Possum Kingdom Lake is snuggled into the foothills of the Palo Pinto Mountains about 100 miles west of Ft. Worth, Texas. The Brazos River feeds this reservoir that covers about 16,716 acres with 310 miles of shoreline in the counties of Palo Pinto, Stephens, and Young.
Known as “P.K.” by locals and weekenders, Possum Kingdom Lake’s notable terrain features remarkable cliffs and rolling hills. Hell’s Gate is the landmark that defines this lake. It has a maximum depth of 100 feet. The Brazos River Authority manages Possum Kingdom Lake. Breckenridge, Graham, and Mineral Wells, Texas are the closest towns.
History
Mineral Wells, Texas, was world famous for its healing spring waters bubbling up from the ground or dribbling down rocks in the early 1900s. Movie stars, wealthy elites, and tourists flocked to these springs to restore their health and stayed at the now infamous Baker Hotel which is reported to be haunted.
The prevailing story of how Possum Kingdom Lake came to be named revolves around a peddler who came to Mineral Wells in 1906 named Ike Sablosky to regain his health. Ike entered the fur and hide business so lucrative in the Palo Pinto Mountains. Their geography makes up the perfect habitat for possums.
He called his fur suppliers the boys from Possum Kingdom, and Possum Kingdom became the name for the whole area. Named for Senator John Morris Sheppard, the Morris Sheppard Dam impounds the Possum Kingdom Lake for flood-control, industrial, irrigation, mining, municipal, power-generation, and recreational purposes. Construction of the dam began in 1938 at a cost of $8,500,000 and was completed in 1941.
Fishing
Load up your fishing gear because Possum Kingdom Lake offers you an angler’s paradise. The lake snakes through the Palo Pinto foothills with streams and tributaries that spider web around it.
Trophy-sized striped and Florida-strain largemouth bass are present. Besides striped and largemouth bass, the other predominant species are white bass, blue, channel, and flathead catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Fishermen will find submerged vegetation throughout the lake in late summer and fall with scenic views everywhere.
Load up your boat and head out to Possum Kingdom Lake or find a local and experienced fishing guide. The guides know every nook and cranny in Possum Kingdom Lake and where your catch of the day can be found. Find a fishing guide and book your next fishing adventure on our PK Fishing Guides page.
Boating
Come play on Possum Kingdom Lake with your friends and family and bring your boat. Devil’s Island and Hell’s Gate, Possum Kingdom longtime landmarks, are at the confluence of the Brazos River and Jowell Creek. The annual Fourth of July Fireworks show blasts off on Devil’’s Island.
Possum Kingdom Lake stretches from northeast to southwest with five major islands. Devil’s Island is the most popular party cove for boaters. The hundreds of inlets, coves, and bays offer outstanding canoeing and kayaking trips. With a maximum depth of about 100 feet, Possum Kingdom Lake can support large yachts and sailboats.
Cliff diving, scuba diving, skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, wet biking enthusiasts flock to Possum Kingdom Lake to play in its deep clear water with plenty of open water space. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series often holds its event at Possum Kingdom Lake, and the only way to attend is by boat or personal watercraft.
Hell’s Gate, adjacent to Devil’s Island, is not recommended for kayaks, canoes, or personal watercraft because of the high activity of motor boats in the area. The lower end of Possum Kingdom Lake winds back east along the Brazos River where boaters can find Devil’s Island and Hell’s Gate. There are several businesses ready to rent visitors a boat, canoe, kayak, and more.
You will find plenty of boat dealers, individual sellers, and service centers at Possum Kingdom Lake. If you’re looking to buy or sell a boat, check out our PK Boats for Sale page.
Marinas
There are seven marinas and several public boat ramps calling Possum Kingdom Lake their home. Several RV parks have boat ramps and marina services. Most of the marinas have gas docks, and Possum Kingdom State Park has a store at its marina.
Some marinas have 50 foot boat slips and dock services. Plan a day at the beach because the marinas have swim beaches and picnic tables along with rental services and RV sites. The beautiful views alone can be taken in on any part of Possum Kingdom Lake. It is a snaky winding lake and you can discover a marina that suits your needs perfectly. Explore your options on our PK Marinas page.
Vacation Homes and Rental Cabins
Take your family to or plan a weekend party with your friends on this beautiful clear lake with amazing sunrises and sunsets. Stay in cozy cabins or a spacious rental vacation home with all the amenities.
There are rental homes and cabins galore dotted all along Possum Kingdom Lake. Since it is a desirable vacation playground, be sure to check availability and book in advance. Many of the rentals have private docks, or find a home with a pool on the waterfront. Whatever you want for the perfect getaway, you are sure to find it on Possum Kingdom Lake. Explore vacation rentals on our PK Cabins page.
