Boat Launches At Lake Lewisville: Open For Business?

Lake Lewisville in Texas is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts, offering a range of boat ramps and marinas to access the lake. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates several parks in the area, including Lake Park, which provides various amenities such as campgrounds, beaches, docks, boat ramps, and picnic facilities. The lake is also home to private marinas, such as Safe Harbor Pier 121, which offers boat rentals and a vibrant waterfront bar and grill. With a variety of options available, visitors can choose between private and public boat launch points, accommodating different boat types and providing ample parking. However, it is important to note that some boat ramps may be subject to closure during periods of flooding or low lake levels, and users are advised to check for zebra mussels and abide by regulations to prevent their spread.

Boat ramp fees and passes

The Army Corps of Engineers operates the major parks on Lake Lewisville or has leased parks out to the surrounding communities. An entrance/boat ramp fee is charged at USACE parks and most other parks. The fees vary depending on the park and the type of vehicle. Here are the details for some of the parks:

Lewisville City Park (B7)

This park offers a privately operated fishing barge. It is located in Lewisville, and you can get there by taking North Mill Street to Lake Park Road and turning east to reach the park. It offers eleven boat lanes with a maximum parking capacity of 108. The boat ramp fees and passes for this park are as follows:

• Operated by the City of Lewisville: (972) 219-3550
• Fishing barge operated by a private concession: (972) 436-9341

Copperas Branch Park (B5)

Copperas Branch Park is located on the west access road of I-35, just north of Lewisville in Highland Village. It offers four concrete boat lanes with parking for up to 50 vehicles. The fees and passes for this park are:

Operated by the City of Highland Village: (972) 317-7430

Sycamore Bend Park (B2)

To get to Sycamore Bend Park, take the Hickory Creek exit from Lewisville on I-35E. Go north on South Denton Drive to Turbeville Drive, then take Turbeville west, and finally turn south on Sycamore Creek into the park. This park has a two-lane concrete ramp with parking for 26 vehicles. The fees and passes are as follows:

Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers: (469) 645-9100

Hidden Cove Park (C4)

Hidden Cove Park is located off Texas Highway 423, about 2 miles north of The Colony. Turn west at the sign to reach the park. It offers a three-lane concrete ramp with parking for 50 vehicles. The fees and passes are:

Operated by the City of The Colony: (972) 294-1443

Please note that the above information may be subject to change, and it is always a good idea to contact the respective operators for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, remember to follow the boater advisory regarding zebra mussels when visiting Lake Lewisville.

Zebra mussel invasion

Zebra mussels, an invasive species, have been documented in Lewisville Lake. This is concerning as they are known to have severe economic and environmental impacts. Zebra mussels are originally from the Balkans, Poland, and the former Soviet Union, and they arrived in the Americas in the 1980s via ballast water on ships. They were first discovered in Lake St. Clair, Michigan, in 1988 and have since spread to 29 states and over 600 lakes or reservoirs in the United States.

Zebra mussels are small, growing to only about 1.5 inches, and they develop a distinctive zebra-striped shell. Despite their small size, they can cause significant damage. They are filter feeders, which means they compete with baitfish such as shad for food. This can have a ripple effect on game fish such as bass, striped bass, and catfish that prey on baitfish. Additionally, zebra mussels colonize on the shells of native mussels, essentially suffocating them.

Zebra mussels can also harm boats and motors left in infested waters by encrusting boat hulls and clogging water-cooling systems. They can make water recreation hazardous due to their razor-sharp edges and by completely covering anything left underwater. Furthermore, they can disrupt water supplies by colonizing inside pipelines and restricting water flow, damaging water intake structures, and increasing water costs.

To prevent the spread of zebra mussels, it is crucial to clean, drain, and dry boats, trailers, and gear before travelling to another water body. Draining water is required by law, and the possession and transport of zebra mussels are illegal in Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has implemented regulations and public awareness campaigns to educate boaters about the risks of transporting zebra mussels and the importance of proper cleaning and drying procedures.

Lake Lewisville boat ramp locations

Lake Lewisville, Texas, is home to several boat ramps, providing access to the lake for boaters and anglers. The Army Corps of Engineers operates some of the parks with boat ramps, while others are leased to surrounding communities. An entrance/boat ramp fee is charged at USACE parks and most other parks. Here is a list of boat ramp locations around Lake Lewisville:

I-35 and Arrowhead Leg 1

This boat ramp is located in the Town of Hickory Creek, Texas. It serves as an access point to Lake Lewisville for boaters in the area.

