» Things to Do at PK Lake
Explore 19,000 Acres of Texas Paradise
There’s no shortage of ways to spend your time at Possum Kingdom Lake. With 19,000 acres of water, miles of scenic shoreline, and plenty to explore on land, PK offers something for just about every kind of day. Get out on the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, or canoeing, explore the area’s hiking and biking trails, play a round of golf, or grab a bite at a local restaurant. Explore the activities below and start planning what you want to do at PK.
Boating
There are nearly 19,000 acres of clear, deep water to play in and plenty of places to launch and park your boat.
Hiking & Biking
The rolling hills that surround Possum Kingdom Lake are ideal terrain for both casual and serious hikers and bikers.
Golfing
The Cliffs golf course consistently maintains its status as one of the most spectacular courses in the state of Texas.
Swimming
Choose from a wide variety of public use areas. Public lake areas are great for overnight tent camping, swimming, or just come for a day to have a picnic.
Latest News
Frequently Asked Questions
Possum Kingdom Lake is in North Texas, approximately 90 miles northwest of Fort Worth. The lake area stretches across portions of Palo Pinto, Young, and Stephens counties.
The east side is generally accessed from the Mineral Wells direction, while the west side is generally accessed from Graham. Because of the shape and size of the lake, visitors should plan their route before choosing lodging or activities.
PK is known for its clear water, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, quiet coves, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and the iconic Hell’s Gate formation.
Possum Kingdom Lake has approximately 19,800 surface acres of water and approximately 310 miles of shoreline.
The driving time between the main east- and west-side areas is approximately 45 minutes.
Hell’s Gate is one of Possum Kingdom Lake’s most recognizable natural landmarks, located near the south end of the lake.
Popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing, golf, dining, camping, sightseeing, and attending local events.
The Chamber website provides a PK Lake Water Level resource linking visitors to current Texas water-data information.
Visit the Calendar of Events in the News & Events section of the Chamber website.
Pets are allowed in at least some public-use areas, but BRA rules require pets to remain on a leash. Individual lodging properties, restaurants, and private attractions may have their own policies.
Stop by the Possum Kingdom Chamber office at 362 N. FM 2353 or contact the Chamber at 940-779-2424 for information about the area and local businesses.
The Chamber’s current boating page states that no lake boat permit is required. Boaters are still responsible for complying with applicable state boating laws and regulations.
Yes. Public-access ramps are available around Possum Kingdom Lake, including locations on both the east and west sides.
The Chamber’s boating page states that there are no boat ramp fees. Some public-use areas may have seasonal day-use or camping fees, so check the individual area before visiting.
Several BRA public-use areas have boat ramps, and the Chamber’s boating page links to a Texas Parks and Wildlife map of public access ramps.
Some public-access areas provide vehicle and boat-trailer parking. BRA Area #3, for example, specifically includes trailer parking.
Yes. The Chamber lists multiple businesses that rent boats and personal watercraft. Contact rental providers directly for availability, reservations, requirements, and pricing.
All boat rental locations are on the east side of Possum Kingdom Lake.
Yes. Water skiing is one of the activities promoted on the Chamber’s boating page.
Yes. Possum Kingdom Lake is popular for both tubing and wakeboarding.
Yes. Personal watercraft are popular at PK, and local businesses offer personal-watercraft rentals.
Public swimming is available at several BRA areas, including Scenic Cove, North D&D, South D&D, Bug Beach, and Sandy Beach. Conditions and accessibility may vary with lake level.
Yes. BRA Area #1, Scenic Cove, is listed as free and open year-round. It includes a swimming area, boat ramp, picnic facilities, and restrooms.
BRA Area #2, Downtown PK, has camping and restrooms but is specifically listed as having no water access.
Seasonal fees apply. The Chamber currently lists a $3-per-person day-use fee on weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid-September, with children under 13 free.
Yes. BRA Area #4 South, South D&D, is listed as having no required fee and includes a swimming area, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic facilities, and restrooms.
Yes. BRA Area #5, Bug Beach, is listed as a free, year-round public-use area with camping, a boat ramp, swimming, picnic facilities, and restrooms.
Some areas are free while others charge seasonal day-use or camping fees. North D&D and Sandy Beach currently have seasonal fees during peak periods.
Not during peak season. The Chamber states that Sandy Beach is day-use only with no overnight camping from approximately mid-May through mid-September.
