A reservoir created by a dam built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Granger Lake is located on the San Gabriel River in central Texas. Less than one hour from Austin and near the towns of Granger and Taylor in Williamson County, Texas, the dam, lake and adjoining property are managed by the Fort Worth District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam was built to provide flood control, the resulting lake offers recreation opportunities, making it a popular place to spend time.
Visitors can fish for great white bass and crappie at Granger Lake, and the 10,000 plus acre wildlife management area is popular for hunting. Boating, jet skiing, and sailing on the lake are also popular among visitors. Swim beaches can be found at Granger Lake, making it a great place to take a dip and cool off. Camping and picnic opportunities are also available at the lake.
If you are looking to get away without being far from amenities, Granger Lake is an ideal destination. Enjoy the scenery and fresh air while participating in activities on or around the lake.
From Georgetown, turn left onto TX-29 E/W University Ave and continue for 15 miles (24.1 km). Upon reaching TX-95 S, turn right and proceed for .8 miles (1.28 km). Turn left on FM 1331 and drive for 6.3 miles (10.1 km) until reaching Granger Dam Rd. Make a left and proceed for 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to Granger Lake.
Parking is available at Granger Lake.
Public transportation is not available to Granger Lake.
Taylor Campground is located on the banks of Granger Lake and offers an excellent option for a home base during your trip. There are 48 campsites available, each with water and electric hook-ups, a barbecue, fire pit, and covered picnic table. The campground includes flush toilets and showers, ensuring that it is easy to clean up after a day of fun. There is also a playground, making it a perfect choice for families and a boat ramp so that you can enjoy exploring the lake. RV’s and trailers of up to 50 feet can be accommodated.
Willis Creek Campground offers a variety of camping opportunities. In addition to standard sites that include water and electric hook-ups (four of which have sewer drops), there is a group campsite that can accommodate 50 people as well as five equestrian sites. Sites offer a barbecue, fire pit, and picnic table and are able to accommodate RVs and trailers that are up to 50 feet long. The campground has a swimming site and a boat launch, as well as equestrian trails for those looking for horseback riding opportunities. Willis Creek Campground is a great choice, no matter the type of camping you are looking for.
Looking for a place to set up camp during your visit to Granger Lake? Check out Wilson H. Fox Park. With 50 campsites that can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length, the campground is a great choice for a home base for visitors. The campground has numerous amenities; a comfort station, swimming beach, fishing dock, playground, and boat ramps, and all sites have water and electric hook-ups, a covered picnic table and grill. A dump station is also available at the campground. Set up camp and have a perfect place to relax after a day of fun!
Those seeking a group campsite when visiting Granger Lake should consider Friendship Park. The group site can accommodate up to 50 people and offers electric hookups along with a barbecue, fire pit, picnic table, and shelter. The sites are accessible and restrooms are available at the campground. The group campsite at Friendship Park is a great option for those looking to enjoy Granger Lake with a large group of family or friends.
There are two established trails for you to check out during a visit to Granger Lake. On the lake’s south side is Comanche Bluff Trail. The trail can be utilized for hiking and biking and can be accessed from two different locations; the east trailhead is in Taylor Park and the west trailhead is located off County Road 496.
On the north side of the lake is the Willis Creek Park Equestrian Trail, which allows for hiking and biking as well as horseback riding. Wandering the trails is a great way to explore the park and enjoy some fresh air.
A great way to enjoy time outdoors is to go fishing, and Granger Lake is the perfect place to break out your fishing pole. Crappie is the most popular sport fish at the lake; there are significant numbers of legal-size crappie at Granger Lake. Also, regularly found in the lake are channel, flathead, and blue catfish. White bass can be found and there are even small numbers of largemouth bass. While you are fishing, you can take in the area’s beauty and tranquility.
A popular activity at Granger Lake is boating; visitors can bring their boat, kayak or canoe and explore the lake in their watercraft. Four parks on Granger Lake are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offer boat ramps so that you can get your boat into the lake. A one-lane boat launch is also available in the San Gabriel Wildlife Management Area for Jon boats and canoes. Once your vessel is in the water, cruise the lake at your own pace, take in your surroundings.
When visiting Granger Lake, you can choose from four different parks that offer options for launching your boat, enjoying a picnic, camping, swimming and more. Friendship Park, for example, offers wildlife viewing opportunities along with a boat ramp and campground. Willis Creek offers equestrian trails, a boat launch, a campground, and a swimming area. Taylor offers a campground, swimming area and boat launch and Wilson H. Fox offers swimming, a campground, and a boat launch. Visit the lake from one of the parks or all four!
Not far from Granger Lake in Georgetown is the Inner Space Cavern, which is considered one of the best-preserved caves in Texas. In 1963, the Texas Highway Department accidentally discovered this cave as they were trying to determine if the ground was stable enough to support a highway overpass. Visitors can take a tour of the cavern as well as enjoy a playground, mining area, gift shop and display of fossils that were found in the cave.
About 30 minutes from Granger Lake is the Georgetown Art Center, which opened in 2013. The Art Center offers exhibits, companion artist talks and receptions, all of which are at no cost to visitors. Exhibits vary and have included bronze sculptures, custom wood installations, ceramics and much more. The Georgetown Art Center also hosts “Art Hop”, which is a show with cash prizes featuring works by Texas artists. A visit to the Georgetown Art Center is a great way to include something different in your adventure!
