Whitney

Travel Guide

A sunset over a body of water with a rocky shoreline and a distant landmass.
A sunset over a large body of water with an island in the distance.
A sunset over a calm lake with a rocky shoreline and distant trees.
A wooden pier extending into calm waters with a sunset sky.
A calm river with a small boat in the distance, surrounded by sparse vegetation and a distant shoreline.

This large body of fresh water is a place for year-round outdoor pursuits, wildlife, fossils and gorgeous scenery.

Escape to Lake Whitney, a popular outdoor recreation destination in the heart of Texas. The large body of fresh water is on the Brazos River and encompasses more than 35 square miles (91 square kilometres) of water and 40 square miles (104 square kilometres) of countryside. Hike a nature trail, scuba dive or dig up fossils. 

Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down the Brazos River. Stop for a swim in the clear water and rest on a river bank. Alternatively, cruise the lake on a pontoon or sailboat. The lake also hosts numerous watersports including wakeboarding, kneeboarding and waterskiing. 

Fish for bass, catfish and crappie. Hire a local fishing guide who can tell you the location of the best fishing spots. Venture under the water on a scuba diving trip to see sunken boats.

In more than a dozen parks surrounding the lake you’ll find sandy beaches, picnic areas, boat ramps and restrooms.

Away from the water, Lake Whitney can fill your holiday with many more exciting activities and attractions. Go horseback riding over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of equestrian trails. Hike through the terrain looking for local wildlife. The lake area attracts approximately 300 migratory and non-migratory bird species and mammals, such as wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. Look for swallow nests on the limestone cliffs. Walk along the shoreline searching for fossils. Many ancient remains have been found here over the years. 

If you like delving into the past, visit two nearby historic sites. See footprints left by prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose. Waco Mammoth Site in Waco has a large concentration of mammoth remains.

Located in Hill County, Lake Whitney is 92 miles (148 kilometres) south of Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Many visitors rent a car for the freedom to move around the area.

With warm winters and summers, Lake Whitney is a good holiday spot throughout the year. Stay in a lakeside campground or cabin or a hotel in downtown Whitney.

Comfort Suites Waco North - Near University Area

Comfort Suites Waco North - Near University Area

2.5 out of 5
810 I35 N Waco TX
The price is RM295 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM295
RM370 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,527 reviews)
"Only one elevator working! One ice machine, located on 3rd floor, all the way at very end of the corridor!! Breakfast, at best, passable and discontinued Exactly at 9am, no minute or 2 leeway!! All staff associates, especially room cleaning associates, excellent!! Wouldn’t choose again to stay that ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2026

Comfort Suites Waco North - Near University Area
Aloft by Marriott Waco Downtown

Aloft by Marriott Waco Downtown

3 out of 5
900 S 11th Street Waco TX
The price is RM384 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
RM384
RM450 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (939 reviews)
"I made reservations very far in advance only to find when checking in late in the afternoon that the hotel was full and I was given a handicap room. These rooms are geared for wheelchairs and counters are higher, commode seats are higher, no bedside lighting all lighting overhead and bright!!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2026

Aloft by Marriott Waco Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor

3 out of 5
911 S 10th St Waco TX
The price is RM400 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
RM400
RM470 total
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,691 reviews)
"EXCELLENT service, CLEAN property, family friendly"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1700 South 2nd

1700 South 2nd

4 out of 5
1700 South 2nd Street Waco TX
Stay at this apartment in Waco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a local area shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Magnolia Market at the Silos and Hurd ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (485 reviews)
"What an awesome location and unit provided everything you could possibly need for the stay. Met the owner of the hotel and she introduced herself to us and continually checked in with us to ensure we had a fantastic stay! Definitely will book there again!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

1700 South 2nd
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Whitney attractions