Bois d’Arc Lake — Texas’s Newest Major Reservoir
Bois d’Arc Lake is a 16,641-acre reservoir in Fannin County, Texas, built by the North Texas Municipal Water District to help supply water to the growing Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. As the largest reservoir built in Texas in decades, it has quickly attracted anglers, paddlers, and outdoor visitors from across North Texas and beyond.
The lake sits within a short drive of downtown Bonham, making it one of the most accessible major bodies of water in the region for visitors staying nearby. Four Winds does not operate lake activities or access points — this guide covers what the lake offers and how to use Bonham as your base.
Fishing
What Anglers Can Expect at Bois d’Arc Lake
The lake supports healthy populations of the fish species most sought after in North Texas freshwater fishing. As a newer reservoir, fish populations have had time to establish without the heavy pressure common on older, more-known lakes in the region.
Water & Land Activities
What to Do at Bois d’Arc Lake
Fishing
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Bring your own gear or rent locally. Verify access points and launch facilities before arrival.
Kayaking & Paddling
Open water and shoreline areas suitable for kayaks and canoes. Good for exploring the lake’s quieter coves and wetland edges.
Boating & Water Sports
Open water for motorized craft, boating, and water sports including jet-skiing. Verify current launch ramp access and boating rules with NTMWD.
Birdwatching
Wetland margins and shoreline areas attract migratory and resident bird species. Fall and spring migration periods are particularly active.
Wildlife Viewing
The lake’s wetlands and adjacent natural areas support deer, waterfowl, and other wildlife typical of North Texas reservoir landscapes.
Scenic Trails
Trails wind through the lake’s wetlands and natural areas. Conditions and access vary — check current trail availability through official sources.
Picnic Areas
Picnic and day-use areas available near the lake. Good for families and groups who want a lakeside stop without a full-day water commitment.
Camping
Campgrounds suitable for families or groups. Confirm current campground status, reservations, and facilities with NTMWD before planning an overnight.
Best Time to Visit
Seasonal Guide
Ideal for boating, water sports, and open-water fishing. Warmest temperatures make for full-day water activity. Book Bonham Texas lodging early for summer weekends.
Scenic trails and active wildlife watching as temperatures drop. Bass fishing can be productive through the fall. Birdwatching improves during migration season.
Practical Tips
Before You Go
- Check Texas Parks & Wildlife for current fishing regulations and licensing requirements before your trip
- Verify access points, boat launch ramps, and parking areas through the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) before arrival — facilities are still developing on this newer reservoir
- Summer is ideal for boating and water sports; fall offers the best conditions for scenic trails and wildlife watching
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water — North Texas summer temperatures are intense on open water
- Pack picnic gear and a camera to capture the lake’s wetland scenery and wildlife
- If bringing a dog, book a pet-friendly cottage at Four Winds — pets are welcome at two designated spaces
Pet-Friendly Lodging Near Bois d’Arc Lake
Bring Your Dog on the Lake Trip
If you’re bringing a dog on your outdoor trip, Four Winds has two designated pet-friendly cottages — the best Bois d’Arc Lake lodging option for guests traveling with pets. Both cottages are detached private spaces with a porch, back-lot parking, and full privacy from other guests.
- Pets welcome ($40/pet)
- Private porch
- Dedicated back-lot parking
- Queen bed · private bath
- Wi-Fi · Smart TV
- Pets welcome ($40/pet)
- Extra living & dining area
- Dedicated back-lot parking
- Queen bed · private bath
- Wi-Fi · Smart TV
Bois d’Arc Lake Lodging — A Real Base, Not a Chain Room
Four Winds is a historic, owner-occupied private residence at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr in Bonham, Texas — a short drive from Bois d’Arc Lake. Five private guest spaces, two of which are pet-friendly cottages with a porch and private parking. More space than a standard room, no cleaning fee, self check-in, and included parking for boats and trailers. The right Bonham Texas lodging for a fishing weekend, a family lake trip, or an outdoor getaway from the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Check Availability for Your StayFAQ
Bois d’Arc Lake — Common Questions
Bois d’Arc Lake covers 16,641 acres in Fannin County, Texas. It is Texas’s newest major reservoir, built by the North Texas Municipal Water District to support water supply for the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
The lake supports largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Check current Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations for size limits, bag limits, and any special rules before fishing.
Four Winds is at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr in downtown Bonham — a short drive from Bois d’Arc Lake in Fannin County. Bonham is the closest town of any size to the lake, making it the most practical Bois d’Arc Lake lodging base for visitors.
Yes. Four Winds has two designated pet-friendly cottages: Burke Trammel Cottage and Judge Roy Bean Cottage. Both have private porches and back-lot parking. Pet fee is $40 per pet, max 2 pets, no size limits. Add pets during booking. Pets are not permitted in the three main-house suites.
Yes. Trailers and RVs are welcome in the back lot. Parking is included with every guest space — one dedicated spot per unit, with overflow available. Towing is at the owner’s discretion. If you’re bringing an oversized rig, mention it when you reserve.
No cleaning fee. No security deposit. No extra guest fee. The pet fee ($40 per pet) applies only in the two designated pet-friendly cottages. Parking is always included. Taxes are calculated at checkout.