Lewisville Lake, in northern Texas, is the reservoir that exists from the construction of the Lewisville Lake Dam by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1955. The lake, which also includes the water from the former Lake Dallas, covers almost 30,000 acres and provides flood protection, water conservation, and water recreation. Lewisville Lake is a little over 30 miles north of the Dallas City Center, which makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The COE lake has 187 miles of pristine shoreline within the boundaries of Denton County. The shores and the water offer visitors the chance to have a vacation jam-packed with activities while still being scenic and relaxing. Most people who visit Lewisville Lake will enjoy at least one of the many outdoor opportunities like fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. The area is also a haven for wildlife and has countless picturesque picnic spots.
Camping is convenient for travelers with large or small rigs at Lewisville Lake. The COE campground requires reservations and provides water and electric hookups. You can travel around in your RV to the local COE lakes like Lavon Lake and Grapevine Lake for a change of pace. A visit to Ray Roberts Lake State Park nearby is a worthwhile trip as well. The options are plentiful when visiting this part of Texas.
Traffic is the main concern for travelers to Lewisville Lake. Its location, near the major cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as its proximity to the DFW International Airport, means that routes to this COE lake can often get congested. Avoid traveling during peak rush hour as much as possible. Due to the high volume of vehicles, accidents can also occur frequently.
Travelers from either Dallas or the airport will follow the wide, paved I-35E, and most of the time is spent with views of the suburbs.
Driving between the 29 recreation areas spread around the lake can't be avoided. If possible, choose your favorite area and stick with it for the day.
Parking is available for RVs and trailers at the recreation areas and near boat ramps. Avid cyclists can park and bike the distance between some of the parks if desired.
Available year-round, the COE campground at Hickory Creek boasts a total of 128 campsites - 118 are RV-friendly and the remaining ten are tent-only walk-in sites. Large rigs up to 102 feet can find suitable accommodation with the added bonus of both electric and water hookups. There are a few pull-through sites, and every campsite has a picnic table for dining and fire pit for cooking or campfires.
This pet-friendly campground, set along the lake, offers easy access for either swimming or boating. There's even a boat ramp, and several sites have unobstructed water views. Kids can enjoy a summer evening at the playground, and adults can take in a show at the amphitheater.
The amenities you would expect are available for campers at Hickory Creek. There are flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Advanced reservations, made exclusively online, are required here as the gatehouse does not accept any onsite registrations.
Often called the best on Lake Lewisville, the beach at Little Elm Park is the first stop for most swimmers. This sandy beach is on the north end of the lake and is deep. The entrance to the water is gradual, and the water is calm due to its setting in a natural cove.
Towards the south end of the lake, you'll find Lake Park Beach to the west and Stewart Creek Park Beach to the east. The beach at Lake Park has shallow, kid-friendly water ideal for swimming. Stewart Creek Beach has a roped off area and picnic tables close by.
Hop in your boat and go for a ride around the lake or strap on the waterskis for some extra excitement. Lewisville Lake permits all types of watercraft, so you'll see speed boats, canoes, fishing boats, and jet skis exploring the water.
Five public marinas offer fuel and other supplies. If you need to rent a boat, the marinas also provide this service. You can rent pontoon boats, wave runners, and ski boats. A total of 17 boat ramps around the lake make water access trouble-free.
Almost every recreation area at Lewisville Lake has some picnic facilities for your outdoor dining needs. If you need a large area, there are four reservable shelters within the Westlake Day Use Area. The different group shelters can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 150 people. The Blackjack Oak Shelter is on the water and private, whereas the Green Ash Shelter is closest to the parking lot and restrooms.
Standard picnic tables can be close to the beaches, boat ramps, and other popular attractions. Bring your lunch and some drinks and you're all set.
Fishing from a boat or from the shore is a popular pastime at this COE lake. Lewisville Lake Park and Willow Grove have fishing piers to accommodate anglers without boats. Expect to catch species of fish such as bass, crappie, and catfish.
The most common catches here are white bass and white crappie. Your chances of hooking both blue and channel catfish are excellent. You may also find largemouth and spotted bass as well as hybrid striped bass which are stocked annually. Consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for water conditions and regulations.
Many of the recreation areas at Lewisville Lake have multipurpose hiking trails. The trails at Little Elm and Hickory Creek are easily accessible and can be used by hikers and cyclists. The Greenbelt Access 380 Recreation Area also has a multipurpose trail that allows equestrians.
In total, the COE lake surrounding area has over 50 miles of trails ranging from easy ones under one mile and harder ones that span over 13 miles. There's something for every hiker at Lewisville Lake.
Lovers of nature and wildlife must check out the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA). The nature preserve covers 2,000 acres on the southern shore of the lake. It's a habitat for over 280 species of birds and offers educational programs and walks.
Aside from the birds, there are salamanders and toads, white-tailed deer, coyote, and raccoons to see. Bring your camera and some binoculars so that you don't miss a thing.
