Looking for some new, affordable adventures this Spring Break?

The Brazos River basin’s network of reservoirs dedicated to supplying thirsty Texans something to drink has the added bonus of being great recreational spots.

Stay close to home or pick a location you’ve never visited, whether that’s the furthest north reservoir, Possum Kingdom Lake, northwest of Fort Worth, or the lake closest to the Gulf of Mexico, Somerville Lake, northwest of Brenham.

Spend the night stargazing at the beautiful Lake Limestone. Pack a picnic and a deck of cards and head to Lake Granbury, and don’t forget your swimsuit to enjoy the designated swimming locations. Try your hand at birdwatching in the 260-acre Miller Springs Nature Area just below Belton Lake dam, or take the dogs to the 26-mile San Gabriel River Trail, which winds completely around Lake Georgetown. Or take your friends to Stillhouse Hollow Lake and see who can take pictures of objects that start with each letter of the alphabet.

The possibilities amplify with your imagination.

Here’s some details on the reservoirs in the Brazos River Authority water supply system.

Possum Kingdom Lake

Possum Kingdom is the Brazos River Authority’s largest reservoir covering 17,700 acres. With 10 public use areas, there’s a wide selection of camping opportunities, each outfitted with loads of amenities. Features at the parks include playgrounds, fishing access, boat launches, and more.

Enjoy the sights and sounds along the winding hike and bike trails or at one of the 19 lookouts. One trail winds to the top of Johnson Peak, where the spectacular vista affords views of most of the lake, including the well-known Hell’s Gate. The wide trails are suitable for hikers with a wide range of abilities, averaging a 5-to-20-degree slope. The trails also feature rest areas with cedar benches as well as information displays about the history, geology and animals of the area.

See a full list of Possum Kingdom Lake amenities here.

Lake Limestone

About 40 miles east of Waco is the BRA hidden gem. Lake Limestone, which might not be as well-known as the BRA’s other two reservoirs, is loved by anglers and campers alike. Located on the upper Navasota River in Limestone, Robertson and Leon counties, Lake Limestone has four parks offering primitive camping locations and a chance to reconnect with nature. 

See a full list of Lake Limestone’s amenities here.

Lake Granbury

Want a location closer to a town hopping with activity? Lake Granbury is situated southwest of Fort Worth in a regional tourist destination considered a small town with a big Texas charm. Rent a jet ski or bring the boat and the water at this BRA reservoir. The BRA also offers eight public use areas, including restrooms, picnic sites and fishing piers.

See a full list of Lake Granbury’s amenities here.

Lake Whitney

Conveniently located near several major cities, Lake Whitney is a top destination for those wanting to getaway. 

Bask in the warm sun as you escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Lake Whitney offers water activities galore, from fishing and swimming to boating and skiing. The reservoir is also adjacent to Lake Whitney State Park.

Learn more about Lake Whitney here.

Aquilla Lake

This 3,280-acre picturesque lake is located on Aquilla and Hackberry Creeks in Hill County. Try somewhere new this spring break and visit Aquilla Lake. Load up the fishing gear and sunscreen and take advantage of the boat ramps and fishing access for a good time under the sun in a gorgeous location.

Learn more about Aquilla Lake here.

Proctor Lake

If clear water on a hot summer day is calling your name, drive out to Proctor Lake on the Leon River in Comanche County, about eight miles northeast of the city of Comanche. Proctor Lake has established several swim beaches within each park to provide guests with a safe environment to swim and enjoy the lake. Each swim beach has a perimeter that restricts boat access to the swimming area and is accompanied by restricted buoys to prevent encroachment by boaters. Also, each swim beach has a life jacket loaner station stocked with various sizes that are available for public use.

Learn more about Proctor Lake here.

Belton Lake

Make your next adventure Belton Lake, located 16.7 miles upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River in the northern part of Bell County.

Take advantage of the multiple recreation facilities offered at Belton Lake. Or, located just below the dam is the Miller Springs Nature Area, a 260-acre scenic natural area.

Learn more about Belton Lake here.

Stillhouse Hollow Lake

Make Stillhouse Hollow a destination this spring break. Stillhouse Hollow is located two miles south of U.S. 190 on FM 1670 in Belton.

Take your friends to the lake’s Dana Peak Park, which offers RV and tent camping with water and electric hook-ups available at all sites. With restroom facilities with hot showers, you can sleep under the stars and then spend the day enjoying the swimming beach, fishing dock and four-lane concrete boat ramp.

Learn more about Stillhouse Hollow Lake here. 

Lake Georgetown

Pack snacks and water bottles and hit up the 26-mile rugged San Gabriel River Trail at Lake Georgetown. The trail winds through dense Juniper Forest, Hardwood Bottomlands, and prairie grasslands and extends entirely around Lake Georgetown. Restrooms and rest stops are provided along portions of the trail.

Learn more about Lake Georgetown here.

Granger Lake

Located about 35 miles east of Austin, Granger Lake is a great spot for a dip in the water or picnic along shore. Granger Lake is ideal if you’re looking to get away without being far from amenities. Enjoy the scenery and fresh air while walking the established trails. Journal under the shade of a tree and feel the stress slip off your shoulders.

Learn more about Granger Lake here.

Somerville Lake

Known for its catfish, Somerville Lake is a favorite recreational spot for those who enjoy fishing. Spend the day trying to catch the Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Hybrid Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish.

Fishing is allowed along the shoreline at all the parks and the spillway. And there’s plenty of boat access to get on the water at this reservoir about an hour north of Houston.

Learn more about Somerville Lake here.