11 Best Lake Lavon Parks Hours, Entry Fee, and Fishing

Are you planning your next outdoor adventure in Texas? Discover the serene beauty and exciting activities of Lake Lavon! Nestled just northeast of Dallas, Lake Lavon is a prime spot for locals and visitors alike looking for a refreshing escape into nature. This article provides you with all the essential information about Lake Lavon Parks, including park hours, entry fees, and what you need to know about fishing.

Whether you’re a fishing expert, a family looking for a day trip, or simply someone in search of tranquility, Lake Lavon has something for everyone. Read on to plan your visit and ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience at one of Texas’s beloved outdoor destinations.

Consider reading: Top 17 Best Lakes in Texas

List of Lake Lavon Parks, Location, Entry Fee, and Contact

Park Name	Location	Boat Ramp	Fee Required	Open Period	Contact Number
Twin Groves	Located uplake on Twin Groves Creek	Two-lane, no dock	No	Open all year	(972) 442-3141
Caddo Park	Located uplake on the east shore	Four-lane with courtesy dock	Yes	April 1 – September 30	(972) 442-3141
Elm Creek	Located uplake on the east shore	One 2-lane	No	Open all year	(972) 442-3141
Lakeland Park	Located mid-lake on the east shore	Four-lane	Yes	April 1 – September 30	(972) 442-3141
Tickey Creek	Located on the west shore of the east arm of the lake	Four-lane	Yes	Open all year	(972) 442-3141
Pebble Beach	Located mid-lake on the east shore	Four-lane	No	April 1 – September 30	(972) 442-3141
Little Ridge	Located on the east shore off Texas 78	Four-lane with dock	No	Open all year	(972) 442-3141
Mallard Park	Located downlake on the southeast shore	Four-lane with dock	No	Open all year	(972) 442-3141
Lavonia Park	Located downlake on the east shore	Two 4-lane ramps	Yes	Inside: April 1 – September 30; Outside: 24/7 year round	(972) 442-3141
Clear Lake Park	Located on the west shore of the east arm of the lake	Two 4-lane with courtesy dock	Yes	Open year round	(972) 442-3141
Bratonia Park	Located on FM 546	Two-lane, no dock	No	Open all year	(972) 442-3141
Highland Park	Located on the west shore of the Trinity River arm	Four-lane, no dock	No	April 1 – September 30	(972) 442-3141
Brockdale Park	Located on the west shore of the Trinity River arm	Four-lane, no dock	No	April 1 – September 30	(972) 442-3141
Collin Park	Located downlake on the west shore of the Trinity River arm	Two 4-lane	Yes	Open all year	(972) 442-5755
East Fork Park	Located downlake west of the dam	Two 4-lane with courtesy dock	Yes	Open all year, 6 am to 10 pm	(972) 442-1143
Avalon Park	Located downlake west of the dam	Four-lane with courtesy dock	Yes	March-September, 6 am to 10 pm	(972) 442-3141

Avalon Park

Nestled on the south end of Lake Lavon, Avalon Park offers a serene lakeside escape perfect for those looking to unwind in nature. The park boasts an abundance of trees providing ample shade, making it an ideal spot for picnics or a day out in the open. For those who enjoy water activities, the park features a well-maintained boat ramp that allows for easy lake access.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Season: The park is open from March to September.
• Hours: Visitors can access the park from 6 AM to 10 PM.
• Entry Fee: A fee is required to access the park and use the boat ramp.
• Contact: The park is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. For more information, you can contact them at (972) 442-3141.
• Directions: From Wylie, head east on Texas 78, turn north on County Road 434, and make a left on CR 384. The park will be on your right.

Picnic Facilities: Avalon Park is equipped with covered picnic tables, perfect for family outings or casual get-togethers.

Boating Amenities: The park includes a four-lane concrete ramp complete with a courtesy dock, catering to boating enthusiasts.

Caddo Park

Positioned on the north end of Lake Lavon, Caddo Park holds promise as an exceptional outdoor retreat, though it is often closed as noted. If properly maintained, this park could become a premier destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and more on Lake Lavon.

Operating Season:

• Open Dates: Caddo Park welcomes visitors from April 1 through September 30, offering a full season of outdoor activities.
• Contact: The park is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. For inquiries or further information, you can contact them at (972) 442-3141.
• Directions: To reach the park, head east on US 380 from McKinney for approximately 14 miles. Keep an eye out for signs on the north side indicating the entrance to Caddo Park.

