Cedar Creek Lake: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Just an hour’s drive from Dallas lies Cedar Creek Lake, a serene oasis that many locals treasure as their best-kept secret. This not-so-hidden gem is the fourth largest lake in Texas, with a surface area of 32,000 acres and over 320 miles of shoreline.

Cedar Creek Lake was created in 1965 with the completion of the Cedar Creek Dam, which impounded the Trinity River. The reservoir was primarily designed for flood control and water supply purposes. The lake has since become a popular recreational destination, and it has played a significant role in the region’s economic development by attracting tourists and second-home owners to its scenic shores. 

Activities at Cedar Creek Lake

Cedar Creek Lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, and water sports. The calm waters and consistent breezes make the lake a perfect spot for sailing, jet skiing, boating, and paddleboarding. Travelers can also participate in harder-to-find activities such as windsurfing, pontooning, power boating, wetbiking, water skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding.

Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Cedar Creek Lake is teeming with catfish, bass, and crappie. The lake is a prime destination for anglers, with catfish accessible year-round and bass accessible in spring.

Swimming is also available at Cedar Creek Lake. Log Cabin City Park is an excellent spot to take a dip, soak up the sun, enjoy a picnic, and watch wildlife. The region is home to a variety of aquatic birds, making Cedar Creek Lake a great destination for birdwatchers. 

Cedar Creek Lake Dining and Local Attractions

There are several popular dining options very close to the lake. Cedar Creek Country Club is known for having some of the best food in East Texas. Vernons Lakeside and LouLou’s are excellent waterfront spots.

Whatz-Up Fun Park in Seven Points, Texas, is a nearby attraction that promises endless fun for visitors of all ages. This family-friendly park offers an array of thrilling activities, including go-kart racing, mini-golf, an arcade, paintball, laser tag, a water park, and an exhilarating ropes course. 

For more outdoor experiences, visitors can head to Purtis Creek State Park or the East Texas Arboretum. Shoppers can check out the gift shops in the nearby town of Gun Barrel City, the largest municipality on the lake.

Camping and Lodging at Cedar Creek Lake

Whether you prefer tent camping under the starlit Texas sky or the comfort of an RV, Cedar Creek Lake has it all. With several campgrounds dotting the shoreline, you can choose the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your camper. One of the most interesting tent campsites is Llama Land Ranch, a charming destination that is home to a friendly and fascinating herd of llamas. Across the lake lies the 505 Ranch, a glamping site with teepees.

Lodging options at Cedar Creek Lake cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. There are cozy lakeside cabins, spacious vacation rentals, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and a few well-appointed resorts. Many accommodations offer picturesque views of the lake and provide easy access to water activities, making it a perfect choice for a lakeside retreat. 

Cedar Creek Lake Weather 

Cedar Creek Lake experiences a typical East Texas climate. Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to the mid-100s °F (35-41°C). It’s the peak boating and swimming season, with plenty of sunshine. However, occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are common during the summer months.

Fall and spring bring milder temperatures, ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s °F (24-35°C). The fall foliage can be quite beautiful in the surrounding area.

In winter, the average temperature ranges between 50 and 60°F (10-20°C). Nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 30s and 40s °F (2-9°C). Snow is rare, but occasional light frost may occur.