Things to do at Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake offers a plethora of opportunities for unwinding, adventure, and unforgettable memories. From historical sites and museums to successful fishing days on the boat, to experiencing the most gorgeous scenic hiking trails and restaurants where you can eat scrumptious catfish, there’s no shortage of things to do at Possum Kingdom Lake.
Possum Kingdom Lake Activities
Possum Kingdom Lake is a nearly 20,000-acre haven for exploring Texas canyon country by land and fishing some of the finest bass spots in Texas by water. Visitors and locals can witness and feel the beauty of the reservoir by wandering 16 miles of lakeside trails or drifting their boat past the archaic and stunning cliffside of Hell’s Gate – everyone is welcome.
The Cliffs Resort
Just two miles south of The Cliffs Marina is The Cliffs Resort, an elevated Possum Kingdom Lake experience (literally, as it sits 200 feet above Possum Kingdom Lake) which offers an 18-hole championship golf course, three swimming pools, and a canyon-lined panorama that’s one of the best views in Texas.
Start a classic Possum Kingdom Lake weekend by fitting in 18 holes on the resort’s expansive, challenging golf course or relax with a massage and a facial at the spa. Visit the resort’s Chaparral Grille & Spurs Bar for a scrumptious breakfast, an elegant dinner, or a cool cocktail. Complete a fulfilling weekend at The Cliffs Resort by heading out on Possum Kingdom Lake for a glorious day of sunshine, boating, and fishing.
The Cliffs Resort
Fishing Possum Kingdom Lake
Freshwater fishing – Bass, catfish, and more bass
Possum Kingdom Lake has nearly 19,000 acres of clear, deep water for anglers to conquer. Anglers find a teeming population of largemouth at 10 to 25-foot depths and the lake holds many areas with natural and artificially placed structure. Possum Kingdom Lake is home to an eclectic ecosystem of species, but is especially known for its year-round access to good bass fishing.
Bass species include largemouth, smallmouth, striped, white, and spotted bass. The lake also holds crappie, and channel, blue, and flathead catfish. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has stocked Possum Kingdom Lake with hundreds of thousands of Florida strain largemouth bass over the years, as well as striped bass fingerlings, which give the lake a dynamic layer of trophy bass potential.
Learn more about fishing on Possum Kingdom Lake here.
Boat Rentals at Possum Kingdom Lake
An essential item to a perfect Possum Kingdom Lake day is booking a dependable boat rental. The Cliffs Marina is equipped to make this part of your trip the easiest. Rent one of The Cliffs Marina’s 24-foot Berkshire pontoon boats so you are prepared for wherever your adventure takes you on the lake.
Personal watercraft and water toy rental
Possum Kingdom Lake isn’t just a recreational destination for the trolling motor and the anchored bass boat: it’s a sun-sparkled carpet of glittering blue ready to host those with the need for speed.
The Cliffs Marina offers exciting personal watercraft to rent, along with a variety of water toys. For questions regarding boat rentals, watercraft rentals, and water toy rentals at The Cliffs Marina on Possum Kingdom Lake, reach out to our friendly and available staff today at 940-779-2308.
The Cliffs Marina
Camping at Possum Kingdom Lake
Campground and Facilities
Immersing yourself in nature has never been easier thanks to the numerous campgrounds the lake has to offer. Think of The Cliffs Marina as your fishing headquarters, and reserve a campground spot in one of the nearby campsites.
Brazos River Authority public-use campsites include areas such as Scenic Cove, Downtown Park, and River Park. These areas are the closest public campsites to The Cliffs Marina. All three campgrounds are open year-round, have no fee, and offer access to restrooms. The lake is also home to a wide selection of cozy private campgrounds and RV parks.
Possum Kingdom Lake State Park is also host to more than 100 bookable campgrounds, from modernly situated campsites with electricity to primitive walk-in sites. Visit the State Park campsites page to see a full list of amenities for each site.
Hiking and Bike Trails
Anyone interested in getting their heart pumping along with catching a great view has plenty of options on Possum Kingdom Lake.
Beginning right at Scenic Cove is the central trailhead for the extensive hiking and bike trail system on the lake. Make the climb to the South View overlook or Ike’s Haunt to experience sprawling panoramas of Possum Kingdom Lake. While ascending, hikers see a diversity of Texas wildlife along the trails, with more than 280 bird species, white-tailed deer, and the elusive bobcat.
Check out The Brazos River Authority Hike & Bike Trail System map to find the perfect trail for your trip.
Cultural and historical attractions at Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake’s regional culture and history are just as rich as the nature that it abides within. Enrich your local knowledge by visiting some of the Graford area’s most notable sites.
Possum Kingdom Lake State Park
Possum Kingdom Lake State Park is a treasure trove of outdoor activities. The park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, swimming, and snorkeling. If you’re looking to commemorate your time on the lake, the park store even sells souvenirs and t-shirts.
Mineral Wells Fossil Park
Go back in time at the Mineral Wells Fossil Park. Erosion has shed light on fossils of ancient sea species such as crinoids, echinoids, and other historic sea life from the Pennsylvania Period. Visit the park to discover, dig up, and take home these fossils yourself! Admission is free.
The National Vietnam War Museum
Honor and learn about the over half a million United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who served in the Vietnam War by visiting the national museum in Weatherford. The National Vietnam War Museum aims to promote an understanding of war while respecting history.
The National Vietnam War Museum includes a Vietnam-era Huey mounted almost 20 feet in the air and the only replica of the Camp Holloway Memorial Wall that was located on the post in Pleiku, South Vietnam.
Sightseeing
Hell’s Gate
Possum Kingdom Lake’s most visually prominent feature, without a doubt, is Hell’s Gate. Hell’s Gate is a natural structure consisting of two giant limestone cliffs forming a narrow strait between the Possum Kingdom Lake mainland and Devil’s Island. The cliffs stand at 90-feet tall and are surrounded by water 26-feet deep. Because the landmark is such a spectacle, it’s often the location for fishing, partying, and the famous Fourth of July Fireworks display.
In 2017, energy drink company Red Bull received special permission to host cliff-diving competitions at Hell’s Gate, though usually it’s illegal.
Devil’s Island
Devil’s Island is part of the Hell’s Gate landmark. The island is just over 1000-feet long and 500-feet wide and is a frequented spot for fishing and parties. The easiest way to visit Devil’s Island is by water. Rent a pontoon boat at The Cliffs Marina to make it a seamless experience. Remember, Devil’s Island does not have any beaches and is extremely rocky along the water.
Possum Kingdom Stone Arch Bridge
Built in 1942, the Possum Kingdom Stone Arch Bridge is the longest masonry arch bridge in Texas (433 feet). The bridge is constructed from locally quarried limestone and utilized over 300 local laborers across two years of construction. Floods and time have tried to knock this bridge down, but it still remains a specimen of the finest pieces of Works Progress Administration road work in Texas.
Photo credit: Library of Congress
No matter what your goal is during your trip to Possum Kingdom Lake, you can depend on The Cliffs Marina as your headquarters. Our informative and approachable staff is here to support you. Whatever questions you may have about your time at Possum Kingdom Lake, our knowledgeable staff is ready to help at .