Lake Granbury

Granbury, Hood County, Texas, USA
Lake Granbury offers a scenic and accessible getaway for boating, fishing and relaxing on the water.
8,310 acres
Surface Area
75 ft
Max Depth
103 miles
Shoreline
1969
Created

About Lake Granbury

Lake Granbury stretches approximately 8,310 acres through Hood County and features more than 100 miles of shoreline. The lake was formed when the De Cordova Bend Dam was constructed on the Brazos River by the Brazos River Authority (BRA). It serves as an important reservoir for water supply, flood control, and recreational use in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

The lake’s winding shape, deep coves, and gently sloping banks make it ideal for both high-energy water sports and quiet retreats. With marinas, public parks, and vacation homes dotting its shoreline, Lake Granbury balances modern amenities with small-town Texas charm. The surrounding community of Granbury offers historic sites, dining, and family-friendly attractions, making the lake a year-round hub for residents and visitors alike.

Key Features

Swimming Areas
Boating & Water Sports
Fishing (Diverse Species)
Marinas & Boat Services
City Beach Park
Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure
Minimal Water Level Fluctuation
Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

  • Location: Granbury, Hood County, Texas
  • Surface Area: 8,310 acres
  • Shoreline Length: Approx. 103 miles
  • Maximum Depth: 75 feet
  • Elevation (FULL POOL): ~693 feet above sea level
  • Impounded: 1969 (De Cordova Bend Dam)
  • Managed By: Brazos River Authority (BRA)
  • Primary Inflows: Brazos River
  • Water Type: Freshwater reservoir
  • Nearby Town: Granbury (TX)

Lake Granbury Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Granbury EVENT GUIDE

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Lake Granbury DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Swimming & Relaxing: Head to City Beach Park, one of the only sandy lake beaches in North Texas, perfect for families with its gentle slope, swim area, and kayak/paddleboard rentals. Lifeguards are typically present in peak months, and nearby restrooms and concessions make it a convenient day spot.

Boating & Water Sports: The lake’s long, winding channel is ideal for power boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and paddle sports. With multiple marinas and launch ramps, access is easy for all vessel sizes. Calm coves are great for tubing or casual cruising.

Fishing: Lake Granbury is a premier bass and catfish fishery, regularly stocked by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Expect to catch largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, channel catfish, white crappie, and sunfish. Anglers often use the brush piles and timbered areas near the upper Brazos arm and around marinas.

Picnicking & Outdoor Leisure: Public parks such as Hunter Park, Thorp Spring Park, and Rough Creek Park offer shaded picnic tables, grills, and open lawns. Many have restrooms, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks for photography or sunset watching.

Wildlife & Scenic Views: Enjoy bird-watching and nature photography along the lake’s quiet shorelines. You can spot herons, egrets, osprey, and migratory ducks. The undeveloped areas of the upper lake provide a peaceful retreat for wildlife enthusiasts.

Downtown Granbury Experience: After a day on the water, visit Granbury’s Historic Town Square for boutiques, galleries, and restaurants within walking distance of the lakefront. Live music and seasonal events often add to the small-town vibe.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public Boat Ramps: Lake Granbury offers several free or low-fee launch sites maintained by the Brazos River Authority and local parks. Major ramps include Rough Creek Park, Hunter Park, Thorp Spring Park, and De Cordova Bend Park.

Marinas & Boat Rentals: There are multiple full-service marinas around the lake offering boat slips, storage, repairs, and rentals for pontoons, kayaks, and personal watercraft. Popular spots include Lake Granbury Marina, Sam’s Dock, and Granbury City Marina.

City Beach Access: Located in the heart of Granbury, the City Beach Park offers swimming, boardwalk access, and rental kiosks for kayaks and paddleboards. Free parking and downtown access make it an easy entry point for day visitors.

Fishing Piers & Bank Access: Designated fishing piers can be found at several parks and neighborhood points, providing safe bank fishing without the need for a boat.

Safety & regulations

  • Boating Regulations: All vessels must follow Texas Parks and Wildlife boating laws, including mandatory life jackets for children under 13 and adherence to no-wake zones near marinas and the dam.
  • Fishing Rules: A valid Texas fishing license is required. Standard statewide limits apply for bass and catfish species. The BRA periodically posts fish-consumption advisories and updates on water quality.
  • Water Safety & Monitoring: The Brazos River Authority monitors lake levels daily. The lake typically remains near full pool, but users should stay aware of water releases after heavy rain. Check BRA updates for closure notices or conditions.
  • Environmental Protection: Visitors are encouraged to avoid fuel spills, clean boats to prevent invasive species, and dispose of trash responsibly to preserve the lake’s ecosystem.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

  • Historic Granbury Square: Explore shops, cafés, the Granbury Opera House, and local museums all within minutes of the lake.
  • Acton Nature Center: Enjoy trails and wildflower meadows just 10 minutes north of the lake.
  • Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: Drive-through safari experience in Glen Rose, about 30 minutes away.
  • Revolver Brewing Tours: Popular local brewery offering weekend tastings and live music.
  • Dinosaur Valley State Park: See prehistoric tracks in the riverbed at this nearby state park south of Granbury.
  • Downtown Weatherford: Historic charm and antiques just a short drive north.

Events & community

Lake Granbury’s community is active and welcoming. Annual events include the Lake Granbury Boat Parade, 4th of July Fireworks on the Water, Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts, and Granbury Wine Walk. The Brazos River Authority also hosts the Water Safety Awareness Day, focusing on education and family-friendly activities. Local residents often organize cleanup drives, paddle events, and concerts on the square, keeping the lake’s sense of community alive year-round.

GRANBURY WEATHER

Lake Location

Lake Details

Surface Area: 8,310 acres
Max Depth: 75 ft
Elevation: 693 ft
Avg. Temp: 85°F (Summer)
Fish Species: 8+
Open: Year-round
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