Located to the North of Jasper, Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities and convening with nature. The lake is approximately 79 miles long with over 600 miles of shoreline to dip your toes in, or you can explore the towns nearby and enjoy some southern cooking or popular shops. This guide helps you locate some of the most popular Sam Rayburn Lake family activities in the area that provides fun for all ages. Once you have a good idea of what your family trip will consist of, it’s much easier to narrow down the list of Sam Rayburn vacation rentals that you’re considering.
1. Play a Round of Golf
For adults, Lake Sam Rayburn has a country club with an 18-hole golf course. Many of the courses are secluded and help you get away for the day, but they’re still located near the water, so you can enjoy the sights and sound of the lake. Choose one of the many golf packages, or pay to spend the day on the green practicing your putt.
2. Spend the Night Under the Stars
Aside from the many vacation rentals in the area, Lake Rayburn offers a variety of campsites directly on the shoreline. Because you camp right next to the water, these sandy beaches provide an ocean-like feel. If roughing it isn’t really your thing, you can rent a cabin or hook up your family RV at one of the fully equipped seasonal sites.
3. Visit the Inflatable Water Park
Powell Park Marina offers an inflatable water park for all children of all ages every summer. Among the many attractions, the park has a 17-foot water slide, a trampoline, an obstacle course, an inflatable mat, and many more things to play on and enjoy. Spend the night at one of the campsites, and wake up and start again. Use the on-site grills to cook a big meal over an open flame, then treat the kids to some sÂ’mores for dessert.
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4. Put on Your Boots and Hike the Trails
For those who love walking to stay in shape, Lake Rayburn has a variety of trails to enjoy. From paved paths to those that are off-the-beaten path, there are plenty of places to roam. The Sawmill Hiking Trail is just to the west of the lake. This trail is 6.5 miles long and features terrain that is ideal for all skill levels. You can also bring your puppy along for the walk as long as heÂ’s on a leash, so the kids won’t feel bad about leaving their furry friend at your vacation rental.
5. Watersports
If your family loves playing in the water, make sure stopping by the lake is on your to-do list. You can bring your own boat, or rent personal watercraft for the opportunity to experience water skiing or wakeboarding. Even on busy weekends, the lake offers plenty of room for fun without requiring you to constantly navigate around other guests. For the younger ones, tubing is one way to enjoy the speed of boating while requiring less effort to stay afloat.
6. Enjoy a Spa Weekend
If you have decided to take a second honeymoon, or sneak off for a weekend of fun without the kids, you can enjoy the royal treatment at one of several spas in the area. If you want a small break, you may decide on a couple’s massage, but if you are looking for a full treatment, you can have your nails done, wax away unwanted hair, get a haircut, and have someone rub your feet after a day of hiking by the water.
7. Paintball
If your kids are starting to feel waterlogged and need a break from the water, you can take them out for a day of paintball. Indulge in a friendly game of competition, or spend a few hours trying to make your way out of an escape room. Choose an indoor course to get out of the heat, or opt for an outdoor course to enjoy the warmth of the sun.
8. Register for a Bass Tournament
If you love fishing and feel like you have what it takes to outdo the competition, Lake Sam Rayburn hosts a variety of fishing tournaments throughout the year. The majority of these tournaments yield hefty prizes, but if you don’t feel like competing, you’re always welcome to come watch others as they battle for notoriety.
9. Visit the Fish Hatchery
Located on over 200 acres, the local fish hatchery gets its water from Lake Rayburn. The hatchery produces bass, catfish, sunfish, and forage fish. Take the children on a field trip to learn about where fish come from in the lake and view a variety of different species. Take a private or guided tour and learn how the state helps improve the quality of life for fish in the area.
10. Take a Pleasure Boat Ride
If you are dying to get out on the water, but don’t have a boat, a pleasure boat ride on a rental may be the answer. Rent a pontoon boat to accommodate large families or a group of friends. You can also grab a couple of personal watercraft to tag along with the boat, so you can zoom into coves and enjoy the speed on the open water.
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