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Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, USA

Also known as:  Possum Kingdom Reservoir

One of the most amusing names in lake recreation has to be Possum Kingdom Lake in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Often called simply PK, the reservoir has been termed the best man-made lake in Texas, in Kirk Dooley’s “Book of Texas Best”. From the number of recreational opportunities listed along the 219-mile shoreline, Possum Kingdom Lake is open and ready for business. And that…
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    • All About Possum Kingdom Lake, TX

    Lake Locations: USA - US Southwest Region - Texas - Prairies and Lakes Region, TX -

    One of the most amusing names in lake recreation has to be Possum Kingdom Lake in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Often called simply PK, the reservoir has been termed the best man-made lake in Texas, in Kirk Dooley’s “Book of Texas Best”. From the number of recreational opportunities listed along the 219-mile shoreline, Possum Kingdom Lake is open and ready for business. And that business is water-based fun. That wasn’t the intention of the Brazos River Authority, who built the lake in 1941 with the help of the Works Progress Administration. The purpose was flood control and water supply. But it didn’t take long for the public to discover the joys that existed above the Morris Sheppard Dam, especially since the Civilian Conservation Corps promptly constructed Possum Kingdom State Park along its southwest shore.

    Possum Kingdom Lake is a major boating destination with nearly 17,000 acres of water meandering along a 60-mile stretch of the Brazos River. An ample number of marinas provide ramp facilities, boat gas, docking, slips, supplies, repairs and restaurants. All types of boating are welcome here, so power boats share space with pontoons, sailboats, water skiers, tubers, kayaks and personal watercraft. Eight Brazos River Authority Public Access sites offer picnic areas, campsites, courtesy docks, fishing piers, swimming areas and restrooms. A canoe rental below the dam offers access to a 20-mile stretch of river downstream. The many coves, arms and bays are favored by canoes and kayaks for quiet water and nature observance. All registered boats are required to have a Water Recreational User Permit from the Brazos River Authority.

    Over 400 campsites exist on the lake, including BRA-access locations, the state park and private facilities located around the lake. Numerous privately-owned restaurants, convenience stores and lodges along the shoreline keep visitors well-fed and well-supplied. Every possible amenity is offered to keep the lakelubber happy, from boat rentals to cabins to resorts. Only 70 miles west of Fort Worth, Possum Kingdom Lake is the destination of choice for thousands of lake visitors on weekends, and plenty of campers and vacationers throughout the week.

    Fishing is a major draw to Possum Kingdom Lake. Texas Parks and Wildlife has made sure Florida-strain of largemouth bass are stocked, along with striped bass. Anglers also cast for smallmouth bass, white bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, bream, blue catfish, crappie and flathead catfish. All Texas fishing regulations must be observed, and boats must have appropriate permits to access the water. An extensive system of hiking and biking trails is being developed to allow nature access to visitors. There is a one-quarter mile nature trail at Westside Park and a one-mile hiking trail along the Brazos below the dam. A 16-mile trail on the east side of the lake offers several trailheads with restrooms, public parking areas, access to a 90-foot high vantage point overlooking the lake, wooded areas, and limestone canyons. Lovely natural views are numerous from atop the limestone bluffs towering over much of the lake.

    One of the best-known landscape features of Possum Kingdom Lake is Hells Gate, a narrow channel which cuts between an island and a row of cliffs. Both a Boy Scout camp and a YMCA camp have long owned acreage along the shoreline. A number of housing developments overlook the meandering lake, often set back from the shoreline with leased access to the water. A few cottages still sit on leased lots along the shore, although the BRA is in the process of selling many of the leases. A few areas sublease building lots for private cottages and cabins. Possum Kingdom Lake even has its own Chamber of Commerce, helping to engender a sense of community and encourage visitors. To that end, several annual events are produced that encourage visitor participation. One is the Annual Possum Fest and Cook-off. No ‘possums’ are injured in pursuit of the winning barbecue or chili. The TRIFECTA Triathlon and the Sprint Distance Triathlon are held here each fall. And at Clark Gardens Botanical Park near Mineral Wells, the annual Run From The Ducks timed event each year benefits the National Vietnam War Museum.

    Mineral Wells, about 25 miles from Possum Kingdom Lake, is a historical little city with a colorful past. One of the more interesting historical excursions available in Mineral Wells is the Old Jail Museum which anchors a complex of restored frontier buildings that demonstrate life for the area’s pioneers. Every building is furnished with period artifacts. A favorite of children and adults alike is the Mineral Wells Fossil Park. This park is operated by Mineral Wells Parks and Recreation with the assistance of the Dallas Paleontology Society. Here, an eroded embankment exposes small common fossils, mostly extinct marine animals. Visitors can still arrange tours of one of the mineral water bottling plants in the area. Crazy Water got its name from a claim that a mentally ill woman regained her sanity after drinking the mineral waters found locally. As the mineral mixture contains a large amount of naturally-occurring lithium, which is used in treatment for some mental diseases, there may have been a hint of truth to the legend.

    Mineral Wells figures prominently in the story of how Possum Kingdom Lake got its unusual name. An eastern merchant came to Mineral Wells hoping for improved health from imbibing the waters and apparently became healthy enough to develop a business buying and selling furs. One group of trappers repeatedly brought him large numbers of opossum pelts from an area he began to call Possum Kingdom. The name stuck, and the reservoir built many years later inherited the name. In keeping with the light-hearted name, Possum Kingdom Lake is reputed to be one of the best ‘party’ lakes in Texas – and there’s usually one going on somewhere every weekend during the warmer weather.

    The lucky visitor to Possum Kingdom Lake will find all types of lodgings available for a night or a week’s stay. Several resorts, camps, guest ranches and tourist cabin-type self-catering facilities are located along the shore. Bed-and Breakfasts are located nearby, and occasionally private cottages are found for weekly rental. Larger hotels and motels can be found near Mineral Wells. And real estate is still available, some existing homes and some building lots. Many have water access and views, and a few actually have lake frontage. There’s something at Possum Kingdom Lake to suit every budget and activities to meet every interest.

    *Statistics for lake size vary widely from different sources. Those listed are from the Brazos River Authority. Water levels are lower than usual at present due to drought.

    Things to Do at Possum Kingdom Lake

    These are some activities in the Possum Kingdom Lake, TX area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Possum Kingdom Lake?

    Possum Kingdom Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Blue Catfish
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Flathead Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Spotted Bass
    • Striped Bass
    • White Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at Possum Kingdom Lake

    If you’re considering a Possum Kingdom Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Possum Kingdom Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Possum Kingdom Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Possum Kingdom Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Brazos River Authority

    Surface Area: 16,716 acres

    Shoreline Length: 219 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 998 feet

    Average Depth: 37 feet

    Maximum Depth: 145 feet

    Water Volume: 540,340 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1941

    Possum Kingdom Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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