Greater Conroe's newest natural resource is also its biggest and most popular source of recreation. Lake Conroe, with its twenty-two thousand acres of fresh water and its 150 miles of shoreline surrounded by the majestic Sam Houston National Forest, is an inviting destination to the leisure traveler as well as to the corporate and convention meeting planner.

Boating, skiing, sailing and fishing are all popular water sports to be enjoyed on the lake, where mild weather abounds almost year-round. Fishermen of all abilities, including a bevy of professional guides, find a variety of prey in the lake - Texas and Florida bass, walleye, striped bass, catfish, bream, hybrid perch, and crappie. Anglers with boats may use two public launches on the north end or enter the water at one of the lake's eight public marinas. In addition to food, gas and fishing supplies, several marinas also have guide services. Pleasure boaters will enjoy the south end of the lake, where jet skiing and sailing are popular. Public campgrounds offer RV and tent camping, while cabin camping is limited to the several membership campgrounds located on the lake.

The lake's resort areas - including April Sound, Del Lago Golf Resort, Bentwater and Walden - provide many other outdoor activities. Golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools are even more enjoyable in the beautiful lakeside settings.

The jewel of the lake, the Southern Empress, is an authentic 250-passenger stern wheel paddle boat. Visitors and groups can enjoy an entertaining luncheon cruise, or an evening dinner and dance cruise Tuesday through Sunday aboard the Empress.

For lake lovers without boats, Lake Conroe Park features a beach area, picnic tables, barbecue pits, a fishing pier, volleyball and horseshoe areas, concessions and a pavilion. The public may enjoy swimming and picnicking here for a small admission fee.

Though the lake has evolved into a major recreation area, it originally was planned to satisfy the need for water. Managed and owned by the San Jacinto River Authority, the lake provides drinking water for the cities of Houston and Conroe. Today, it remains an invaluable source of not only water, but recreation for visitors and residents.

**information gathered from Lake Conroe Visitors Bureau**

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