Possum Kingdom Lake Itinerary
A day on the lake for boaters and nature lovers from Fort Worth to Graford
The nearly 20,000 acres of Possum Kingdom Lake is an unforgettable marvel just two hours west of Fort Worth and Dallas. The Brazos River stems off to create the historic Possum Kingdom reservoir, a haven for anglers, explorers, and daredevils. Graford visitors and locals can spend their days navigating the 16 miles of lakeside trails or by anchoring their boat by the popular and picturesque Hell’s Gate cliffside. Anglers can reel in trophy-sized bass near habitats enhanced by the Brazos River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to provide aquatic vegetation and artificial cover for stocked striped and smallmouth bass.
Possum Kingdom Lake State Park sits on the waterfront offering resourceful campsites and scenic lake views like many other numerous and accessible campgrounds along the water – making Possum Kingdom Lake an ideal destination for any nature enthusiast.
Tee off the day with The Cliffs Resorts’ “toughest course in North Texas”
Photo: Double Diamond Resorts
Breathe in the crisp morning air as you arrive at The Cliffs Resort on the south side of Possum Kingdom Lake. The sun slowly dawns over The Cliffs Championship Course as you start the morning with a classic experience of coffee and buttermilk pancakes at The Chaparral Grille & Spurs Bar. Once energized, it’s time to walk onto the lush green of The Cliffs Championship Course for 18 holes on West Texas terrain, upon a course that Double Diamond Resorts called “…the toughest course in North Texas.” After a full morning and a lost ball or two, it’s time to make your way over to The Cliffs Marina to rent a 24-foot Berkshire pontoon and stock up at the ship store for an afternoon of fishing, nature, and history.
Planning your day? Book a tee time for The Cliffs Championship Course.
Fishing aplenty at Possum Kingdom Lake
Now that The Cliffs Marina has prepared you for the water, the next decision is where to troll, anchor, and fish. Possum Kingdom Lake offers a plethora of windy fingers and cliff-lined coves, but an easy place to start is by one of the Brazos River Authority’s enhanced habitats. These habitats foster quality of life for the fish and create plenty of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts – and there are six mossback kit structures right by the marina.
Pass by Hell’s Gate on the scenic route
The sun is turning golden, you’re fished out, and it’s a perfect time to visit the more scenic parts of Possum Kingdom Lake. Take the boat off cruise, rev the throttle, and follow the wandering river until you meet the gates of hell. This natural Texas landmark attracts tourists, party-goers, and extreme sports enthusiasts who anchor like a small city by its 90-foot cliffside. Pass by it on your way to Possum Kingdom Lake State Park to sightsee the marvel named supposedly for the two thieving fur traders killed by Comanches upon a lake that keeps more secrets than it tells.
Check out Possum Kingdom Lake’s history
Possum Kingdom Lake’s history begins at the Brazos River and a 1936 Brazos River Authority reservoir project. Soon after in 1938, Possum Kingdom Lake became the first water supply reservoir constructed in the Brazos River basin. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department first stocked 265,500 Florida largemouth bass fingerlings in 1973 and has continued to support the fish populations with the stocking of striped bass fry and fingerlings, smallmouth bass fingerlings, and in 2024, the first stocking of Lone Star bass.
Possum Kingdom Lake State Park
Spend the rest of the afternoon taking full advantage of everything Possum Kingdom Lake State Park has to offer. From more than 100 bookable campgrounds with various amenities to hiking, biking, swimming, and snorkeling, the state park is a gem in the Possum Kingdom Lake community. The park store has souvenir items, t-shirts, ice cream, sno-cones, groceries, and camping and fishing supplies in case you need a restock in the middle of your adventure.
Like all great lake days, the sun begins to set, marking the end of the adventure. So once the towels have dried and your stomach starts to rumble, you know it’s time to return the boat and get some dinner. The scenic route back to the marina gives you an unforgettable reminder of the potential Possum Kingdom Lake offers for fishing, fun, and lasting memories.