Nestled in the heart of Texas, this off-the-beaten-path lake offers a peaceful retreat from the chaos of daily life.
Welcome to Lake Limestone.
Before we can appreciate Lake Limestone, it helps to understand how it came into existence. It's a story of human ingenuity and nature's cooperation.
Back in the 1970s, Texas was growing fast. People needed more water for everything from drinking to electricity. So, the Brazos River Authority built a dam on the Navasota River, creating a lake that would not only provide water to those who needed it, but the secondary benefit of a lovely recreational opportunity.
The state of Texas issued a permit for the project in 1974, and four years later, the Sterling C. Robertson Dam was complete. As the water rose behind the dam, a new gem emerged: Lake Limestone, named after the county where most of the lake resides. Construction of the reservoir was completed entirely without tax dollars, having been made possible through the sale of water to Texas Electric Utilities to be used for cooling their lignite-burning electric plants in the area.
The reservoir holds back a staggering 208,017 acre-feet or 73.5 billion gallons of water. If you drank a gallon of water per day, it would take you over 200,000 years to consume 73.5 billion gallons.
Lake Limestone, located on the upper Navasota River in Limestone, Robertson and Leon counties, is more than just a pretty face. Here, visitors can relax, play, and connect with nature. Lake Limestone is a water supply reservoir and will fluctuate with supply use and weather conditions. The reservoir offers four parks with primitive camping and picnic facilities and four boat ramps for lake access.
If you love to fish, Lake Limestone is a paradise. Home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, you're sure to catch something.
Maybe you'd rather feel the breeze on a watercraft. Cruise around in a speedboat, relax on a pontoon boat, or explore the coves in a kayak or canoe. Just remember to wear your life jacket and sunscreen.
Park #5 is a local favorite because of the fishing, wildlife, and its rural location, said John Dickson, the reservoir manager for the BRA lake. A casual walk in the area is guaranteed to boost his mood.
This secluded park is one of four parks surrounding Lake Limestone and is the only one that allows camping. Tucked away from the main drag, this park typically has fewer visitors than the others, making the area a favorite among fishers. Park 5 is one of two BRA parks at the reservoir. Public Use Area #1 is located by the Sterling C. Robertson Dam. Limestone County operates another two parks at the lake – Public Use Area #2 and Public Use Area #3. With a total of 26 grills, Park #5 boasts the most grills compared to the rest of Lake Limestone's parks.
Lake Limestone is not only a playground for humans. It's also home to a diverse ecosystem. The waters teem with fish and other aquatic life while birds, squirrels, and other wildlife play. It's important to respect the natural environment. Leave no trace when you visit, pick up your trash, and be careful not to disturb the wildlife.
So, looking for a new adventure? Check out Lake Limestone. It's a perfect spot to chill out, explore, and get back to nature. Just remember to leave it as you found it and take nothing but good memories.