North D&D and Sandy Beach are listed with children’s playground areas.
The Chamber’s posted BRA rules list a 10:00 p.m. checkout time for day users.
South D&D includes a fishing pier.
Yes. The Chamber’s fishing page includes a Fishing Guide Services section to help visitors find local guides.
Fishing-license requirements are established by Texas Parks and Wildlife and can depend on where and how you fish. Check current TPWD requirements before fishing.
Popular species include largemouth, smallmouth, striped, white and spotted bass; crappie; bream; and channel, blue and flathead catfish.
The Chamber lists a 16-mile hike-and-bike trail system on the east side near LaVilla Road, Park Road 36, and Burma Road.
The main 16-mile trail system is on the east side near LaVilla Road, Park Road 36, and Burma Road. Several trailheads provide access to the system.
Yes. The Chamber lists a quarter-mile nature trail at Westside Park and a one-mile trail along the Brazos River below the dam.
Yes, but pets must remain on a leash.
No. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the PK Hike & Bike Trail.
Yes. Several trailheads have restrooms.
Young children may find portions of the main trail difficult because of steep inclines and uneven surfaces. Families may prefer one of the shorter trails depending on children’s ages and abilities.
No. The Chamber warns that cell-phone service can be unreliable on the trail.
Yes. There are no water fountains along the trail, and summer temperatures can exceed 100°F. Visitors should bring plenty of water.
The Brazos River below Morris Sheppard Dam is a popular canoeing area. The Chamber highlights an approximately 20-mile scenic stretch between Texas Highway 16 and Highway 4.
The Chamber states that camping is allowed along this river stretch, but there are no public camping facilities, so paddlers must carry their own gear and prepare accordingly.
The highlighted route runs between Texas Highway 16 and Highway 4 in Palo Pinto County.
Yes. The Chamber’s canoeing page directs visitors to Rochelle’s Canoe Rental for canoe rentals.
Yes. The Chamber describes small rapids along portions of the scenic canoe route.
The Chamber notes that fishing for panfish, bass, and catfish along this stretch can range from good to excellent depending on water flow and conditions. Applicable Texas fishing regulations still apply.
The Chamber website includes an Eat & Stay Map in its visitor resources.
Observation Point is above Morris Sheppard Dam and is highlighted by the Chamber as one of the notable scenic viewpoints in the PK area.
Possum Kingdom Lake is a man-made reservoir created by the construction of Morris Sheppard Dam. Construction began in 1938 and was completed in 1941.
Morris Sheppard Dam created Possum Kingdom Lake and was the first dam built by what later became the Brazos River Authority. Construction began in 1938 and was completed in 1941.
Yes. Possum Kingdom Lake is a year-round destination, although individual businesses, attractions, campgrounds, and public-use areas may have seasonal hours or fees. Several BRA public-use areas are specifically listed as open year-round.
Yes. The Chamber highlights The Cliffs golf course, a Par-71 course measuring just under 6,800 yards.
Contact The Cliffs Resort directly. The Chamber currently lists 1-888-843-2543 for additional information and tee times.
One story traces the name back to Ike Sablosky, a peddler who came to Mineral Wells in 1906. While working in the hide and fur business, Sablosky bought possum and other animal hides from cedar choppers and hunters in northwest Palo Pinto County. He began referring to his best suppliers as “the boys from Possum Kingdom.” Over time, the nickname caught on and the surrounding area became known as Possum Kingdom.
It is a longstanding Possum Kingdom Lake Fourth of July tradition featuring fireworks in the Hell’s Gate area. The Chamber currently describes the tradition as more than 40 years old.
Some Chamber events provide dedicated sponsorship links. Because sponsorship availability and packages vary by event, check the current event page or contact the Chamber at 940-779-2424.
Some Chamber events provide vendor sign-up forms through their individual event pages. Availability and requirements vary by event.
The Chamber promotes recurring events including Possum Fest, Mardi Gras PK Style, and the Hell’s Gate Fireworks Show, along with other community events throughout the year.
Possum Fest is an annual Possum Kingdom community event featuring BBQ and chili cook-offs and other activities.
Mardi Gras PK Style is an annual PK celebration that includes a community parade and related festivities.
For events with competitions, such as Possum Fest, the Chamber posts entry forms and event-specific instructions on the event page.
Check the event’s page in the Chamber’s News section. Event pages may include rules, entry forms, vendor applications, schedules, and other documents.