Camping
Possum Kingdom Lake offers some of the best camping in Texas. The landscape of gentle sloping hills combined with magnificent cliffs and rocky terrain will take your breath away.
Camp among the ash, juniper, mesquite, oak, live oak, and redbud trees or under the stars at hundreds of tent and RV sites salt and peppered along the waters weaving through the beautiful scenery at Possum Kingdom Lake.
There are so many camping and RV sites that you will find an ideal place to unload your camping gear and forget your daily grind. The Possum Kingdom State Park offers a place to picnic, hike, bike, study nature, and geocache. The many other parks have a variety of features with something for everyone. Other parks are privately owned with great reviews.
Be sure to call ahead while planning your trip to Possum Kingdom Lake because campgrounds here fill up fast during peak visiting times. If you walk around enough, you can find secret swimming spots. Possum Kingdom campgrounds are clean and well maintained.
Find your perfect campground on our PK Campgrounds and RV Parks page.
Hiking
While hiking along the many trails at Possum Kingdom Lake, watch out for white-tailed deer because the area creates their perfect habitat. At times, you can see herds of the Possum Kingdom longhorn cattle when they are not pastured at another state facility.
Ride your horse, bike, or hike along the many labyrinthine trails at Possum Kingdom Lake because it is a simply magnificent adventure full of nature. The hiking trails require skill because of the rugged terrain with steep inclines and uneven surfaces. Pack out your trash. The Brazos River authority maintains this pristine landscape with a passion.
Wildlife includes over 280 bird species, so bring your binoculars and cameras. The 16-mile Hike and Bike Trails is located off LaVilla Road, Park Road 36, and Burma Road has 12 trail heads and restrooms. Other trails are a little over one mile or less. Possum Kingdom State Park includes the Possum Kingdom Lakeview Loop, the Longhorn Loop, and the Chaparral Ridge Trail Loop from 1.5 to 0.7 miles long. Dogs must be leashed.
The Ranch in Graford, Texas, at Possum Kingdom Lake features 1,100 acres with equestrian and foot trails. Camp Grady Spruce owned by the YMCA offers several riding programs from three days to a few hours grouped for different ages and skill levels. The Wildcatter Ranch’s cowboys can take you through 25 miles of riding trails or enjoy a private ride.
Things to Do
Even in the secluded region of Possum Kingdom Lake far from the big city lights, there are numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines ringed around it and in the three towns nearby. Grab a cold one or a refreshing drink at one of the bars featuring sports themes or a grill.
On Possum Kingdom Lake, some restaurants and bars are a short drive away from the marinas and campsites, and others are in secluded spots. From the health spas, the Fossil Park, and the haunted Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells to golfing to Graham’s Drive-In Theater, you can take a break from the water and explore the Palo Pinto Mountain region.
The Lush Resort has a waterfront bar and grill, offers massages, three swimming pools, a hot tub, and a propane grill for their guests. Visit the shooting range, throw at tomahawk, take a Jeep tour, or unwind at an infinity pool at the Wildcatter Ranch. The Cliffs Resort boasts the toughest golf course in north Texas.
Housing
Located in the top ten ranked lake property real estate market in Texas, the average list price for a home on Possum Kingdom Lake is $628,000. At any given time, there are approximately 160 homes and 200 lots for sale on the water. Gated communities, resorts, and country clubs have residential zones with condominiums and lodging.
Off the waterfront, homebuyers can find homes under $100,000 or less or lots with acreage. The closest shopping area with a Walmart is in Graham, Texas, about 27 miles north of Possum Kingdom Lake. Other nearby towns are Breckenridge, Caddo, Graford, Palo Pinto, and South Bend.
A list of Possum Kingdom Lake communities includes: Gaines Bend, Hill’s Above PK, Hog Bend, Northend, Penisula, Sportsman’s World, The Cliff’s Resort, The Harbor, The Ranch, and West Side and Caddo.
Find your perfect lake property on our PK Homes for Sale page.
Zip Codes
Palo Pinto County
Gordon: 76453, Graford: 76449, Mineral Wells: 76067, 76068, Mingus: 76463, Palo Pinto: 76484, Santo: 76472, Strawn: 76475.
Stephens County
Breckenridge: 76424, Caddo: 76429.
Young County
Graham: 76450, Loving: 76460, Newcastle: 76372, Olney: 76374, South Bend: 76481.
Weather
Possum Kingdom Lake sees an average of 38 inches of rain, 238 sunny days, and one inch of snow per year. The January low is 31 degrees, the July high is 96 degrees, and April and May are the most pleasant months of the year. Stay up to date on our PK Weather page.