Resting in the picturesque Palo Pinto County, there’s no denying Possum Kingdom Lake’s infatuating beauty. With 8,013 hectares of glistening blue hues and abundant shoreline activities, Possum Kingdom Lake really earns the title of The Great Lake of Texas.

Watersports, annual festivals, hiking trails, and sweeping vistas are great reasons to visit, but it’s not all smooth sailing. From finding the right rental home and budgeting to knowing where to eat and when to go, there’s plenty to keep in mind.

So stick around to get all the top travel tips for visiting Possum Kingdom Lake. Who knows, this great lake of the south may even become your new go-to vacation destination.

1. Book A Lakeside Cabin

There’s no shortage of Possum Kingdom Lake cabins, and finding the right one isn’t as easy as you may think. The eastern shoreline tends to have a wider variety of cabins and easier access to local restaurants and shops.

When booking your cabin, ensure you ask about amenities so you’re never let down. Reviews are also a great way to get a glimpse of what you can expect. Lastly, try booking a stay along the shoreline so you can enjoy sunswept views of this idyllic location.

2. Bring Your Boat With If You Have One

Possum Kingdom Lake is well-known for its boating, water skiing, and jet skiing opportunities. That said, budgeting for a boat launching fee is imperative if you have a boat. There are 11 boat ramps you can use at convenient spots along the lake’s shores.

Fortunately, all the boat ramps are fairly affordable, costing just $5 per day. They also offer a three-day fee ($12) for weekend visits and a five-day fee ($20) for longer stays. If you’re looking to become a regular, you can even get an annual pass for just $50.

3. Visit Possum Kingdom Lake in Mid-October

While summer (June to August) is the obvious peak visiting time of the year, consider opting for mid-October as your vacation time. Temperatures during this month still average between 80°F and 86°F, which is perfect for swimming and watersports.

What really makes this time of year worthwhile are the fall colors that transform the lake into a landscape of orange and red. You’re also more likely to find accommodation, and there are some annual events during the month, making it the perfect time to visit outside of summer.

4. Rent a Kayak From Rochelle’s Canoe Rental

Don’t just hire the first kayak you see at Possum Kingdom Lake. While there are loads of boat companies along the lake, Rochelle’s Canoe Rental tends to offer the best prices in the area.

You can pick one of their range of aluminum canoes, from square stern canoes to one and two-person kayaks. They also offer a great deal, where the daily rental price decreases the longer you rent it.

5. Get a Fishing License Before You Visit

If you love good casting, Possum Kingdom is the place for you since the lake is teeming with fish. From white bass and catfish to striped bass and crappie, you can find — and catch — them all here.

Just make sure you have an official Texas hunting and fishing license before you leave. You can purchase your license online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

6. Pack Your Groceries Ahead of Time

Due to its location, shopping at Possum Kingdom Lake can often be pricey. As such, it’s best to get as many of your groceries as possible before heading to this hidden oasis.

If you do find yourself in a bit of a pickle and need to get some supplies, there are a couple of shops in and around the area. Some popular spots to get your goods include The Trading Post or The Harbor Market, both of which are along Park Road 36 on the lake’s east side.

7. Visit the Popular Restaurants for Dinner

No matter how long you visit the Possum Kingdom, you simply must enjoy a sunset dinner at one of its fantastic restaurants. While there are plenty of affordable and quick options, who doesn’t want to splurge on a fine dining experience when on vacation?

The standouts of the area have to be The Chaparral Grille and Hemmingway’s. Each offers its own unique charm, but both provide simply breathtaking views of the lake at sunset.

8. Look Out for Wildlife

As the name suggests, you’ll most likely see the occasional possum during your trip, but there’s far more wildlife than meets the eye. From raccoons and skunks to the lesser-spotted armadillo and white-tailed deer, wildlife is all around you at Possum Kingdom Lake.

Note: You may also see bears in the area, especially in summer, so it’s important to practice bear safety.

9. Know Which Entrance You Need to Use

As per the Brazos River Authority, there are currently ten public-use areas scattered along the shorelines of Possum Kingdom Lake. The main access points can be found along SH 16, FM1287, and SH 3253. Simply using your GPS or SATNAV should help you find your way to your lodging.

Note: If you want to visit Possum Kingdom State Park, you’ll need to use State Park Road 33.

10. Keep Track of Annual Events

Possum Kingdom Lake is the place to be for annual events, with its Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza taking center stage. If you’re not in the area in summer, there are still a plethora of events you can enjoy.

Some of the most noteworthy include the Possum Fest and BBQ Cook-Off in October and Labor Day in September. For a truly unique experience, you can always join the Possum Kingdom Sand Bass Tournament, which takes place in March.

Conclusion

With these helpful tips in mind, you can start planning the ultimate getaway to The Great Lake of Texas. From finding the right cabin to joining a festive activity, you have all the information you need in one place.

Next Read: If you plan on doing a road trip through the US, have a look at the best RV spots in California next.