Lake Lavon spans 21,400 surface acres across southern Collin County, featuring 15 developed shoreline recreation areas. The best lake lavon parks for overnight stays are East Fork Park and Collin Park.
Anglers looking to launch without gate charges prefer free access sites at Little Ridge Park and Mallard Park. Families seeking shaded waterfront picnic tables head to Lavonia Park or Avalon Park.
Standard day-use parks require an entry fee of five dollars per vehicle. Knowing which parks at Lake Lavon offer boat ramps, swimming beaches, and camping saves hours of driving down county roads. This guide details operating hours, fees, ramp configurations, and fishing regulations for all major recreation areas around the reservoir.
For surrounding attractions across the reservoir basin, review our complete Lake Lavon travel guide before packing your vehicle.
Lake Lavon Parks Overview and Quick Comparison
Lake Lavon parks provide public boat ramps, shoreline fishing, sandy swim beaches, and tent or RV camping across southern Collin County. East Fork Park leads for camping, Collin Park offers marina amenities, and Little Ridge provides free boat launching.
The reservoir operates under state fish and wildlife conservation guidelines published in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Lake Lavon Guide. Federal park rangers and municipal staff oversee gate schedules, shoreline facilities, and conservation rules across the lakeshore.
Because gate policies differ across the lake, planning ahead prevents lockouts. Day-use areas generally open at 6:00 AM and close at sunset, with security gates locking automatically between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM. Registered campers receive specific gate codes to allow late access to their sites.
At-A-Glance Parks Comparison Table
| Park Name | Location | Operating Hours | Day-Use Fee | Boat Ramp | Top Amenities & Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Fork Park | Wylie (South Shore) | Year-round (6 AM to sunset) | $5 / vehicle | Two 4-lane ramps | 50 campsites, equestrian camping, showers |
| Collin Park | Wylie (West Shore) | Year-round (Gate fees apply) | $5 to $10 / vehicle | Concrete marina ramp | Full marina, boat rentals, swim beach, dining |
| Lavonia Park | Lavon (East Shore) | Year-round (Outside ramp 24/7) | $5 / vehicle | Two 4-lane ramps | 38 RV sites, swim beach, courtesy docks |
| Avalon Park | Wylie (South Shore) | April 1 to Sept 30 (6 AM to 10 PM) | $5 / vehicle | One 4-lane ramp | Covered picnic pavilions, shaded lawns |
| Little Ridge Park | Copeville (East Shore) | Year-round (Dawn to dusk) | Free | One 4-lane ramp | Free boat launch, quiet picnic spots |
| Mallard Park | Lavon (Southeast Shore) | Year-round (Dawn to dusk) | Free | One 4-lane ramp | Quick boat launching, courtesy dock, restrooms |
| Clear Lake Park | Princeton (Mid-Lake Peninsula) | Year-round camping; Day-use seasonal | $5 / vehicle | Two 4-lane ramps | Waterfront campsites, central lake access |
| Lakeland Park | Lavon (East Shore) | April 1 to Sept 30 (6 AM to sunset) | $5 / vehicle | One 4-lane ramp | Covered picnic tables, fire rings, quiet banks |
| Pebble Beach Park | Farmersville (East Shore) | April 1 to Sept 30 (6 AM to sunset) | Free | One 4-lane ramp | Gravel banks, boat launch, open shoreline |
| Tickey Creek Park | Princeton (West Shore / East Arm) | Year-round (6 AM to sunset) | $5 / vehicle | One 4-lane ramp | Picnic tables, easy ramp access off FM 3364 |
| Caddo Park | McKinney / Princeton (North End) | April 1 to Sept 30 (6 AM to sunset) | Free | One 4-lane ramp | Fishing ponds, courtesy dock, northern water |
Best Lake Lavon Parks for Camping, Boating, and Day Use
The top-rated parks on Lake Lavon vary by activity: East Fork Park offers 50 full-service campsites and equestrian corrals, Collin Park features a full marina and sandy beach, and Lavonia Park provides scenic shoreline RV hookups.
