The greater Dallas metropolitan area boasts plenty of concrete, flat horizons and glass skyscrapers, but this North Texas community also has a surprisingly large number of lakes balancing out the concrete jungle. The city of Dallas itself has a population of more than 1.2 million, according to the 2004 U.S. Census, making it the eighth-largest city in the country and the third largest in Texas. Many Dallasites spend the weekend hanging out at local lakes and parks, especially in the balmy, sunny days of spring and fall.
The jewel in the Dallas Parks and Recreation crown is White Rock Lake, a 1,015-acre lake located in the heart of the city. Runners can be found pounding its nine-plus miles of trails every day of the year. There are also many local races held here, including the famous White Rock Lake Marathon, "Run the Rock," held every December. Visitors who prefer a more sedate park experience can enjoy the view from numerous picnic areas throughout the park, or even go fishing at any of the fishing piers. Would-be brides and grooms also love the park; the elegant Winfrey Point and Big Thicket buildings can be reserved for weddings, receptions and other special events.
White Rock Lake
8300 E. Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75218
214-670-4100
Lake Grapevine is just a few minutes from the city of Dallas and the sprawling Dallas/Fort Worth (D/FW) International Airport. Lake Grapevine offers 8,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing and other aquatic activities. Those who prefer their sports dry love its nine miles of hiking and cycling trails. Many world-class hotels are just minutes away by car, but campers are also welcome to stay at the Vineyards Campgrounds near the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.
Lake Grapevine
c/o Grapevine Visitor Information Center
Cotton Belt Depot
705 S. Main St.
Grapevine, TX 76051
817-410-8136
Four miles south of the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie lies Joe Pool Lake. Its 6,469 acres occupies land on three separate counties---Tarrant, Ellis and Dallas---and remains a popular recreational option for residents throughout the D/FW Metroplex. Joe Pool Lake has several park and nature reserves, including Cedar Hill Park, which at 1,826 acres, is the largest around the lake. The state Texas Parks & Wildlife Department maintains much of the lake and the greenspace around it, sharing responsibility with the local counties and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating, hiking, cycling and camping. Playgrounds are also available throughout the park.
Joe Pool Lake/Cedar Hill State Park
1570 F.M. 1382
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972-291-3900
Dubbed the official "Urban Bass Fishing Capital of Texas," Lake Lewisville's 23,280 acres teem with large-mouth bass, crappie and white bass. In addition to fishing, visitors can sail and jet ski on the lake. Land-lovers have 233 miles of shoreline on which to bike and picnic, as well as 9,000 acres of wilderness for camping.
The City of Lewisville
Lake Park Campground
1900 Kingfisher Dr.
Lewisville, TX 75057
972-219-3742