Copperas Branch Park Ramp

Address: 100 Copperas Branch Road, Highland Village, TX

Copperas Branch Park Ramp is located on the west access road of I-35, just north of Lewisville in Highland Village. It features four concrete boat lanes and parking for up to 50 vehicles.

Hidden Cove Park Ramp

Address: 20400 Hackberry Creek Park Rd., 600 Sandy Beach Road, Lewisville, TX 75057

Hidden Cove Park Ramp is located off Texas Highway 423, about 2 miles north of The Colony. Turn west at the sign to access the ramp. This location features a three-lane concrete ramp and parking for 50 vehicles.

Little Elm Park Ramp

Address: 704 W. Eldorado Parkway, Hickory Creek, Texas

Little Elm Park Ramp is situated in Hickory Creek, Texas, and provides access to Lake Lewisville for boaters launching from the west side of the lake.

Pilot Knoll Park Ramp

Address: 218A Orchid Hill Rd., Highland Village, TX 75077

Pilot Knoll Park Ramp is another boat launch facility in Highland Village. It is located on Orchid Hill Road and offers convenient access to the lake for boaters in the area.

Stewart Creek Park Ramp

Address: Texas Highway 423, The Colony, Texas

To access Stewart Creek Park Ramp, take North Colony Boulevard to Sparks Road. This boat ramp features a four-lane concrete ramp and parking for 50 vehicles. It is operated by the City of The Colony.

Sycamore Bend Park Ramp

Address: The end of Sycamore Bend Road, Town of Hickory Creek, Texas

Sycamore Bend Park Ramp is located at the end of Sycamore Bend Road in the Town of Hickory Creek. This boat ramp is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and features a two-lane concrete ramp with parking for 26 vehicles.

Willow Grove Park Ramp

Address: Lake Dallas, TX 75065

Willow Grove Park Ramp is situated in Lake Dallas, Texas, providing a convenient access point to Lake Lewisville for boaters in the area.

Boating equipment and rentals

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Lewisville, and there are many boat ramps providing access to the lake. An entrance/boat ramp fee is charged at USACE parks and most other parks.

If you don't own a boat, there are several options for renting one. Local businesses such as Aloha Hydro Sports offer rentals of new-model boats, party boats, and personal watercraft. Located at Pier 121 Marina on Lewisville Lake, another company rents out ski boats, waverunners, pontoons, and charter boats. They also offer romantic sunset dinners, family fun with swimming, and holiday brunch celebrations.

Online platforms such as Getmyboat provide a wide range of boat rental options, including powerboats, yachts, pontoons, and fishing boats. These rentals cater to different group sizes, from intimate gatherings to large parties.

When renting a boat, it is important to prioritise safety. Ensure that the boat has the necessary safety equipment, including life vests, fire extinguishers, horns, and throw-able life preservers. It is illegal to operate a boat on Lake Lewisville without these items. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the lake by obtaining a map or directions, as it spans over 29,000 acres with over 233 miles of shoreline.

By following safety precautions and choosing a reputable rental company, renting a boat on Lake Lewisville can be a fun and enjoyable experience.

Lake Park rules and regulations

Lake Park is a large park located on Lake Lewisville's shoreline, just east of Mill Street and approximately three-quarters of a mile east of I-35. The park is open all year round, from 7 am to 9 pm during the summer months and 5 pm in the winter. It is operated by the City of Lewisville on property leased from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, Lake Park has several rules and regulations that must be followed. These include:

• No alcohol is permitted in the park.
• No glass containers are allowed in the park.
• No loud or excessive noise is permitted.
• Zebra mussels have invaded the reservoir, so it is important to clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before travelling to another water body. Draining water is required by law, and the possession and transport of zebra mussels are illegal.
• During busy times, staff will conduct cooler checks before entry to the park. If visitors are found with alcohol or glass products, they will have the opportunity to discard them or not enter the park.
• Violators of the park rules will be immediately removed without a refund.

The park offers a range of facilities, including playgrounds, restrooms, an 18-hole golf course, athletic facilities such as soccer and baseball fields, campgrounds, beaches, docks, boat ramps, and picnic areas.

Frequently asked questions