Call or Text
Lake Worth
Lake Worth is Fort Worth’s own lake: about 3,500 acres of water on the West Fork of the Trinity River, entirely inside the city limits on the northwest side of town. Built in 1914, it is one of the oldest lakes in North Texas, and it is only about 15 minutes from downtown, which makes it the easiest lake day in Fort Worth.
The upper end of the lake borders the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, one of the largest city-owned nature preserves in the country, so the scenery gets wilder the farther north you go.
Reserve Your Lake Worth 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 Worth Quick Facts
| Where | Tarrant County, on the northwest side of Fort Worth |
| Nearby areas | Lake Worth (city), River Oaks, Saginaw, Azle and White Settlement |
| Size | About 3,500 surface acres; most of the lake is shallow, with the deepest water near the dam |
| River | West Fork of the Trinity River |
| Managed by | City of Fort Worth |
| Since | 1914 |
| Best for | Quick lake days close to home, tubing and jet ski rides |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
The City of Fort Worth runs four parks with ramps around the lake. Camping is not allowed.
- Arrow S Park: a two-lane ramp off Loop 820 at Cahoba Drive, with parking for about 50 trailers.
- Casino Beach Park: a one-lane ramp off Highway 199 (Jacksboro Highway).
- Ramp passes: Fort Worth requires a boat ramp pass at Arrow S and Casino Beach. You can buy one on your phone using the QR code posted at the ramp.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Stay in the deeper water. Lake Worth is shallow overall, with an average depth of only about 6 feet. Keep surf passes and tubing in the open water toward the dam, and slow down near shore.
Ease up near the refuge. The north end along the Nature Center is quieter and shallower. Cruise it slowly and enjoy the view.
Watch for anglers and paddlers. Fishing boats and kayaks are common, especially early. Give them plenty of room.
Go early in summer. Mornings are cooler and calmer, and the ramps are less busy.
Rentals That Fit Lake Worth
Lake Worth is the quick, close-to-home option in Fort Worth. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people, and one or two Sea-Doo jet skis are a great way to see the whole lake. 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
- Get your ramp pass first. Scan the QR code at the ramp and buy your pass before you launch.
- Know the shallow spots. Ask us about the best water for surfing when you book.
- Visit the Nature Center. The refuge has miles of trails and its own bison herd.
- Try a weekday. Weekday evenings are quiet and close to home for Fort Worth groups.
Rules on the Water
- City of Fort Worth lake rules apply, and city lake officers patrol the water.
- 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 Fort Worth Lakes
Eagle Mountain Lake is just upstream to the northwest, and Benbrook Lake is on the southwest side of town. See our Fort Worth boat rentals page, or browse every lake on our destinations page.