 1,100 acres along the scenic river bends of the Colorado River. The park features a multi-use trail system comprising 18 miles of trails meandering through the Lost Pines Forest. From juniper-oak and pine trees to treasure troves of wildflower meadows, McKinney Roughs Nature Parks provides a haven for nature-lovers.

Gun Barrel City Park

Ten minutes north of the Cedar Creek Reservoir is Gun Barrel City Park. Humming with a variety of fun activities, this recreational gem offers walking trails, horseshoe pits, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park, and a catch-and-release fishing pond. The park also features a sweet monarch butterfly garden.

Fishing

One of Cedar Creek Lake’s biggest draws is its excellent fishing. The lake is brimming with various species, including largemouth bass, blue and channel catfish, white and hybrid striped bass, and crappie. There are also two public boat ramps available for accessing the waters.