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Summers in the laid-back, hip-cultured metropolitan city of Texas can get quite overwhelming. The temperatures are consistently on the rise, and the weather is so persistently dry even the leaves forget to move. Yet, this is when the locals find respite in the lap of our beautiful and ever so welcoming mother nature.
Whether it is right in the heart of Houston or an hour-long drive away, there are a few experiences-packed, adventure-filled lakes that you can visit to escape the merciless sun of the city. From boating to fishing, swimming, or just sitting by the lake and enjoying the solitude, there are several leisurely activities for you to savor.
To make this trip easier for you to plan, we have listed all the lakes in Houston and nearby areas waiting for you with their arms wide open.
Below listed lakes around Houston are all that you need to fight the summer heat and embrace the marvels of nature.
Address: Huntsville, Texas
What To Do: Fishing, Swimming, Camping, Star Gazing
Lake Raven invites working professionals to escape the corporate jungle of the bustling city and unwind in the calmness of mother earth. This lake is nestled in the heart of Huntsville State Park and offers an idyllic outdoor experience to its visitors.
Spend the evening witnessing the sunset change its shades from yellow to hues of orange and red. Whether you wish to step out of the town for a day or an entire weekend, Lake Raven is one of the best lakes near Houston, Tx, for a short holiday with your family or friends.
Address: Harris County, Texas
What To Do: Hiking, Jogging, Bird Watching, Animal Watching
Sheldon Lake is perhaps one of the best lakes near Houston, owing to its hidden experiences. Not only the natural marvels, but the lake is also home to mystic wildlife that you can watch from an Observation Tower. You can find various birds, alligators, underwater creatures, and different species of flora covering its grounds.
Additionally, there are around 28 ponds that help you learn about the things you didn’t even know existed. Finally, if you seek more adventure, the short trail within the park will probably interest you.
Address: West, Montgomery, Texas
What To Do: Swimming, Boating, Water Skiing, Dining
Covering around 21,000 acres, Lake Conroe found its home right outside the city gates. It is considered among the most popular lakes around Houston, Texas, by the locals. Lake Conroe is where you will find plenty of opportunities to partake in water activities.
From fishing and boating to swimming and watching the sunset, visitors will indulge in all these experiences and more. Locals can also bring their skiing and tubing gear to leverage the vastness of this lake. There are also plenty of seafood restaurants that help make this trip complete.
Address: Crockett, Houston, Texas
What To Do: Camping, Kayaking, Boating
Boasting a mesmerizing shoreline, Houston County Lake is where experiences are limitless. The lake can be seen after a 10-mile drive to the north of Crockett and offers exciting opportunities to make the weekend away fun and relaxing.
You can find plenty of locals flocking to the lake to indulge in thrilling water activities such as boating, jet skiing, or even kayaking. You can also camp around the lake. Make sure you pack your blankets and picnic baskets to fully enjoy the experience at the lake.
If camping is not your cup of tea, you can rent a room by the lake and leverage the comfort amidst the natural wonders.
Address: New Caney, Houston, Texas
What To Do: Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Water Skiing
If lakes around Houston are what you seek, Lake Houston is where you should be. The lake is sitting a few miles from the city’s heart and spreads as far as the eye can see.
Lake Houston boasts waters filled with fascinating aquatic creatures that would make a perfect meal. You can also rent a cabin in the park near the reservoir and wake up to the most mesmerizing sunrise of your life.
Additionally, the grounds where you can put up a camp and spend the night under the glistening stars make this lake an excellent weekend getaway for those who wish to meet their adventure self. Speaking of which, if you are a water sports enthusiast, do not hesitate to bring your kayaks or pair of skis.
Address: Houston, Texas
What To Do: Paddleboating, Fishing, Bird Watching
McGovern Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Houston, Texas, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Sitting proudly in the heart of the high-rise buildings, McGovern Lake is an absolute delight to unwind after a long day at work.
The sound of calm waves and the cool breeze that lightly blows through your hair as you stroll through the Centennial Gardens is an experience to cherish. You will also get a chance to meet a variety of migratory birds and witness different ecosystems when you visit McGovern Lake.
Address: Western Chambers County, Texas
What To Do: Wildlife Photography, Boating
A popular fishing and boating destination among the locals, Anahuac is an artificial saltwater lake. The lake is also often known as Turtle Bay and is primarily fueled by pumping the water through the Trinity River Basin.
While it was created back in the 1900s, the lake has witnessed plenty of backlash and destruction. But today, the area has been transformed into a national wildlife refuge that aims to protect the coastal wetlands of the town. You can visit the sanctuary, embark on the Cypress Trail, and travel through the forest with oaks and pine standing proudly on either side of the hardwood path that leads to the lake.
