Lake Whitney lies about halfway between Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Waco, Texas, near Hillsboro, Texas. Lake Whitney covers 23,500 acres with a maximum depth of 108 feet and 225 miles of shoreline. The Brazos River feeds Lake Whitney. You know you have entered the Texas Hill Country at Lake Whitney.
There are three marinas located on Lake Whitney, one on the east side, one on the north side, and one on the southern end, plus boat ramps in the different parks around Lake Whitney. Lake Whitney boasts well-maintained parks with nice beaches, and lots of outdoor activities.
Are There Alligators in Lake Whitney, Texas?
Lake Whitney sits on the Brazos River, and there are alligators in the Brazos River. Lake Whitney lies in Hill and Bosque Counties, one of the 125 Texas Counties where alligators have been sighted, but these counties do not have a high population of alligators.
No, not in the last several years. There have been no sightings of alligators at Lake Whitney in recent years. In 2015, The Waco Tribune-Herald reported that Lake Waco and its streams have seen a growing population of alligators. Lake Whitney is about 20 miles upstream as the crow flies from Lake Waco and does provide an alligator habitat.
Are There Alligators in the Brazos River?
Alligators can thrive in the Brazos River ecosystem and are active, so be aware of these creatures when navigating the Brazos River and its tributaries. The abundant rains in the spring, along with long growing seasons, provide alligator habitat conditions and can promote the expanding half-million alligator population in Texas.
Yes, there are alligators in the Brazos River. When swimming in or navigating the Brazos River, and especially on the lower (southern) Brazos River, people need to have an awareness of alligator habitat and habits. Alligators mate in May, and this is when alligator sightings are most common. Flooding can cause alligators to migrate upstream.
Alligators are the largest reptiles in North America and can grow to over ten feet as adults. Alligators are a protected game animal in the state of Texas and no longer an endangered species. The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) issues permits to hunt, raise, or possess an alligator.
Alligators have a natural fear of humans and stay away from crowded areas like parks and beaches. Only nuisance gators tend to go around people and follow boats. Nuisance gators are gators that someone has been feeding. They have lost their fear of humans.
Can You Swim at Lake Whitney?
Lake Whitney’s limestone lakebed keeps its waters clean and clear and perfect for a splash on a hot day. There are lots of parks, boat ramps with picnic areas, RV and tent camping, and some great swim beaches.
Yes, you can swim at Lake Whitney. It is open year round. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, manages Lake Whitney, and many of its parks dotted around the lake. There are several parks on the Brazos River, just north of Lake Whitney. It is a beautiful lake with an abundance of wildlife.
Cove and inlets are not in the hundreds at Lake Bob Sandlin, but there are enough of them where boaters can find secluded coves and private swimming areas. The Lake Whitney State Park has a wonderful place to swim along with many other amenities. There are also Cedar Creek Park, Cedron Creek Park, Loafer’s Bend Park, McCown Valley Park, Riverside Park, and Steele Creek Park. You are sure to find a place to swim and an exceptional view at Lake Whitney.