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Lake Athens
Lake Athens is a small, deep lake in the East Texas pines a few miles east of Athens. It covers about 1,800 acres, drops to around 50 feet deep, and stays quiet compared with the big party lakes nearby. Light boat traffic means calm water for surfing, skiing and tubing, and the shoreline is lined with wooded lake homes rather than crowds.
The lake is about an hour and a half southeast of Dallas and about 40 minutes from Tyler. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center sits on the north shore, which makes an easy stop for families before or after a day on the water.
Reserve Your Lake Athens 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 Athens Quick Facts
| Where | Henderson County, about 5 miles east of Athens |
| Nearby towns | Athens, Tyler, Chandler and Gun Barrel City |
| Size | About 1,800 surface acres, up to about 50 feet deep |
| Water | Flat Creek, in the Neches River basin |
| Managed by | Athens Municipal Water Authority |
| Since | 1962 |
| Best for | Quiet-water surf sessions, skiing and family tubing |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Lake Athens has one public launch, so the meet-up spot is easy.
- Lake Athens Marina: the two-lane ramp on the northwest side of the lake is the only public boat launch. The marina has fuel, a store and parking.
- Arrive early on summer weekends: with only one ramp, mornings are the easiest time to launch.
- Supplies: Athens has food, ice and fuel about 10 minutes away.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Enjoy the calm. Boat traffic on Lake Athens is light, so the main lake often stays smooth well into the day. That is great news for surf sets.
Use the deep water. The lake is deep for its size. Keep surf passes and tubing loops out in the open main lake, away from docks.
Idle near homes and coves. Much of the shoreline is lined with private docks. Slow down near them and in narrow coves.
Watch for anglers. Lake Athens is a popular bass lake, so give fishing boats plenty of room.
Rentals That Fit Lake Athens
Lake Athens is made for a relaxed day on smooth water. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people, and a pair of Sea-Doo jet skis is a fun way to explore the coves between surf sets. Add tubes, wakeboards and a floating lily pad, or book a captained charter so nobody has to drive. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for everyone on board.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Keep it low-key. Lake Athens is known as a quiet lake. Keep music reasonable and wakes down near docks.
- Plan around the one ramp. Early starts make launching and parking easy.
- Visit the fisheries center. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on the north shore is a fun stop for kids.
- Pair it with Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek Lake is about half an hour west if your group wants a second lake day.
Rules on the Water
- The Athens Municipal Water Authority asks everyone on board to wear a life jacket while boating on Lake Athens, and its patrol can write tickets.
- 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.
- When you tow a rider, keep someone on board watching them the whole time, and wrap up towing before dark.
- 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
Cedar Creek Lake is about half an hour west, Lake Palestine is about half an hour east, and Lake Tyler is just past Tyler. See every lake we serve on our destinations page.