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Texas
82

Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Prairies & Lakes Region
Lake Waco
Lake Waco © HuecoBear / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
View of Lake Waco, from Ridgewood Country Club, 2010
Mockingbird © stateparks.com
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LAKE WACO
LAKE WACO
3801 Zoo Park Drive,
Waco, Texas
(lat:31.5526 lon:-97.2248) map location

Phone: 254 756-5359
Lake Waco is a reservoir located within the city limits of Waco, Texas. It was originally created by damming the Bosque River to provide water for municipal needs, flood control, and recreation. The lake has a surface area of approximately 7,270 acres with about 60 miles of shoreline offering ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.

The construction on Lake Waco began in 1929 but it wasn't until May 1965 that an expanded conservation pool was completed after raising its original dam height due to increased demand from population growth. This expansion significantly enlarged the size of the lake making it what we see today.

As one main feature among many others around this body of water stands out: "Wetlands" - which were constructed as part enhancement project aimed at improving wildlife habitat while also providing additional recreational benefits such educational trails bird watching areas etc., thereby enriching overall experience visitors enjoy when they come visit this Texan gem!
History of the Area
Constructed in 1929 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the reservoir was initially created for water supply and flood control purposes. Prior to its establishment as a recreational area, much of the land surrounding it consisted of private farms and undeveloped terrain.

Ownership transitioned from local entities to federal management under the Corps when dam construction began in order to meet regional needs for water storage infrastructure. The resulting body of water expanded significantly with an enlargement project completed in 1965 that increased both capacity and surface area.

Historical features within what is now known as Waco Lake include remnants from early homesteads such as foundations or farming implements discovered during periods when drought leads to lower water levels revealing parts usually submerged. Additionally, several parks around its perimeter offer access points into Texas's natural history through trails showcasing native flora and fauna.

Recent land use has focused on recreation; facilities have been developed including campgrounds, boat ramps, fishing piers, hiking trails along with picnic areas designed for public enjoyment while maintaining environmental conservation efforts throughout these transformations.


Location
Lake Waco is located near Hewitt, Waco and Woodway


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Area Campgrounds
Camp Fimfo Waco
1000 Chickadee Lane
Waco, TX
254-651-3697
Quail Crossing RV Park
824 Spanish Trail
Waco, TX

Directions
From IH 35, west on Texas 6. Exit either end of Twin Bridges. From IH 35 , West on Loop 340 and turn right on Steinbeck Bend Road, Turn right on Skeet Eason Road Office to left and Airport Park is on left.

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Texas
82

Texas State Parks

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