Amenities:

• Fishing Opportunities: The park is equipped with fishing ponds, though a fee is required to access them.
• Boating Facilities: Boaters will appreciate the four-lane boat ramp equipped with a courtesy dock. Notably, there is no fee to launch a boat here.

Clear Lake Park

Centrally located on Lake Lavon, Clear Lake Park is situated on a prominent point in the middle of the lake, making it an ideal spot for camping enthusiasts. It’s important to note that the Day-Use area frequently closes, so it’s advisable to verify the park’s availability directly.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Directions: Clear Lake Park is accessible via the west shore of the lake’s east arm. From Princeton, travel south on FM 982 from US 380 for about 8.5 miles, and watch for signage that marks the park’s entrance.
• Availability: The park is open year-round, providing ample opportunity for visits in any season.
• Fees: An entry fee is required for park access.
• Contact: The park is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. For up-to-date information or inquiries, you can reach them at (972) 442-3141.

Amenities:

• Boating Facilities: The park offers two 4-lane boat ramps, with a courtesy dock available at the south ramp.

Collin Park

Nestled within Collin Park Marina on the west side of Lake Lavon, Collin Park stands out as a picturesque and versatile outdoor destination. Recognized as one of the premier parks on Lake Lavon, it offers a variety of recreational opportunities, complemented by a vibrant marina atmosphere.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Address: Collin Park Marina, Inc., 2200 St. Paul Rd., Wylie, TX 75098
• Phone: 972-442-3567
• Entry Fee: there is an entry fee required for park access.

Park Amenities:

Collin Park is equipped with extensive facilities to enhance your visit:

• Boat Ramps: Accessible ramps for easy boat entry.
• Campground: Well-maintained sites suitable for a serene camping experience.
• Courtesy Docks: Convenient docking points for boaters.
• Fishing Tournaments: Hosts competitive angling events.
• Hiking and Horseback Riding Trail: Trails that cater to both hikers and equestrian enthusiasts.
• Marina: Full-service marina for all boating needs.
• Picnic Areas: Scenic spots equipped with tables for picnicking.
• Recreational Activities: Including swimming, volleyball, and more.
• RV Hookups: Facilities to accommodate recreational vehicles.
• Swim Beach: A designated area for beachside fun.
• Swimming and Volleyball Courts: Well-maintained areas for sports and leisure.

Exploring Collin Park is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Lavon. Whether you’re looking to relax on the water, engage in sports, or simply spend quality time with family and friends, Collin Park offers something for everyone. Remember, life is truly better on the water!

East Fork Park

Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, East Fork Park is celebrated as one of the finest parks on Lake Lavon. Situated on the south end near Wylie, Texas, this park offers a plethora of outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for those looking to engage in camping, fishing, boating, or simply soaking up the serene lakeside ambiance.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Fee: An entry fee is required for park access.
• Hours: The park is open year-round from 6 AM to 10 PM.
• Contact: The park is jointly managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and East Fork Harbor Marina. You can contact them at (972) 442-1143 for more details.
• Access Route: To reach East Fork Park, head east on Texas 78 from Wylie, turn north on County Road 389, and follow signs near the intersection of CR 389 and CR 384.

Amenities at East Fork Park:

East Fork Park is well-equipped to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

• Campsites: The park boasts approximately 50 standard campsites, along with 11 additional equestrian campsites, catering to all camping enthusiasts.
• Reservation System: Camping reservations can be conveniently made through the Recreation.gov website.
• Sanitary Facilities: Restrooms with showers are available, ensuring your stay is comfortable.

Boating Facilities:

• Boat Ramps: Two 4-lane boat ramps are available, with a courtesy dock at the east ramp to facilitate easy access to the lake.

Consider reading: 10 Best Places for Camping in Dallas Fort Worth Texas

Lakeland Park

Nestled on the east side of Lake Lavon near Lavon, Texas, Lakeland Park offers a picturesque setting perfect for day outings. Known for its beautiful scenery and well-maintained facilities, this park is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat by the water.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Fee: An entry fee is required to access the park.
• Seasonal Availability: The park is open from April 1 through September 30, making it the perfect summer getaway spot.
• Contact: Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring the park is kept in excellent condition. For more information or inquiries, you can contact the park at (972) 442-3141.
• Getting There: From Farmersville, head south on Texas 78 for about 4 miles from US 380, and watch for the park entrance on the west side of the road.

