From Serenity to Adventure: Natural Lakes in Texas

Across the sprawling landscapes of Texas, a tapestry of lakes beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) acknowledges over 200 major lakes within the state. Each contributes to the rich biodiversity and recreational opportunities that Texas offers. These lakes range from intimate five-acre gems to the expansive Toledo Bend, which straddles the Texas-Louisiana border. 

Interestingly, out of the over 7,000 lakes in Texas, only a small fraction can claim the distinction of being natural. This distinction highlights the unique beauty and ecological importance of the state’s natural lakes, inviting exploration and appreciation for these rare aquatic treasures amidst a sea of man-made reservoirs.

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Are There any Natural Lakes in Texas?

Caddo Lake on the border of Texas and Louisiana is the only natural major lake in Texas. Other natural lakes in Texas are not recognized as major lakes and much less named. Except for Caddo Lake, the majority of natural lakes in Texas cover less than 1,000 surface square acres.

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How Many Manmade Lakes Are in Texas?

The State of Texas, the U.S. government, or both have collaborated to build over 200 lakes that cover 5,000 surface acres or more. Government entities, from the federal level to a local level, build dams to impound a reservoir. The managing agencies of a Texas Lake are typically the TPWD along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and/or the U.S. Forest Service. (USFS) 

However, a Texas lake may be managed by only one of these agencies. These government agencies usually collaborate to build a dam and a reservoir. A few Texas cities built and own their lakes for water supply purposes and add recreational amenities, like sports fields and day-use parks. All Texas lakes must follow USACE, USFS, TPWD, county, and city laws, ordinances, and regulations. 

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What Is the Cleanest Lake in Texas?

Several lakes in Texas hold the honorable title of a lake with pristine water and surrounding terrain. The following lakes consistently show up as the five cleanest or clearest lakes in Texas. 

• Amistad, Val Verde County/Coahuila, Mexico 
• Brandy Branch Reservoir, Harrison County
• Canyon Lake, Comal County
• Lake Alan Henry, Garza County
• Lake Travis, Burnett and Travis Counties

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Are the Lakes Around Dallas Natural?

No, none of the lakes around Dallas and Ft. Worth are natural. All of them are impounded by a dam. The DFW metroplex is home to just under 60 manmade lakes. The DFW metroplex has exceeded a population of 8 million people. Many of the lakes in the DFW region designate their purposes as water supply and flood control. Most DFW lakes are officially purposed as recreational as well. 

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What Is the Only State with No Natural Lakes?

The only state in the United States with no natural lakes is Maryland. While Maryland has many man-made reservoirs and ponds, it does not have any naturally occurring lakes. The state’s geography, characterized by its coastal plains and rolling hills, lacks the geological conditions typically needed for natural lake formation. 

The water bodies in Maryland are all artificial and created for purposes like water supply, flood control, and recreation. Limnologists cite several reasons for this distinction. In Maryland, and unlike most northern U.S. lakes, glaciers did not excavate deep basins in the earth that filled up to become a natural lake. 

Scientists have found evidence that a water body called Buckel’s Bog existed in Maryland during the late Pleistocene Epoch and dried up. Buckel’s Bog covered only 160 surface acres. Glaciers never entered Maryland during the last Great Ice Age, and 74% of lakes are formed by glaciers.