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Our Top 10 Spots for Paddleboarding in Dallas for Your Next Water Adventure
Ever tried paddleboarding and ended up looking like a penguin on roller skates? That was me on my first attempt!
I remember my board feeling like it had a personality of its own, swaying left and right while I clung to it for dear life. The wildlife seemed to take it as a comedy show, but I soon realized that with a bit of practice, paddleboarding could be a blast.
So, I set out on a mission to find the best spots around Dallas where I could trade in my clumsy flailing for some smooth paddling. After plenty of trial and error—and a few more laughs from onlookers—I’ve discovered some fantastic locations.
These are my top paddleboarding picks in Dallas, each offering a unique experience where you can glide with confidence and enjoy the water just like a true local. Let’s dive in and find your new favorite spot!
Lake Texoma
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Location: 11500 Park Office Rd, Kingston
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/lake-texoma-state-park
Contact: 580 564 2566
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Skill level: Beginner to advanced
Amenities:
- Boat ramps
- Marinas
- Campgrounds
- Fishing docks
Launch points:
- Eisenhower State Park
- Highport Marina
- Lighthouse Marina
Fee: Varies by location
If you’re searching for a great paddleboarding destination near Dallas, Lake Texoma should definitely be on your radar! This massive lake stretches across the Texas-Oklahoma border and is a local favorite for a quick weekend escape.
The scenery is top-notch, with calm waters that make for a relaxing paddle. And the sunsets? They’re practically made for Instagram!
Just a quick tip: make sure to check the weather and wind conditions before you head out. Given the lake’s size, it’s recommended to plan your route ahead of time.
This way, you can fully enjoy your time on the water without any surprises.
Grapevine Lake
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Location: 2500 Fairway Dr #1, Grapevine
Website: https://lake-grapevine.com/
Contact: 817 251 2628
Operating hours: 10 – 6 pm
Skill level: Beginner to advanced
Amenities:
- Boat ramps
- Marinas
- Campgrounds
- Fishing docks
Launch points:
- Meadowmere Park
- Oak Grove Park
- Murrell Park
Fee: None, but some launch points may charge a parking or entrance fee
Grapevine Lake quickly became one of my top spots for paddleboarding in Dallas and for good reason.
The calm, welcoming waters make it super beginner-friendly, while seasoned paddlers will appreciate the easy-going vibe that makes every session enjoyable.
The views are also nothing short of stunning. Picture yourself gliding across serene waters with lush parks and the occasional splash of wildlife providing a picturesque backdrop.
Whether you’re renting a board or bringing your own, there are plenty of convenient spots to get set up. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for local birds and fish—they add a touch of nature’s charm to your paddling adventure.
Lake Arlington
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Location: 6300 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington
Website: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks_recreation/parks_trails/lake_arlington
Contact: 817 451 6860
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Skill level: Beginner
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Playgrounds
- Fishing pier
- Boat ramps
Launch points:
- Richard Simpson Park
- Bowman Springs Park
Fee: $5 per hour
Tucked away in the southwestern part of Dallas, Lake Arlington offers more than just a spot to paddle. With beautiful scenery surrounding you and a few beaches to pull up your board and relax by the water, it’s easy to lose track of time here.
And trust me, the views are worth it—you get the stunning city skyline on one side, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some local wildlife along the way.
Now, here’s the cool part: there’s a designated area on the lake just for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. No motorized boats are allowed, so the vibe is super chill—perfect if you’re just starting out.
As you paddle, you’ll find yourself surrounded by parkland, with ducks, geese, and turtles as your quiet companions. And if you’re the adventurous type, there are paddling trails that let you explore the place at your own pace.
A quick heads-up: don’t forget to bring your own paddleboard—there aren’t any rental shops nearby.
Elm Fork
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Location: 2335 Sandy Lakr Rd, Carrollton
Website: https://www.cityofcarrollton.com/parks-recreation/elm-fork-nature-center
Contact: 972 466 9811
Operating hours: March to December: 1 – 5 pm
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Hiking trails
- Boat ramps
Launch points:
- Lake Lewisville Dam
- Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area
Elm Fork is actually a branch of the Trinity River that winds through the northern part of the city, passing by Lewisville Lake.
The vibe here is super chill—the water’s nice and slow, and the tree-lined banks offer plenty of shade, making it perfect for a laid-back paddle.
Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife, like hawks soaring overhead, herons wading along the shore, or maybe a deer quietly grazing nearby.
Just a heads-up, though: you’ll need to bring your own paddleboard because there aren’t any rental options available. And since it’s a bit off the beaten path, checking the water levels and flow rates before you go is a smart move.
Oh, and one more thing, don’t forget to pack all your gear and supplies—you’ll definitely want to be prepared out there!
West Fork
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Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/rivers/dfw_trinity.phtml
Contact: 817 732 0761
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Amenities:
- Public restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Pavilion
Launch points:
- Panther Island Pavilion
At West Fork, the water might look a bit muddy, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a lively spot for SUP fishing and the perfect escape when the Texas heat starts to crank up.