Choosing the right destination among lavon lake parks depends on whether your priority is overnight tent camping, launching a bass boat, or swimming with children. Each park has distinct amenities, fee structures, and access policies.
East Fork Park
East Fork Park is the flagship public park on Lake Lavon for camping and equestrian recreation. Positioned near Wylie along County Road 389, the grounds feature 50 standard campsites with electric and water hookups, alongside 11 specialized equestrian sites equipped with horse corrals.
For lake lavon camping, East Fork Park provides 50 standard campsites equipped with utility connections and tent pads. At east fork park lake lavon, campers find spacious RV slips accompanied by restrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers. Reservations are processed online through the Recreation.gov East Fork Park Campground Reservation Portal.
Boaters launch smoothly using two four-lane concrete boat ramps with an adjacent boarding dock. Day-use visitors pay a five-dollar entry permit at the automated gatehouse. Outdoor enthusiasts can compare these lakeside campgrounds with other top camping spots near Dallas.
Tip
Equestrian campers should book well in advance during spring weekends, as East Fork serves as the southern trailhead for the 25.5-mile Trinity Trail.
Collin Park
Collin Park operates as a commercial concessionaire facility on the western shore of Lake Lavon in Wylie. Unlike federally run parks, it features a full-service marina with over 500 boat slips, personal watercraft rentals, and a ship store selling fuel, ice, and bait.
Visiting collin park lake lavon gives boaters direct marina access alongside open-water recreation. Day-use admission ranges from five to ten dollars per vehicle depending on the day of the week. Guests enjoy a sandy swimming beach, volleyball courts, and on-site dining at the Harbor House Restaurant.
Consult the Collin Park Marina Official Services Page for slip availability, boat rental rates, and current operating hours. The marina also offers full RV hookup sites and designated primitive tent areas along the water.
Lavonia Park
Lavonia Park ranks among the most popular lakeside destinations on the southeastern shoreline near the city of Lavon. Accessed via Farm to Market Road 6, the park features 38 well-spaced campsites equipped with water and 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups.
A major logistical advantage of lavonia park lake lavon is its dual-ramp system. The interior four-lane boat ramp operates seasonally from April through September, while a second four-lane ramp outside the security gate stays open 24 hours a day year-round. A sandy swimming beach, clean shower houses, and covered picnic shelters make it an excellent choice for family weekend outings.
Avalon Park
Avalon Park occupies the southern rim of the reservoir just north of State Highway 78. Shaded heavily by mature hardwood trees, this seasonal day-use park operates from April 1 through September 30 between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
The park includes a modern four-lane boat ramp accompanied by a stable courtesy dock for passenger boarding. Covered picnic tables, barbecue grills, and grassy lawns cater to family gatherings. The standard five-dollar day-use vehicle fee applies at the automated entry pay station.
Little Ridge Park
Little Ridge Park sits quietly on the eastern shoreline near Copeville and remains one of Lake Lavon's hidden gems. Because it is an unstaffed Corps facility, entry is completely free to the public year-round from dawn to dusk.
The park provides a four-lane concrete boat ramp with a boarding dock, unpaved shoreline access for bank fishing, and several scattered picnic tables. It offers a calm alternative to larger parks during crowded holiday weekends when other boat ramps reach parking capacity.
Mallard Park
Located on the southeast shore off State Highway 78, mallard park lake lavon serves primarily as a dedicated boating access station. The park requires no admission fee and remains open year-round for daylight recreation.
Boaters utilize a concrete four-lane ramp with an adjacent dock that makes launching swift and manageable for solo anglers. Restroom buildings and picnic tables are available, though day-use sections may undergo temporary maintenance closures following seasonal high-water events.
Clear Lake Park
Clear Lake Park occupies a central peninsula extending into the lake's eastern arm south of Princeton along Farm to Market Road 982. This location provides broad panoramic vistas across the main lake basin.
The park accommodates both day visitors and overnight campers with two separate four-lane boat ramps. Camping sites with water and electric hookups remain accessible year-round, while day-use picnic areas operate primarily from April 1 to September 30 under the standard five-dollar vehicle fee.
