Monday, March 20, brought upon us the first official day of spring and we begin compulsively checking the weather for sunny weekends. We also begin planning vacation hangouts and outdoor activities with friends and family; however, we usually overlook places close to home, including the intimate, countryside spots at Lake Bryan.
Camping
The vast and natural Lake Bryan provides visitors 125 acres of campground for the perfect getaway. With amenities like RV sites (reservation only), picnic tables, fire pits, public restrooms and water sites, campers can enjoy conveniences of home within nature.
Camping passes range from $5 to $20, with electric and water RV spots at $35 a night and stays can be booked online. More information about camping safety, reservations and rule and regulations is available on the Lake Bryan website.
Fishing and Boating
If you’re looking to fish but don’t have the time or desire to drive too far, Lake Bryan has you covered. With 829 acres of surface area and maximum depth of 45 feet, the four most frequently caught species are the largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. The bass and crappie are the simplest to catch during early spring. More information about fishing regulations, tips and tactics is available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, along with angling instructions for the novice fishermen.
The Lake also allows all types of water vessels and provides banksides and boat launches. However, ski and boat rentals are not available at the time.
Lakeside Icehouse
Open only on weekends, the Lakeside Icehouse provides perfect nighttime recreation after a day of fishing or camping. The Icehouse has just released new lineups for the 2017 spring season, including The Texas Twisters, who will be performing March 24 at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased and more information can be found on the Lake Bryan website and by following the Icehouse’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visitors can also book private events with live music, catering and a patio overlooking the lake.
Spring break may have passed but the spirit of the outdoors has not, and Lake Bryan provides the perfect intimate nature experience. So turn off the TV, get off the web, and surf the local waters instead.