As you paddle downstream, you’ll catch some cool views of Fort Worth’s skyline popping up along the banks. It’s a pretty unique experience to see those city skyscrapers while you’re out on the water.
Plus, the combination of the skyline and the iconic bridges provides some truly picturesque scenery.
One thing to keep in mind is that rental shops are mostly located closer to the city. So if you’re thinking about starting further upstream and cruising down into Fort Worth, it’s a good idea to bring your own gear.
Downtown Dallas
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Location: 1401 Elm St
Website: https://downtowndallas.com/
Contact: 214 744 1270
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Tables
- Boat ramps
Launch points:
- Trinity River Greenbelt Park
Fee: $25 per hour
If you’re looking to see the urban side of paddleboarding, head to the downtown stretch of the Trinity River. There’s nothing quite like paddling under the city’s bridges with the skyscrapers towering above you—it’s a whole new way to experience Dallas.
And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for some of the iconic landmarks, like the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the Dallas Zoo, and the Trinity River Audubon Center.
But what’s really fascinating is how the scenery shifts as you paddle. One moment you’re enjoying incredible views of the city skyline, and the next, as you pass under the Loop 12 bridge, you’re suddenly surrounded by dense forests.
But that’s not all; you might also see some local wildlife—hawks, herons, or even the occasional stork—making the experience even more memorable.
Before you set out, just check the water levels and flow rate. It’s important to ensure they’re suitable for your skill level, especially if you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding.
Lake Worth
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Location: Northwestern edge of Fort Worth
Website: https://www.lakeworthtx.org/
Contact: 817 237 1211
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Camping sites
- Boat ramps
Launch points:
- Casino Beach Park
- Lake Worth Park
- Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
Lake Worth is a man-made lake and a great spot if you’re looking to escape the city’s hustle without going too far. This reservoir sits on the west fork of the Trinity River, with numerous islands, coves, and channels just waiting to be explored.
Though you’re technically still in the Dallas area, paddling around this place feels like stepping into the wilderness. It’s not uncommon to see pelicans, egrets, and even beavers as you glide across the water.
If you’re new to paddleboarding, I’d recommend sticking close to the shoreline where the water’s a bit calmer. Once you’re comfortable, you can venture out further and really explore the lake.
Note: Swimming here isn’t the best idea since the water tends to be a bit murky.
White Rock Lake
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Location: 8300 Garland Rd
Website: https://www.dallasparks.org/235/White-Rock-Lake
Contact: 214 670 4100
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5 – 11 pm
Skill level: Beginner to advanced
Amenities:
- Boat ramps
- Fishing docks
- Picnic areas
Launch points:
- White Rock Lake Park
Fee: $20 per hour
When life gets a bit too hectic, this is where I escape—calm waters, sandy shores, and some of the best views in the city await.
You can paddle along the entire 9-mile shoreline, taking in the scenic beauty, or explore the hidden coves and inlets if you’re feeling adventurous.
The view of the Dallas skyline from the water? Absolutely stunning!
Plus, you’ll get a peek at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden over on the southeast shore—it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
Just make sure to book your rental in advance, especially on weekends. And if you want to avoid the crowds, mornings or weekdays are your best bet.
Greenbelt Corridor
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Location: FM 428 (Sherman Drive), Denton
Website: https://www.cityofdenton.com/223/Greenbelt
Contact: 940 349 7275
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 – 10 pm
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Launch points:
- Greenbelt Park
- Twin Coves Park
At Greenbelt Corridor, the water is nice and slow-moving, so you can paddle for miles without too much effort.
And believe me, the scenery is worth it—think lush forests, clear waters, and the kind of wildlife that makes you forget you’re anywhere near a big city.
You can easily turn your paddleboarding trip into a full-day adventure, too. You can pull up on one of the sandbars or islands for a break, or if you’re up for a challenging one, explore the hiking trails that weave through the area.
For those who want to extend their stay, there are also camping and equestrian rides, giving you even more ways to connect with nature.
Now, here’s a reminder: you need to bring your own paddleboard, as rentals aren’t available on-site.
Brazos River
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Location: 4600 Cobbs Dr, Waco
Website: https://brazos.org/
Contact: 254 761 3100
Operating hours: open 24 hours
Skill level: Advanced
Amenities:
- Boat ramps
- Restrooms
- Camping sites
- Picnic areas
Launch points:
- Possum Kingdom Lake
- Lake Granbury
- Lake Whitney
Fee: None, but some launches may charge a parking or entrance fee
This isn’t just any river—it’s the longest one in Texas, stretching all the way from the New Mexico border down to the Gulf of Mexico.
What I love about the Brazos River is the sheer variety it offers.
You can paddle through rolling hills, rocky cliffs, wide-open floodplains, and even sandy beaches, all in one trip. It’s perfect for a multi-day paddle adventure.
Getting on the water is easy—there are plenty of public access points along the river to launch your board. If you don’t have your own, no worries—Brazos River Outfitters, based out of Possum Kingdom Lake, can hook you up with a rental.
Oh, and a little local tip: spring is the best time to visit for bird watching, optimal water temperatures, and ideal river levels.