Park Features:

Lakeland Park is designed to enhance your lakeside experience with a variety of amenities:

• Picnic Areas: The park is equipped with covered picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for family gatherings or casual picnics.
• Sanitary Facilities: Clean and accessible restrooms are available to ensure comfort during your visit.

Boating Access:

• Boat Ramp: A four-lane boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Lavon for boating enthusiasts.

Lavonia Park

Welcome to Lavonia Park: Located in the serene town of Lavon on the southeastern shores of Lake Lavon, Lavonia Park is celebrated as one of the top destinations on the lake. Whether you’re setting up a tent or parking an RV, this park offers breathtaking lake views and expansive open spaces, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Fees: A fee is required for park entry.
• Boat Ramp Hours: The inside ramp is open from April 1 to September 30. The outside ramp is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round.
• Contact: The park is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. For more information, please contact (972) 442-3141.
• Directions: From Texas 78 north of Lavon, turn west onto FM 6. Follow the signs to reach the park along the east shore of the lake.

Park Amenities:

Lavonia Park is fully equipped to provide a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience with the following amenities:

• Camping Options: Tent and RV camping spots are available, each with beautiful lake views.
• Utility Hookups: Both water and electric hookups are provided to accommodate RVs.
• Sanitation Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are accessible for all visitors.
• Recreation Areas: The park features picnic tables, fire pits, and designated swim areas.
• Boating Access: Two 4-lane boat ramps (one inside the park and one just outside) with a courtesy dock at the inside ramp enhance your boating experience.

Little Ridge Park

Introduction to Little Ridge Park: Little Ridge Park, nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Lavon near the town of Copeville, offers a serene escape from the busier parks around the lake. This small, secluded park is the perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and a chance to enjoy nature without the crowds.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Fee: There is no fee required to enter the park, making it an affordable option for day trips.
• Availability: Open all year round, Little Ridge Park offers a flexible schedule for visitors.
• Contact: The park is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring it is kept in excellent condition.
• Location: The park is easily accessible off Texas 78, situated between Lavon and Farmersville on the east shore of Lake Lavon.

Park Amenities:

Little Ridge Park is equipped with essential facilities to enhance your visit:

• Restrooms: Clean and accessible for visitor convenience.
• Parking: Ample space is available for vehicles.
• Picnic Areas: Equipped with picnic tables, these areas provide a lovely setting for a day out with family or friends.
• Boat Ramp: A four-lane boat ramp with a dock is available for boating enthusiasts.

Mallard Park

Welcome to Mallard Park: Situated on the southeast shores of Lake Lavon near the city of Lavon, Texas, Mallard Park is a compact yet functional spot ideal for boating enthusiasts. This very small park is perfectly designed for visitors looking to launch their boats with ease and efficiency.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• No Entry Fee: There is no fee required to access Mallard Park.
• Open Year-Round: The park is open throughout the year, offering flexible access for all seasons.
• Contact: US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring the park is maintained properly. For more information or to check the day-use area status, please call (972) 442-3141.
• Directions: The park is located downlake on the southeast shore. From Lavon, travel north on Texas 78 and look for the park entrance on the west side of the road.

Park Features:

Mallard Park might be small, but it’s well-equipped with necessary facilities to ensure a pleasant visit:

• Boat Ramp: Features a four-lane boat ramp with a dock, providing smooth access for boating activities.
• Picnic Areas: Equipped with picnic tables for those who wish to relax or have a meal by the water.
• Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitor convenience.

Visiting the Park:

• Day-Use Area Notice: Visitors should verify the status of the day-use area with the US Army Corps of Engineers before planning their visit as it may be subject to closures.

Consider reading: 8 Best Grapevine Lake Parks

Pebble Beach Park

Introduction to Pebble Beach Park: Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Lavon, Pebble Beach Park is a quaint destination ideal for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day of picnicking or boating. This small park, renowned for its scenic beauty, offers a serene retreat from daily hustle and bustle.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• No Entry Fee: There is no fee required for entering Pebble Beach Park.
• Seasonal Availability: The park is open from April 1 to September 30, providing a perfect spot for spring and summer outings.
• Contact: Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring the park remains in pristine condition. For more information or to check on park status, please call (972) 442-3141.
• Directions: The park is located mid-lake on the east shore. From Farmersville, head south on Texas 78 for about 6 miles and look for the park entrance on the west side of the road.

