Outdoors
Lakes near McAllen
12 named lakes within 30 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Lakes within 30 mi
12
Closest
9.7 mi
Carlson Lake
Within 10 miles
1
Reservoirs
5
Map
Map of 12 places loads as you scroll.
All lakes, nearest first
- 9.7miCarlson Lake
- 11.8miCattail Lakes
- 12.4miPintail Lakes
- 14.1miWalker Lake
- 15.6miLa Joya Lakereservoir
- 18.3miLlano Grande Lake
- 20.4miCampacuas Lake
- 22.7miDelta Lake 2reservoir
- 23miValley Acres Reservoirreservoir
- 24.6miLa Sal del Rey
- 26.4miLa Feria Reservoirreservoir
- 29.8miAdams Winter Garden Reservoirreservoir
Straight-line distance from the center of McAllen; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Many reservoirs are drinking-water supplies with no swimming or body contact. Look for a designated swim beach.
Green, scummy or paint-like water can be a toxic blue-green algae bloom. Keep kids and dogs out and check the county advisory.
Boat launches often need a day pass or inspection for invasive mussels, and anglers 16 and older usually need a state fishing license.
Questions
What is the closest lake to McAllen?
Carlson Lake, about 9.7 miles from the center of McAllen.
How many lakes are near McAllen?
12 named lakes are within 30 miles, 1 of them within 10 miles.
Are the lakes near McAllen natural?
5 of the 12 are reservoirs made by dams; the rest are mapped as natural lakes. Swimming rules differ, so check each one.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.