Enjoy your favorite lakefront activities without leaving the Fort Worth city limits.
Lake Worth
The oldest, Lake Worth, impounded in 1914, sits entirely within the city. The lake features four boat ramps and is available for most lake-going activities, including boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking. The adjacent Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge provides a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty. The center hosts a herd of American bison in addition to the rest of the wildlife native to the area. You (and your leashed dog) can explore the refuge on the marked trails. Don't let your guard down though, in 1969, a supposed monster sighting led to the legend of the "Lake Worth Goatman.” The furry goat-human hybrid is alleged to live at the lake. We think he’s strictly legendary, but you never know...
Marine Creek Lake
The Metroplex Ski Club operates a slalom course and boat ramp at Marine Creek Lake. In addition to waterskiing, the Fort Worth Rowing Club also practices there, and you can swim or fish. The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has built two boat ramps for you to bring your watercraft to this no-wake lake. Landlubbers can enjoy a six-mile walking and cycling trail that encircles the lake.
Eagle Mountain Lake
The southern end of Eagle Mountain Lake is in Fort Worth, and it extends north into Azle and other suburbs. The lake offers a full array of water-based activities, including boating, fishing, sailing, rowing and waterskiing. Twin Points Park maintains a beach ideal for swimming, volleyball, paddleboarding and more. They also offer a boat ramp. Twin Points continues to operate at a limited capacity and advance reservations are required. Much of the east shore is occupied by the 400-acre Eagle Mountain Park, which offers many miles of rugged and maintained hiking trails.
Nearby Lakes
Benbrook Lake can be found in the scenic rolling hills just 10 miles southwest of downtown. Several boat ramps allow water access for sailors, kayakers, jet skiers and mariners. On windy days it's not uncommon to see kiteboarders catching some air. The lake is surrounded by parks popular for day-use activities, camping and hunting. Relive the days of old at Benbrook Stables, where you can ride horseback along the trails and through the surrounding countryside.
Burger's Lake is a private spring-fed lake designed for swimming. It features a snack bar, diving boards, slides and a trapeze if you want to take the plunge in a creative way (you can also slowly dip your toes in before submerging like a lot of us do). You’ll find it in the northwest part of Fort Worth on Meandering Road near Jacksboro Highway (SH 199) and Loop 820. Please note that alcoholic beverages and pets are not allowed.
Lake Arlington's western shore sits within Fort Worth and can be accessed at Eugene McCray Park. Fort Worth also houses five small public urban lakes: Lake Como, Echo Lake, Fosdic Lake, French Lake and Greenbriar Lake. These lakes occupy less than 20 acres each, are generally less than 20 feet deep and are ideal for picnicking. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regularly stocks the lake adjacent to Greenbriar Community Center in south Fort Worth with catfish. The city recommends catch-and-release fishing at these lakes.