There is also plenty of wildlife that you can witness, including raptors, turtles, otters, birds, and more along the way.
Address: Houston, Texas
What To Do: Horseback Riding, Golf, Picnic, Hiking
Addicks Reservoir is sitting in the city of Houston and proudly offers a spot for the locals to relax and get refreshed after a workweek. In addition, you can enjoy several different recreational activities around the lake and make memories of a lifetime.
Golf, horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and participating in several other field sports are just a few of the many activities that you can be a part of when you are here.
Address: Discovery Green, Houston, Texas
What To Do: Kayaking, Sailboating
Kinder Lake is considered among the best lakes in Houston for you if you are craving the placidity of the outdoors but don’t want to wander off too far from the city. Nestled next to the Discovery Green, this lake is where you can visit to quench your thirst for an adventure.
Kayaking is considered one of the most popular sports activities here, and you can find plenty of locals out with their kayaks, either on the water or sitting next to it. The good news is that if you don’t own a kayak, you can always rent it out from the shops nearby. They also have motor-controlled sailboats that you can rent.
Address: Houston, Texas
What To Do: Jogging, Hiking
Primarily a nature center, the Houston Arboretum attracts all sorts of nature lovers all year long. Apart from getting recognition for its detailed programs on plants and animals, it is also known for housing one of the best lakes in Houston.
The activities that you can partake in when you visit the lake include an excursion to the nearby trails where you can jog among the marvels of mother nature or a nighttime hike where you get to learn about nocturnal animals. Whatever you choose to do, the experiences here are a mix of leisure and learning.
Address: 300 State Park Rd 65, Livingston, Texas
What To Do: Bicycling, Camping, Fishing, Boating, Swimming
A location where you can spot renowned personalities shooting for movies, shows, or documentaries, Lake Livingston, is a treasure that Texans take pride in. This lake is sitting around an hour’s drive from Houston and has been tagged as the second largest lake in the entire state of Texas, making it popular among tourists as well.
You can enjoy a plethora of recreational activities when you visit the lake. For example, rent a yacht or a small boat from the marina and take a trip to the lake’s center. Or, you can set up a camp, take a stroll, dive into the chilly waters, bicycle on the trails around the lake, or soak in the beauty of the sunset.
Address: Houston, Texas
What To Do: Sailboating, Kayaking, Biking, Shopping, Dining, Swimming
Located at a 30-minutes drive from Houston is a Clear Lake City, which houses one of the best lakes near Houston and offers activities worth trying. Clear Lake allows you to befriend the friendliest of the crowd that you’ve ever met. You will find happy faces enjoying their time near the lake as they indulge in boating, skiing, fishing, or kayaking on the lake.
There are rental places where you can rent the gear needed for all these activities and join the city’s locals. There are also several spots to shop, dine, and truly enjoy your time in Clear Lake City.
Address: 3336 10th St, Port Arthur, Texas
What To Do: Fishing
If you don’t mind traveling a little far from the city to enjoy a successful fishing trip, a trip to Sabine Lake is highly recommended. You will reach the lake after driving for around 96 miles. But don’t worry, Sabine Lake is a paradise for all fishing enthusiasts.
When you visit the lake in summer, your chances of catching kings, amberjack, red snapper, speckled trout, dorado, and plenty of other species are pretty high.
Address: Y. U. Jones Road Richmond, Texas
What To Do: Fishing, Sightseeing
Welcoming all the fishing enthusiasts, Smithers Lake is another one of the Houston Lakes where you can catch your dinner. This artificial lake is located on Dry Creek, approximately thirty miles from Houston.
The lake covers around 2400 hectares, and apart from fishing, it is also famous for generating electricity for the residences and buildings located nearby.
Address: George Bush Terry Hershey Connector, Houston, Texas, US
What To Do: Bicycling, Hiking, Golfing, Wildlife Watching
Barker Reservoir sits next to the Addicks Reservoir that we have covered in the list above. However, the reservoir offers a lot more than just sitting by the lake, which makes it a popular spot for the locals and tourists.
There’s something to do for everyone here. If you feel a little outdoorsy, you can go for a hike, catch a fish, or maybe bicycle amidst the tall trees and bushes. But if you are in the mood for some slow, laid-back activities, you can try golfing or wildlife watching.
Houston is a city that offers the best of both concrete and natural jungles. You can escape the speed of high-rise buildings and embrace the calmness of mother earth by visiting the lakes in Houston or those sitting just a few miles away. These lakes are waiting for you to unravel different and wonderful experiences that you will remember throughout your lifetime.
If you are traveling to the city in the summer, make sure you bookmark this blog. It will definitely come in handy.
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April 3, 2024 
