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Lake Tyler
Lake Tyler is really two lakes: Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East, side by side in the pine forest southeast of Tyler. Together they hold close to 5,000 acres of water, with wooded coves, lake homes and a popular party cove on summer weekends. It is the go-to lake for Tyler, Whitehouse and the rest of Smith County.
The lakes are about 15 minutes from Tyler and just over two hours east of Dallas, so they work for a day trip from the Metroplex or a weekend in East Texas.
Reserve Your Lake Tyler Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Lake Tyler Quick Facts
| Where | Smith County, southeast of Tyler near Whitehouse |
| Nearby towns | Tyler, Whitehouse, Troup and Arp |
| Size | Two side-by-side lakes, Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East, totaling close to 5,000 surface acres |
| Managed by | City of Tyler (Tyler Water Utilities) |
| Ramps | Three free city ramps, plus the launch at Lake Tyler Marina, which charges a small fee |
| Best for | Piney Woods lake days, tubing and jet ski rides |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
The City of Tyler runs the public ramps and parks around both lakes.
- Lake Tyler Marina: near the dam on the west lake, with a launch, parking and supplies. It charges a small launch fee.
- City ramps: the city keeps three free public ramps around the two lakes, including the Old Omen Road ramp.
- After heavy rain: the city sometimes closes every public ramp until the water drops and floating debris is cleared, so check before you drive out.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Know the no-ski zones. The City of Tyler marks several areas on both lakes as no-ski zones. Keep surfing, skiing and tubing to the open water.
Find a quiet cove. Wooded coves block the wind and make a good spot to anchor, swim and float.
Surf in the morning. The water is usually smoothest early, before weekend traffic builds.
Take it slow near docks. Homes and docks line much of the shoreline. Drop to idle near them.
Rentals That Fit Lake Tyler
Lake Tyler is made for a laid-back group day. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people for surfing, tubing and cruising the coves, and a couple of Sea-Doo jet skis add some speed. Pack the day with tubes, boards and a floating lily pad, or book a captained charter for a birthday or reunion. Everything is ready at the lake, and life jackets are available for everyone.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Check for ramp closures. After big East Texas storms, the city may close the public ramps for a few days.
- Go early on holidays. Summer holiday weekends are the busiest days on the lake.
- Respect the lake homes. Keep wakes and music down near docks and in narrow coves.
- Make a weekend of it. Tyler has plenty of places to eat and stay, and Lake Palestine is about half an hour away.
Rules on the Water
- City of Tyler lake rules apply on both lakes, including the posted no-ski and no-wake zones.
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise. Everyone riding wears a life jacket, and the driver keeps the safety lanyard clipped on.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Life jackets are available for everyone on board, and kids should wear one any time the boat is moving.
- Drain all water from the boat, the ballast and your gear before you leave the lake. It is Texas law, and it helps stop the spread of zebra mussels.
More East Texas Lakes
Lake Palestine is a short drive west of Tyler, and Cedar Creek Lake sits on the way back toward Dallas. To the north, Lake Fork and Lake O’ the Pines are big East Texas favorites. See every lake we serve on our destinations page.