Park Amenities:

Despite its compact size, Pebble Beach Park is well-equipped with facilities to enhance your visit:

• Picnic Areas: Ample picnic tables are available for visitors looking to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
• Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms ensure convenience for all guests.
• Parking: Adequate parking makes it easy for visitors to access the park.
• Boat Ramp: A four-lane boat ramp allows for easy launching of boats, making it a popular spot for boaters.

Visiting the Park:

• Check for Closures: Due to frequent closures, visitors are encouraged to contact the US Army Corps of Engineers before planning their trip to ensure the park is open.

Tickey Creek Park

Located on the northern, western shores of Lake Lavon, Tickey Creek Park is a charming, small park favored by boating enthusiasts and picnickers alike. This park offers a straightforward, no-fuss approach to enjoying Lake Lavon’s natural beauty and water activities.

Location, Operating Hours, Entry Fee, and Contact:

• Entry Fee: A fee is required to access the park.
• Open Year-Round: The park is open throughout the year, allowing for flexible planning for your visits.
• Contact: The park is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring that the facilities are kept in top condition. For more information or inquiries, please contact (972) 442-3141.
• Route: Located on the west shore of the east arm of the lake. From Princeton, head south on FM 982 from US 380, travel about 3.5 miles, then turn east on FM 3364 in Culleoka. The park is approximately half a mile down on the right.

Park Amenities:

Tickey Creek Park is equipped with essential facilities designed to enhance your visit:

• Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are available for convenience.
• Parking: Ample parking space ensures ease of access for all vehicles.
• Picnic Areas: Picnic tables are situated in scenic spots around the park, perfect for a relaxing day out.
• Boat Ramp: A four-lane boat ramp provides smooth entry into Lake Lavon for boating adventures.

Consider reading: Top 12 Best Lakes in Dallas Fort Worth TX

Final Thoughts on Lake Lavon Parks

As you wrap up your plans for a visit to Lake Lavon, remember that this stunning reservoir offers more than just picturesque views—it’s a hub for recreation and relaxation.

With affordable entry fees, flexible park hours, and exceptional fishing opportunities, Lake Lavon caters to enthusiasts and families alike.

FAQs on Lake Lavon Parks

Where is Lake Lavon located?

Lake Lavon is situated about twenty miles northeast of Dallas, in Collin County, on the East Fork, a tributary of the Trinity River.

What is there to do in Lake Lavon?

Lake Lavon offers a variety of recreational activities, including:

1. Fishing: The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities for crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and sunfish.
2. Boating: With 22,000 acres of water surface, Lake Lavon is suitable for boating activities such as skiing, recreational boating, and sailing.
3. Hiking and Biking: Many parks around the lake provide hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Picnicking: There are numerous picnic sites available, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor dining.
5. Camping: The lake has camping facilities with both tent sites and sites with electric and water hook-ups.
6. Swimming: While swimming is allowed, it’s important to note that swimming areas are unsupervised and do not have lifeguards. Visitors are advised to swim with caution and wear a life jacket.

Can you swim in Lake Lavon?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Lake Lavon; however, it’s important to note that swimming areas are unsupervised and do not have lifeguards. It is advised to learn to swim well and always wear a life jacket when swimming. Additionally, swimming with a buddy is recommended for safety.

What is Lake Lavon known for?

Lake Lavon is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie fishing, especially in winter and spring. Other fish species such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and sunfish also offer good angling opportunities.

Why was Lake Lavon impounded?

The deliberate impoundment of water at Lake Lavon began on September 14, 1953. In 1962, Congressional approval was granted to modify the project to increase storage for water supply due to the growing water supply needs of the area.

Is Lake Lavon good for boating?

Yes, Lake Lavon is suitable for boating activities. Spanning 22,000 acres, it is one of the largest lakes in North Texas, offering opportunities for fishing, skiing, recreational boating, and relaxation. Many parks are situated around the lake, providing various amenities and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and biking trails.

Does Lake Lavon have a beach?

Yes, Lake Lavon features five beaches among its recreational offerings. However, it’s important to note that specific details regarding the condition and amenities of these beaches may vary, so visitors should inquire locally for more information before planning a beach visit.