If you want to get out and about in Allen and are looking for places to fish or kayak, we’ve got you covered with a rundown of some of the best local spots to get out on the water. Whether you’re new to the area, a lifelong resident, or just visiting, the team at Creme de la Creme would like to encourage you to take some time to explore these 11 waterways around Allen, Texas.

Bethany Lakes Park

Image of Bethany Lake Park in Allen, TX.
Image via Flickr by gurdonark Licensed CC BY 2.0

Take your fishing poles and head to Bethany Lakes Park, located at 745 S. Allen Heights Drive in Allen, where you’ll find 8.5 acres of fishing ponds, including a dedicated fishing pier. To access the park, you can walk on the path northeast across Shadow Lakes Boulevard, which will lead you to the 0.5-acre Bethany North pond, or park your car at 1402 Bethany Creek Blvd. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Amenities offered at Bethany Lakes Park include:

  • Fishing pier.
  • Four ponds.
  • 14 picnic sites.
  • Joe Farmer Recreation Center.
  • Playground.
  • Baseball/softball backstop.
  • Clubhouse for indoor rentals.
  • Hike and bike trails.
  • Open-air pavilion.

Towne Lake Park

Head to the 22-acre Towne Lake Park located at 1405 Wilson Creek Parkway in McKinney for catch and release fishing. You can find a quiet spot to relax, see a concert, go on a stroll, or catch fish in the pond. The park also has disc golf and a playground with play structures for the kids. Towne Lake Park offers volleyball courts, horseshoe courts, a baseball field, a pavilion, and a recreation center that hosts various educational and social events for kids and adults. Towne Lake Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Auburn Springs Ponds

Pay a visit to Auburn Springs Ponds, located at 200 Angel Parkway in Allen, for two ponds off the beaten path. Parking is off-road and only accessible by someone with an SUV or truck that can handle rough roads. These ponds are less crowded, so you can fish to your heart’s content in relative privacy. Auburn Springs Ponds are ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing fishing outing. You can enjoy this fishing spot daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bethany Ridge Park

Head to Bethany Ridge Park, at 1218 E. Bethany in Allen, for a 7-acre green space that includes a 1.25-acre lake with a fishing pier. The park also includes a playground and picnic sites, as well as hiking and biking trails. The west end of the park is a site of future enhancements planned by the city of Allen. Bethany Ridge is part of the Traveling Texas theme called Coastal Bend and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Celebration Park

For fishing and fun for the whole family, take a trip to Celebration Park, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 701 Angel Parkway in Allen. This park could well be considered the big kahuna park of the city of Allen. It boasts two 1.5-acre ponds, the colossal kidMania community-built playground with an adjoining sprayground, basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, a pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue grills.

Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt

At Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt, a 77-acre park, you can explore 2 miles of wetlands, ponds, trails, and the fishing pier. You can also enjoy the platforms for viewing wildlife. Cottonwood is located at 4328 Cedar Bluff Lane in Frisco and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Amenities at Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt include:

  • Parking.
  • Pavilion.
  • Stocked pond.
  • Trails.
  • Walking trail.
  • Waterways.

Frisco Commons

Frisco Commons is a 63-acre recreation area located at 8000 McKinney Road. It features a stocked fishing pond, spray park, Hope Park playground, covered picnic tables, a Veterans Memorial, and hiking and biking trails. Visit Frisco Commons from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Harold Bacchus Community Park

Enjoy fishing at the stocked ponds at Harold Bacchus Community Park located at 13995 E. Main St. in Frisco, open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until midnight. This ample 79-acre park has a wealth of amenities, including soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, batting cages, bike trails, playground, covered picnic tables, trails, water, and restrooms.

Warren Sports Complex

Pay a visit to Warren Sports Complex, located at 7599 Eldorado Parkway in Frisco. This sprawling 105-acre complex has fishing with a stocked pond, a nature garden, playground, tennis court, sand volleyball, basketball court, soccer field, softball/baseball fields, and football field. It also offers covered picnic areas, grills, concession facilities, walking, hiking and biking trails, and restrooms.

Hidden Cove Park Marina

Make your way to Hidden Cove Park Marina for everything fun on the water, located at 20400 Hackberry Creek Park Road in Frisco. This over 470-acre park and marina have boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, as well as hiking and camping. There are even paddleboarding and surfing lessons for beginners or if you’re rusty and just want to brush up on your skills. Hidden Cove is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Hidden Cove Park Marina also has a bunkhouse, RV sites, and cabins for rent, so this can be a vacation spot as well, with plenty of places for nature watching and enjoying the water. The Rockin’ S Bar and Grill on-site is a great spot to stop for food or a cool drink on a hot summer’s day. Also on-site is Sam’s Dock for last-minute supplies, ice, snacks, and tackle.

Paddle Point Creek Paddling Trail

For a great day out on the water, make a beeline to Paddle Point Creek, a 6.4-mile trail located at 6775 Miller Road in Rowlett, where you can fish, kayak, and paddleboard while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Lake Ray Hubbard. You can spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and other wildlife along the lake. Check out Paddle Point Creek Paddling Trail daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Do you have another favorite waterway in and around Allen, Texas? If so, contact the team at Creme de la Creme. We’d love to check out your favorite waterway so we can recommend it for our families to enjoy.