Joe Pool Lake is a US Corps of Engineers lake located just south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it first opened in 1989, the lake has been a popular destination for anyone interested in boating, fishing, hiking, camping, or wildlife viewing. Here are some of the highlights of what is available for you to enjoy on this great lake.
Camping. There are two public parks that offer overnight facilities. Cedar Hill State Park (Cedar Hill, Texas) has a large campground that is often full during the busy summer season. It is part of the Texas State Park system. There are some primitive camping hikes, regular camping with electricity and water, and full RV sites. The second camping area is Loyd Park. It is run by the City of Grand Prairie. In addition to the normal tent and RV sites, there are also a number of fully furnished cabins available for rent.
Boat tour. There are two full-service marinas on the lake. One is inside Cedar Hill State Park and the other is just outside of Lynn Creek Park (Grand Prairie, Texas). Marinas offer mooring rentals and also have boat launch areas. There are also additional boat launch sites around the lake, some within city parks or in areas administered by the Corps of Engineers. During summer weekend mornings and afternoons, the boat ramps can be crowded and the wait can be long to get the boat in or out of the water. Be prepared and plan accordingly.
Fishing. The lake features bass, crappie, and catfish. Along the shores of the lake there are numerous public parks where you can fish from the shore. Cedar Hill State Park even has lighted fishing piers and a fish cleaning station. Both marinas also offer pay-per-fish floating covered docks.
Trekking. Most of the hiking trails are in Cedar Hill State Park. The largest, the Dorba Trail, covers more than 10 miles and is a shared trail for biking or walking. You can also find some trails in Loyd Park. The trails offer great opportunities for bird watching and seeing some of the fabulous wildflowers that grow in the natural areas around the lake. Bluebonnets are usually spectacular in early spring, creating wonderful carpets of blue.
Swimming. There are numerous beaches in the parks (Cedar Hill, Loyd, and Lynn Creek) that offer a nice place to take your young children. Each has a real sandy beach, easily accessible restrooms, and an adjacent play area.
There are other facilities and services found along the shores of Joe Pool Lake. The best way to find out more about it is to take a trip to the lake!