A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Lake Palestine is a beautiful, natural landmark on the Neches River in Northeast Texas. A freshwater lake set in the heart of East Texas forest trails, Palestine is approximately 120 miles removed from the noise and rush of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. But the lake is no isolated Walden Pond. Palestine is surrounded by a growing population that now exceeds 6,000—a vibrant community of fishers, boaters, and other recreationalists, many of whom own homes right on the lakefront. With many lake homes for sale, this community is ever ready to welcome people who appreciate the lake's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Fishing opportunities are abundant on Lake Palestine. The lake is home to several species of bass, including largemouth, spotted, white, and hybrid striped. Fishers also regularly reel in crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Palestine offers a variety of fishing environments, from the Hydrilla and other vegetation that dominate the north side of the lake to the more open water of the south side. And the lake's community is proud of its excellent fishing. Lake residents are happy to give new neighbors advice on the best fishing spots around the lake. The Lake Palestine Chamber of Commerce holds a regular fishing tournament, giving out a cash prize and free boat launch passes for the biggest catfish, crappie, and black bass caught each quarter.

Despite its reputation as a fishing lake, Lake Palestine is also a great destination for boat enthusiasts. With 25,560 acres of surface water, there is plenty of open space for everything from pedal boats to larger recreational boats. While the lake's north side is shallow and covered with lake vegetation and timber, the majority of the water is perfect for using personal watercraft like jet skis and WaveRunners, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Palestine's several bays and coves provide protection from the wind, and boats can access the lake through five public boat launches or more than a dozen private marinas and ramps.

Lake residents do more than fish and boat at Palestine. Two different golf courses border to western edge of the lake: Eagle's Bluff, which looks out over Fish Bay, and Emerald Bay, which rests on the north shore of Saline Bay. Both are fully equipped 18-hole courses that challenge all levels of ability. Both are part of residential communities and owned by community members. For more information on joining one of these lovely communities, go to GolfHomes.com. The lake's 35 miles of shoreline and surrounding area also prove ample opportunities for bird watching, camping, hunting, and swimming. And after watching a beautiful sunset over the water, lake home owners can head to Tyler, Texas, about 15 miles to the northeast, for its restaurants, bars, and churches.

Far away from Texas's crowded urban centers, Lake Palestine is a picturesque setting and a great place for fishing and water sports. Those looking to take advantage of one of the many lake properties for sale on Palestine’s shore can look forward to a welcome from a friendly community of neighbors who appreciate the lake's natural and recreational features.

Gorgeous 25,600 Acre Lake used for recreation, water conservation and wildlife preservation. Lake Palestine is on the Neches River four miles east of Frankston, in northeastern Anderson, southeastern Henderson, southwestern Smith, and northwestern Cherokee counties. The dam is owned and operated by the Upper Neches River Authority for industrial, municipal, and recreational purposes. Construction of the original dam was started in 1960 and was completed on June 13, 1962. Lake Palestine is formed by an earthfill dam some 5,720 feet long and is used for water conservation, recreation, and wildlife preservation. The crest of the spillway is 345 feet above mean sea level, and the surface area is 25,560 acres.

This long, narrow scenic lake is 26,0000 acres, located in the piney woods of East Texas, and is flanked by native pines and hardwoods. Shoreline development for homes and businesses is extensive. The water is fairly clear and somewhat fertile, with a maximum depth of 58 feet.

Current lake level: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/tx/nwis/dv?format=gif&period=31&site_no=08031400