Cedar Creek Reservoir at a Glance
About Cedar Creek Reservoir
Cedar Creek Reservoir sits at the eastern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, making it the most accessible major lake for the enormous DFW population. Built on Cedar Creek — a tributary of the Trinity River — the reservoir was completed in 1965 primarily as a water supply source for the Tarrant Regional Water District. Today it serves dual roles: a critical water supply and one of North Texas's most popular recreational lakes.
At 32,623 surface acres with 320 miles of shoreline, Cedar Creek is large enough to feel genuinely open while still being manageable to explore. The communities surrounding it — Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Tool, and Kemp — have matured into full-service lake towns with grocery stores, marinas, waterfront restaurants, and complete residential infrastructure. This is a lake with real community roots, not just a summer playground.
Cedar Creek's wide, navigable main lake channels make it ideal for wakeboarding, waterskiing, pontoon cruising, and sailing. The shoreline features a mix of wooded coves, residential subdivisions, and open pastoral terrain as you move from the more developed southern shore near Gun Barrel City toward the quieter upper arms in Kaufman County.
Why Buy on Cedar Creek Reservoir?
- 60 miles from Dallas — under 90 minutes for most DFW residents, making it the most practical major lake for the 7+ million people in the Metroplex
- Established lake communities — Gun Barrel City, Mabank, and surrounding towns have full grocery, medical, schools, and restaurants right on the lake
- Fourth-largest lake in Texas — 32,623 acres of open water with excellent conditions for boating, skiing, and water sports
- 320 miles of shoreline — abundant waterfront options across a wide price spectrum, from affordable lots to luxury estates
- Strong DFW demand — proximity to the Metroplex drives consistent buyer demand and long-term appreciation potential
- Bass, crappie, and catfish fishing — Cedar Creek consistently produces quality fish and hosts numerous tournaments each year
The Real Estate Market
Cedar Creek's market ranges from entry-level waterfront lots starting around $50,000–$80,000 in less-developed Kaufman County sections to premium main-lake estates with private docks and pools reaching $1.5 million and above on the Gun Barrel City and Mabank shores. Mid-range lake homes with solid docks typically run $200,000–$500,000. The most valuable properties are on the main lake body with southern exposure, deep water, and covered boat docks.
Fishing & Recreation
Cedar Creek offers excellent year-round fishing. Largemouth bass fishing is a highlight — the lake produces consistent catches and hosts numerous weekend tournaments. White bass and hybrid striped bass are both present and create exciting spring runs. Crappie fishing around submerged brush piles is popular in spring and fall. The lake also holds substantial populations of channel and blue catfish. Three Wildlife Management Area islands in the lake protect migratory bird habitat and add wildlife-viewing appeal.
Getting There
From Dallas, take I-20 East to US-175, then south toward Mabank and Gun Barrel City — approximately 70–80 minutes. From Fort Worth, take I-20 East all the way — about 90–100 minutes. From Tyler, take US-175 West to the lake — about 45 minutes. The nearest commercial airports are Dallas Love Field (DAL) and DFW International, both roughly 80–90 miles from the lake.
Cedar Creek Reservoir Properties For Sale
Active listings from licensed East Texas brokers. View all Cedar Creek Reservoir listings →
Featured$1.5M
Lake Lot$80K
Lake Home$299,000Communities & Nearby Towns
Gun Barrel City, TX
The largest community on Cedar Creek and the undisputed hub of lake life on the south shore. Gun Barrel City has multiple grocery stores, marinas, waterfront restaurants, hardware stores, and a thriving year-round residential community spread across the southern shoreline.
Mabank, TX
The Kaufman County community on the northwest shore has developed a more upscale residential character with newer construction and established neighborhoods. Mabank ISD serves the area and the town offers solid basic retail and services.
Athens, TX
The Henderson County seat, about 15 miles south of the lake. Athens (pop. ~12,000) is the closest full-service city with a hospital (UT Health East Texas — Athens), Walmart, Home Depot, and all major retail. Athens is also home to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center — a world-class aquarium and hatchery attraction.
Tool, TX / Kemp, TX
Smaller communities on the southwest and southeast shores offering more affordable waterfront options and a quieter residential character than Gun Barrel City.
Buyer's Guide
- Cedar Creek is managed by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). All dock and pier permits must be obtained from the TRWD — verify permit status on all existing over-water structures before closing.
- Property taxes in Henderson and Kaufman counties can be significant, particularly in incorporated communities like Gun Barrel City. Get a full annual tax estimate (including any MUD taxes) before committing to a purchase.
- Cedar Creek's broad open channels create significant wave action when south winds pick up. Covered boat slips and coves with natural wind protection are worth a meaningful premium over exposed main-lake frontage.
- Many Cedar Creek communities have HOAs with rules about short-term rentals, dock styles, and exterior aesthetics. Review CC&Rs carefully before purchasing, especially if you plan to use the property as a rental.
- The lake is very popular on summer weekends — boat traffic from the DFW metro can be heavy on the main lake. Interior coves offer more peace and quiet for those seeking a calmer experience.
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