Ray Roberts State Park
There’s nothing quite a long summer day spent on the lake. Whether it’s relaxing on the beach with a good book, working on your water ski technique, or simply finding the perfect fishing spot, a day at Ray Roberts State Park is always a great time.
The park is located less than a half-hour drive from Celina, making it an ideal day trip—you can pack in a full day’s worth of activities and still make it home in time for dinner.
Beat the heat and hit the water
The 29,000-acre reservoir in the park was created in 1980 and draws from the Trinity River. Today it’s one of the busiest state parks in Texas – and for good reason. The park is a natural playground and while there’s plenty to do at Ray Roberts State Park throughout the year, summer is by far one of the park’s most popular seasons with visitors.
The park is made up of nine different units, all of them surrounding the lake and offering various facilities for park guests to enjoy. The park is a draw for both sailing and motorboat enthusiasts throughout the area and has two full-service marinas. Kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pontoon boats are available for guests to rent at Lake Ray Roberts Marina and can be taken out for just a few hours or an entire day of action.
The park’s reputation as a sportsman’s oasis also extends to visitors hoping to do a little fishing. Largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie can all be found in the lake’s waters, and cleaning stations are available at the marina in case you want to prepare your catch for the frying pan. While a license is required for guests who plan to fish from a boat, fishing without a license from the shore or one of the piers is permitted.
Sometimes keeping it simple and laying out a beach towel is really all that’s needed for a relaxing summer day. Several beaches can be found at different spots on the lake and are popular spots to enjoy a swim or partake in a game of volleyball.
Lace-up your shoes (or skates) and explore nature
The park’s appeal isn’t limited to the lake, as there is plenty to do ashore as well. The 20-mile multiuse Greenbelt Corridor extends along the Trinity River from the Ray Roberts Dam to Lake Lewisville and is a beautiful way to see the park whether walking, bicycling, or throwing on a pair of rollerblades.
The park is also a popular spot with nature photographers and birding hobbyists because it’s home to three ecoregions: Eastern Cross Timbers, Blackland Prairie, and Grand Prairie. This means that depending on where you’re hiking in the park, you’ll see a variety of plant and animal life including pecan and oak trees, as well as gray foxes, bobcats, roadrunners, and Mexican free-tail bats.
Whether you decide to stay for a weekend in one of the park’s lodges or camping sites, or just a day, it’s always nice to come home to a place you love. If you’re looking for a home in Celina, reach out to the Green Meadows team on Facebook, Instagram, or through our website. Our community offers a variety of amenities for families of all ages and lifestyles with homes from the area’s top builders.