Lakeland Park
Lakeland Park lies on the eastern shore south of Farmersville off Highway 78. Open seasonally from April 1 through September 30, this quiet day-use park provides a relaxed atmosphere for waterfront picnics and casual shore angling.
Facilities include covered picnic tables, ground fire rings, clean restrooms, and a four-lane concrete boat launch. Shaded grassy areas close to the water make Lakeland Park a favorite for peaceful afternoon family cookouts.
Pebble Beach Park
Pebble Beach Park is a compact recreation spot positioned mid-lake along the eastern shoreline south of Farmersville. It opens seasonally from April 1 to September 30 with no required entry fee.
The shoreline consists of natural gravel and sand bars suitable for wading or launching personal watercraft. A four-lane concrete ramp provides direct open-water access, complemented by basic restrooms and outdoor picnic tables.
Tickey Creek Park
Tickey Creek Park sits on the western shoreline of the lake's eastern arm, accessed via FM 3364 from Culleoka. Open year-round from 6:00 AM to sunset, this park requires a five-dollar day-use fee.
The park features an expansive four-lane boat ramp, paved parking spaces for vehicle-trailer combinations, and waterfront picnic sites. Its sheltered cove setting protects boaters from heavy main-lake chop during windy afternoons.
Caddo Park
Caddo Park is located on the northern end of Lake Lavon, approximately 14 miles east of McKinney off US Highway 380. Operating seasonally from April 1 through September 30, it provides water access without admission fees.
The park includes a four-lane concrete boat ramp with a courtesy dock and several calm interior fishing ponds. Because this northern section is shallower, boaters should watch for submerged stumps and silt bars when entering the lake channels.
Lake Lavon Boat Ramps and Water Access Points
Lake Lavon features 15 parks with concrete boat ramps, including free public ramps at Little Ridge Park and Mallard Park, alongside four-lane ramps with courtesy docks at East Fork, Lavonia, and Collin Park Marina.
Boaters across North Texas rely on lake lavon boat ramps for bass tournaments, pontoon cruising, and watersports. To plan your regional excursions on neighboring reservoirs, check our overview of the best lakes in Dallas Fort Worth.
Free Boat Ramps vs. Fee Launch Sites
Most boaters pay a five-dollar daily launch fee at federally operated parks including East Fork, Lavonia, Avalon, Clear Lake, and Tickey Creek. This fee can be paid at automated credit card pay stations installed at park entry gates.
However, boat ramps lake lavon also feature free public launch points. Little Ridge Park, Mallard Park, Pebble Beach Park, and Caddo Park do not collect day-use vehicle fees. Boaters looking for a convenient lake lavon boat ramp will find ample trailer parking at these northern and eastern facilities.
Navigational Hazards and Unmarked Timber
Lake Lavon lacks officially buoyed boat channels across much of its 21,400-acre surface. Submerged tree stumps and standing timber cluster heavily along the northern arms near US 380 and the East Fork Trinity River inlet.
Consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Lake Lavon Boat Ramp Guide for current reservoir elevations and ramp usability reports. Boaters must remember that zebra mussels inhabit the lake; Texas law mandates that you clean, drain, and dry all watercraft, bilges, and livewells before leaving the boat ramp area.
Lake Lavon Fishing Regulations, Species, and Hotspots
Anglers at Lake Lavon target crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white bass across its 21,400 acres. Fishing requires a valid Texas license, and crappie have a 10-inch minimum length with a 25-fish daily bag limit.
Lake Lavon fishing is renowned statewide, particularly for its productive crappie fishery in flooded timber and around bridge pilings. For wider angling opportunities across the state, browse our guide to the top fishing lakes in Texas.
Target Fish Species and Bag Limits
All anglers aged 17 and older must carry a valid Texas freshwater fishing license with a freshwater endorsement. Regulations are enforced strictly by Texas game wardens.
- Crappie (White and Black): 10-inch minimum length; daily bag limit of 25 fish in combination.
- Largemouth Bass: 14-inch minimum length; daily bag limit of 5 fish in combination.
