Lake Brownwood is the sort of place folks return to year after year for summer vacations and family reunions. During the summer, sport boats and jet skis crisscross this reservoir towing water-skiers and wakeboarders, while pontoon boats packed with revelers bob in secluded coves. Most boaters bring their own watercraft, but there are rental shops in the area, and visitors can launch from four public docks. No boat? No problem. Many properties around here are lakefront, and, with nearly 100 miles of oak-shaded shoreline, it’s easy to find a good spot for swimming or fishing.

On dry land, there are three golf courses around Lake Brownwood and a state park on the northeast side of the lake. And the charming city of Brownwood, which boasts a historic downtown and a number of excellent eateries and breweries, is just a short drive away.

Summer, when the weather is hot and the sun is shining, is the liveliest time to stay in one of Lake Brownwood’s cabins. Holidays and weekends can be particularly busy. Water levels on the lake vary from day to day, but they tend to be consistently lower at the end of a long, hot summer.

Some area businesses are open only in the busy season, but that doesn’t stop people from visiting Lake Brownwood at other times of year. In fall and winter, the area is popular with hunters, who come for the deer, hogs, and wildfowl. December, January, and February are the coolest months here, though it rarely gets too cold, and they have their own quiet charms: bereft of the summer crowds, the shores of the lake are peaceful for hikers, anglers, and bird-watchers.

Fishing

Every year, Lake Brownwood hosts a number of fishing tournaments, particularly for bass. The lake is home to largemouth and white bass, white crappie, and catfish. Bait and licenses can be purchased at convenience stores, and there are a few larger sporting goods stores that sell a wide range of gear. Or you can rent gear in Lake Brownwood State Park.

Civilian Conservation Corps Structures at Lake Brownwood State Park

At Lake Brownwood State Park, keep an eye out for the stone visitor center, cabins, and other infrastructure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) around 1933. You can also follow one of two trail systems that connect these points of interest.

Stargazing

The night skies around Lake Brownwood tend to be clear, dark, and star-studded. For the best views, boat out onto the lake and lie back — you’ll feel like you’re floating in a sea of stars.