Between Waco And Fort Worth Is Texas' Lakeside Park With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Texas is a big state with several geographic regions, each with their own distinct landscapes and natural features. North Central Texas, known as the Prairies and Lakes Region, is among the most picturesque in the state. As the name implies, this area features dozens of freshwater lakes. Roughly in the center of the Prairies and Lakes Region, between Waco and Fort Worth, Lake Whitney showcases the area's natural beauty. The clear, blue water is contrasted by rugged limestone cliffs, rolling hills, coves, and towering trees. Nestled along the eastern shore of the lake, Cedar Creek Park provides visitor with camping, fishing, and boating opportunities on this incredibly scenic reservoir.

Cedar Creek Park is located in the charming town of Whitney in the northern part of Texas Hill Country. It is little wonder that this 23,500-acre lake on the Brazos River is a popular spot for water sports, picnicking, and sleeping under the stars. Cedar Creek Park is the perfect location for visitors looking to enjoy a laid-back afternoon or an adventurous weekend getaway on the lake.

Lake Whitney is known as an outstanding angling destination for a variety of freshwater gamefish species. The lake is home to a healthy population of largemouth, striped, and white bass, along with catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Lake Whitney is actually considered among the premier places to fish for striped bass in Texas. The diverse array of possible target species makes Lake Whitney a true year-round fishery. Within Cedar Creek Park, anglers are able to launch boats from the two-lane boat ramp. There is also ample shore fishing access within the park for both day visitors and overnight guests.

The free ramp at Cedar Creek Park is a popular launching spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. All types of boats, including paddle craft, jet skis, sailboats, and high-speed ski boats, are welcome on Lake Whitney. Outside of some no-wake areas near the shoreline, there are no speed restrictions. Coupled with the vast open water, Lake Whitney is truly ideal for water skiing, wake boarding, and jet skiing. The mid-lake portion near Cedar Creek Park is particularly well suited for these water sports. While there are no official speed limits, boaters should always be mindful of their surroundings and navigate the waters safely. 

Those who prefer to explore the lake at a more relaxed pace can launch canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards from shore. While motorized boat rentals are not available at Cedar Creek Park, those who do not have a vessel of their own can head to Sunset Point Rentals at the south end of the lake. For added convenience, Lake Whitney on Wheels delivers kayaks and paddle board rentals directly to you.

Although Cedar Creek Park has day-use access, visitors don't necessarily have to leave when the sun goes down. There are a total of 20 camping and picnic sites throughout the park, which can be used for the day or overnight. Each site has a fire ring and covered picnic table. Water and electric hookups are not available, but there is a restroom facility in the park, as well as numerous faucets for potable water. The park is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and overnight camping is free. However, these sites are first come, first served. If you hope to claim a campsite, it's best to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Getting to Cedar Creek Park is relatively easy from just about any direction. Lake Whitney is about an hour's drive north of Waco, the artsy gem known as the "Heart of Texas." Visitors arriving from the other direction can get to the park in just over an hour from Fort Worth, an often overlooked Texas city that brims with cowboy charm. The nearest commercial airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), is about an hour-and-a-half away. Those who want to do some hiking can hit the trails at Lake Whitney State Park, located 20 minutes south of Cedar Creek Park on the eastern shore of the lake.