The Outdoors in Garland, Texas
Garland runs right up to the western shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, so the water is the town's biggest outdoor feature — 22,000 acres of it for boating, fishing, and skiing. Backed by a solid city park system, it gives an older, built-up suburb real room to get outside.
Here's where to get outside in and around Garland.
Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Ray Hubbard covers 22,000 acres just east of Garland, and it's the town's outdoor centerpiece — a big reservoir for waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, and just relaxing by the water. Shoreline parks provide boat ramps and lake access.
A standout is the Bass Pro Shops on the lake's banks, where anglers can pull their boats right up to the dock to grab gear. Between the open water and the lakefront amenities, Garland is set up for a full day on the lake.
City Parks and Trails
Away from the lake, Garland keeps a system of city parks with playgrounds, ballfields, picnic areas, and trails spread across the community, plus natural areas along its creeks for walking and wildlife watching.
For an established suburb, the parks give residents green space throughout town, and the trails link neighborhoods to recreation areas for everyday walks and rides.
Water and Recreation
Garland covers the summer-cooldown side too, with a Hawaiian-themed water park featuring a big wave pool, a lazy river, and tall slides that draws crowds in the heat.
Between Lake Ray Hubbard, the city parks, and the water park, Garland has a well-rounded outdoor and recreation scene, anchored by one of the metro's big lakes right at its edge.
City & County Parks
Municipal and county parks, greenspaces, and recreation areas in and around Garland.
- Garland City Square
- Douglas Park
- Bradfield Park
- Garland Central Park
- Rick Oden Park
- Cullam Park
- Quail Creek Parkway
- Garland Christian Stadium
- Embree Park
- Tuckerville Park
- James Park
- Lakes of Springfield Park
- Lon Wynne Park
- Peavy Park
- Kingsley Park
- Tinsley Park
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Lakes Near Garland
Lakes and reservoirs within about 30 miles of Garland, by approximate straight-line distance. Access, boating rules and camping vary by lake, so check with the operator before you go.
- Lake Ray Hubbard · ~6 mi
- White Rock Lake · ~7 mi
- Lavon Lake · ~17 mi
- Mountain Creek Lake · ~23 mi
- Lewisville Lake · ~27 mi
- Grapevine Lake · ~29 mi
State Parks & Natural Areas Near Garland
Public lands within reach of Garland — state parks, natural areas, and historic sites managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife — with approximate straight-line distance from town.
- Cedar Hill State Park · Dallas County ~28 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Greenbelt Unit State Park · Denton County ~36 mi
- Lake Tawakoni State Park · Hunt County ~37 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Elm Fork Unit State Park · Denton County ~38 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Isle du Bois Unit State Park · Denton County ~38 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Jordon Unit State Park · Denton County ~40 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Trail Corridor Unit State Park · Denton County ~40 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Buck Creek Unit State Park · Grayson County ~41 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Pond Creek Unit State Park · Denton County ~43 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Sanger Unit State Park · Denton County ~43 mi
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from Garland. Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
FAQ: Outdoors in Garland
Yes. Garland runs up to the western shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, a 22,000-acre reservoir for boating, fishing, waterskiing, and swimming, with a Bass Pro Shops on its banks where anglers can dock their boats.
Garland's main outdoor draw is Lake Ray Hubbard for boating, fishing, and skiing, backed by a system of city parks and trails and a Hawaiian-themed water park for the summer.
Yes. Lake Ray Hubbard, on Garland's eastern edge, is popular for fishing, and the Bass Pro Shops on its shore lets anglers dock their boats and pick up gear right at the lake.
East Texas guides — an easy drive from Garland
Weekend trips, lakes, festivals and small-town food east of the metroplex.
Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →Best Hiking Trails in East Texas
East Texas hiking trails checked against park and Forest Service sources: Tyler, Daingerfield, Mission Tejas and Martin Creek Lake state parks, the Four C Trail and the Sawmill Trail.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →Fishing in East Texas: Complete Guide
A sourced guide to fishing Lake Fork, Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek and Lake Athens: bass slot limits, where TPWD says the fish are, and Texas license rules.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
Want Your Business Featured in Garland?
People are searching for businesses like yours in Garland. Get listed in our city guide and local directory so they can find you.