Whitney, TX

Travel Guide

A sunset over a body of water with a rocky shoreline and a distant landmass.
A sunset over a large body of water with an island in the distance.
A sunset over a calm lake with a rocky shoreline and distant trees.
A wooden pier extending into calm waters with a sunset sky.
A calm river with a small boat in the distance, surrounded by sparse vegetation and a distant shoreline.
This large body of fresh water is a place for year-round outdoor pursuits, wildlife, fossils and gorgeous scenery.

Escape to Lake Whitney, a popular outdoor recreation destination in the heart of Texas. The large body of fresh water is on the Brazos River and encompasses more than 35 square miles (91 square kilometers) of water and 40 square miles (104 square kilometers) of countryside. Hike a nature trail, scuba dive or dig up fossils. 

Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down the Brazos River. Stop for a swim in the clear water and rest on a river bank. Alternatively, cruise the lake on a pontoon or sailboat. The lake also hosts numerous watersports including wakeboarding, kneeboarding and waterskiing. 

Fish for bass, catfish and crappie. Hire a local fishing guide who can tell you the location of the best fishing spots. Venture under the water on a scuba diving trip to see sunken boats.

In more than a dozen parks surrounding the lake you’ll find sandy beaches, picnic areas, boat ramps and restrooms.

Away from the water, Lake Whitney can fill your vacation with many more exciting activities and attractions. Go horseback riding over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of equestrian trails. Hike through the terrain looking for local wildlife. The lake area attracts approximately 300 migratory and non-migratory bird species and mammals, such as wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. Look for swallow nests on the limestone cliffs. Walk along the shoreline searching for fossils. Many ancient remains have been found here over the years. 

If you like delving into the past, visit two nearby historic sites. See footprints left by prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose. Waco Mammoth Site in Waco has a large concentration of mammoth remains.

Located in Hill County, Lake Whitney is 92 miles (148 kilometers) south of Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Many visitors rent a car for the freedom to move around the area.

With warm winters and summers, Lake Whitney is a good vacation spot throughout the year. Stay in a lakeside campground or cabin or a hotel in downtown Whitney.

Cedar Creek Ranch on Lake Whitney

Cedar Creek Ranch on Lake Whitney

Whitney TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Whitney. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Lake Whitney Marina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
"Another great year, this was number 5, of using this property for our family holiday gathering. It is simply awesome and pictures and profiles don’t do it justice. The owner is amazing to work with, always prompt, and quick to handle any issue. We will return for year 6 without a doubt."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Cedar Creek Ranch on Lake Whitney
Comfort Suites Waco North - Near University Area

Comfort Suites Waco North - Near University Area

2.5 out of 5
810 I35 N Waco TX
The price is ¥11,002 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
¥11,002
¥13,842 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,733 reviews)
"Slightly older hotel but appeared to be well maintained. Staff were very friendly and professional. Average to above average breakfast, clean and kept full and fresh. Good central location and good parking. Not really set up for trailer parking if they have a full house."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Comfort Suites Waco North - Near University Area
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor

3 out of 5
911 S 10th St Waco TX
The price is ¥12,915 per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
¥12,915
¥15,149 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Unlock your next adventure at this cozy cabin on Lake Whitney.

Unlock your next adventure at this cozy cabin on Lake Whitney.

Whitney TX
Stay at this cabin in Whitney. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Lake Whitney Marina At Juniper Cove and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Eddie was quick to respond to my questions."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Unlock your next adventure at this cozy cabin on Lake Whitney.
Rustic Star Ranch at Lake Whitney | Cove Access, Private Pool, Pet-Friendly

Rustic Star Ranch at Lake Whitney | Cove Access, Private Pool, Pet-Friendly

Whitney TX
Stay at this vacation home in Whitney. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Lake Whitney Marina At Juniper Cove and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Extremely uncomfortable beds, horrific smell in the upstairs bathroom, leak & stained ceiling in downstairs bathroom, ac did not work in one bedroom and limited entry/exit access to another bedroom. I do not recommend ESPECIALLY for the rate I paid!"

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

Rustic Star Ranch at Lake Whitney | Cove Access, Private Pool, Pet-Friendly
Water front Lake Whitney cottage with great views and Water access!

Water front Lake Whitney cottage with great views and Water access!

Whitney TX
Stay at this vacation home in Whitney. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Whitney Marina At Juniper Cove and McCown Valley Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
"Property was clean and comfortable. Check in was super easy. Host clearly communicated all details needed. Lake access was less convenient than I had anticipated. And view hidden unless you are outside. It was beautiful once outside, however. Would stay here again anytime!"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2026

Water front Lake Whitney cottage with great views and Water access!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Whitney attractions

Cities near Whitney