- White Bass: 10-inch minimum length; daily bag limit of 25 fish.
- Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass: 18-inch minimum length; daily bag limit of 5 fish in combination.
- Channel and Blue Catfish: No minimum length; daily bag limit of 25 in combination, with only 10 fish permitted over 20 inches.
Seasonal Fishing Patterns and Structure
During winter and early spring, crappie gather in deep holes and around the submerged riprap along the Highway 78 bridge and dam face. Anglers achieve consistent success drifting minnows and small jigs near underwater brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water.
In late spring and summer, largemouth bass move into shallow coves near Avalon Park and East Fork Park. White bass school aggressively on open-water flats during summer evenings, providing fast topwater action for anglers casting silver spoons and slab jigs.
Trinity Trail: Hiking and Equestrian Trails at Lake Lavon
The 25.5-mile Trinity Trail connects East Fork Park, Brockdale Park, and Highland Park along Lake Lavon's western and northern shores for hikers and horseback riders, excluding motorized vehicles and bicycles.
This natural-surface trail network follows the shoreline through bottomland woods, open meadows, and scenic bluffs. The route is maintained through volunteer efforts managed by the Trinity Trail Preservation Association Trail Status Guide.
Trailheads and Amenities
Three primary staging areas provide public access to the trail system:
- East Fork Trailhead (Wylie): The southernmost access point with trailer parking, tie rails, and a round pen.
- Brockdale Park Trailhead (Lucas): A high-capacity staging area with a drive-through turnaround loop, mounting block, and vault restrooms.
- Highland Park Trailhead: A peaceful northern access point along the upper arm of the trail.
Trail Regulations and Ground Conditions
The trail is restricted exclusively to pedestrian hikers and equestrian riders. Bicycles, dirt bikes, and motorized all-terrain vehicles are prohibited to protect fragile soil and prevent horse startling.
Hikers must yield to horseback riders when approaching along narrow trail corridors. Because sections cross low-lying creek beds, trails become deeply muddy after heavy rainfall; trail users should review volunteer condition reports before setting out.
Lake Lavon Day-Use Rules, Fees, and Planning Tips
A successful trip to lake lavon day use parks requires understanding local federal guidelines. Gate hours are strictly maintained by park rangers, with automated gates locking at 10:00 PM across gated facilities.
Standard lake lavon entry fee rates are five dollars per vehicle at fee-collection gates. Swimming areas are unsupervised with no lifeguards stationed on beaches, though designated swim zones at Lavonia Park and Collin Park rank among the best beaches in Dallas Fort Worth for warm-weather relaxation.
FAQs on Lake Lavon Parks
Where is Lake Lavon located?
Lake Lavon is located approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Dallas in southern Collin County, Texas. It sits along the East Fork of the Trinity River near the municipalities of Wylie, Lavon, Princeton, and Farmersville.
How much does it cost to enter Lake Lavon parks?
Day-use entry to federally managed parks costs five dollars per vehicle, payable at automated credit card pay stations. Select parks including Little Ridge Park, Mallard Park, Pebble Beach Park, and Caddo Park provide free public access year-round.
Are boat ramps free at Lake Lavon?
Yes, boat ramps are free at Little Ridge Park, Mallard Park, Pebble Beach Park, and Caddo Park. Other public ramps at East Fork, Lavonia, Avalon, and Clear Lake require a standard five-dollar day-use vehicle launch fee.
Can you swim at Lake Lavon parks?
Yes, swimming is permitted at designated lake beaches in Lavonia Park, Collin Park, and East Fork Park. These areas are completely unsupervised with no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should always wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
What fish can you catch at Lake Lavon?
Anglers catch black crappie, white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and white bass throughout Lake Lavon. Crappie fishing around bridge pilings and submerged brush piles is especially popular during spring and winter.
Does Lake Lavon have hiking or equestrian trails?
Yes, Lake Lavon features the 25.5-mile Trinity Trail dedicated exclusively to pedestrian hiking and horseback riding. Major staging trailheads with horse trailer parking are located at East Fork Park, Brockdale Park, and Highland Park.
