Canyon Lake, Texas

Welcome to the most beautiful lake in Texas!

Welcome to Canyon Lake!

From the sparkling, translucent water to the surrounding rocky cliffs, this lake is among the most beautiful in Texas. Canyon Lake reaches across 8,200 acres of surface area in Central Texas’ Hill Country (between Austin and San Antonio), with 80 miles of shoreline—providing endless opportunities for swimming, diving, fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Ready for a day at the beach? Take a dip at the lake’s best swim beaches: Canyon Park’s swim beach #1 and swim beach #2 as well as the swim beach located in Comal Park. You’ll find wide stretches of sand, numerous picnic areas, and plenty of parking.

Multiple campgrounds make it easy to enjoy an extended visit. Reserve a spot at Cranes Mill Park, Potter’s Creek Park, or North Park. Bonus for active and retired military members: You also have access to the campgrounds at Joint Base San Antonio, right on the eastern shores of Canyon Lake.

Parks

You can find all the day-use park information you need by clicking right here.

Campgrounds

We have all the information on the great campgrounds around Canyon Lake here.

Marinas

Check out information on either of the two marinas by clicking here.

Things to Do at Canyon Lake

Featured Parks

Overlook Park

Check out one of the best parks on the lake right here. Located at the south end of Canyon Lake.

Canyon Park

This is the largest park on Canyon Lake and you can find all the information you need right here.

Comal Park

This park has the best swim beach on the lake. Find more information here.

Featured Campgrounds

Cranes Mill Park

Looking to camp at Cranes Mill Park on Canyon Lake? You can find all the information you need right here.

North Park

This small campground at the south end of the lake is great for primitive campers. Find out more info here.

Potters Creek Park

Located on the north end of the lake, this campground is great for all campers. Check out more information here.

More Canyon Lake Information

Canyon Lake was formed in 1964 after the completion of the Canyon Dam, and it has inflows and outflows to the Guadalupe River. The lake has long been a favorite for swimmers and divers because of its extraordinarily clear water. In fact, Canyon Lake has the second highest clarity among Texas lakes (behind only Amistad Reservoir).

Parks provide multiple gateways to Canyon Lake. The Army Corps of Engineers operates seven parks, while Comal County has a few others.


When you enjoy Canyon Lake, you’re close to all the fun the Texas Hill Country offers. You can float the Guadalupe River (tubes are available through local rental companies just south of Canyon Lake), or take in live music a few miles away at the famous Gruene Hall or Whitewater Amphitheater. And if you happen to hear Roger Creagar’s song “Fun All Wrong,” listen for a mention of this beautiful area.


Well I guess you were right.
The bluebonnets are worth the drive and
Now I’m here in Canyon Lake alone.
I know you came here
When you were down and feeling blue.
And it helped you sort out the pieces on your own.

Whether you’re on the water or just enjoying the views, Canyon Lake is the perfect spot for peaceful reflection or an outdoor adventure.

Canyon Lake History

In this area, now covered by Canyon Lake, German emigrants were the first settlers.  A society of nobles (Mainzer Adelsverein) sponsored the emigration of 7,380 Germans to Texas from 1844 to 1847.  They founded New Braunfels in 1845.  Moving west, they established Fredericksburg in 1846.  Their Comanche Indian treaty opened 3,800,000 acres between Llano and Colorado Rivers to peaceful settlement.  Farmers and artisans, scholars and scientists, they triumphed over epidemic and privation to help build Texas and the west.