Accessing Public WaterwaysTechnically, all lakes and streams are owned by the state and are open to public use — it is a right that was laid out in the Texas Constitution.
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Many or most are public (state owned) lakes, but much of the land surrounding is privately owned. There's public access/ boat launching facilities, but there are regulations on boating, swimming, and fishing that must be observed.
There are many natural lakes in Texas, though none is of great size. The largest designated natural lake touching the border of Texas is Sabine Lake, into which the Sabine and Neches rivers discharge. It is more properly a bay of the Gulf of Mexico.
The great news is, swimming in Texas lakes is just as safe as swimming in any natural body of water, taking into account the possible risks outlined above.
But did you know that the Lone Star State is also home to several crystal clear lakes? While Texas boasts numerous fishing sites, its clear swimming waters are gems the state prides itself on. Below, we list eight of the clearest lakes in Texas and where to find them.
Texas has some great lakes to live on throughout all regions of the state, including the DFW area in North Texas, Greater Houston, and the Highland Lakes chain on the Colorado River upstream of Austin. There's no shortage of premium Texas real estate near the water.
Fairfield Lake is the largest private lake in the state and is estimated to be about 50-feet deep. The property, marketed by Hortenstine Ranch Company, is in its namesake city of Fairfield and is about 90 miles southeast of Dallas.
Natural lakes have been a rare commodity in Texas. In fact, the state had only one natural lake, Caddo Lake in East Texas, that was formed by a log jam. A permanent dam was installed at the lake in the early 20th century.
The State of Texas owns the water, and LCRA manages the water for the people of Texas. The state issues water rights that allow the holder to use a specific amount of water each year from the river and lakes.
In Texas, water rights depend on whether the water is surface water or groundwater. Surface water is publicly owned and governed by the State of Texas. Without a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), landowners may only use surface water for domestic and livestock purposes.
Fairfield Lake State Park, located in Freestone County about 70 miles east of Waco, will close permanently on Feb. 28, after almost 50 years of public access. Vistra Energy owns the land and leases it to the state at no cost.
The cheapest lake to live on in Texas is Lake Palestine in East Texas. Located near Tyler, this 25,560-acre reservoir offers a variety of recreational activities and plenty of options, including golf at Emerald Bay.
Texas's Open Container Law on BoatsTexas also has an open container law that prohibits the possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. This rule does not apply, however, to boats and water vessels. It is legal to operate a boat with open cups, bottles and cans of alcohol onboard.