Twain Harte Lake

What a unique find! We were looking for a vacation within a few hours of home and stumbled upon TH. Looking at the rentals we noticed some had access to this private lake, which sounded great, so we decided to check it out and found it was totally worth it.At first the long list of rules and the $8 fee per person may be a bit off putting, but once you get there you'll understand the benefits that come from them. The beach is incredibly clean and large enough to accommodate quite a few families and there is ample parking. There are large trees shading benches along a well kept concrete path, all perfect for resting your belongings on less busy days. The trees also cast shade a good distance onto the beach, so you have some options for shade. I would still say a good umbrella is recommended, as the shade could fill up. The water feels cool when you get in but once you're under it's really nice. The water and lake are also very clean, with a nice sandy bottom. If you go out a little further you may encounter some algae as it gets deeper, but all in all it's a fantastic lake to swim in. There are water slides, sunning platforms in the middle if you swim out that far, great space for paddle boards and kayaks, and even a diving board in the deepest part and granite beach next to it. After 6pm it's free to enter and you can fish along the dam too. They said it's stocked with trout but we didn't find any. We did catch some bluegill though!

You have to have a membership to enter but this is the little piece of paradise we've dreamed of. Bring your own rafts and chairs. Just spent two days for my hubbys birthday. It was hot out and the lake was perfect.

Twain Harte was on the calendar but so were spiking air temperatures so it didn't come as a total surprise when my car's temperature gauge recorded 112 degree heat as I neared the town. Thank God though, for Twain Harte Lake. I don't want to pretend that Twain Harte Lake is accessible for all of those hoping to chill out during a heat wave. It's a private lake, accessible only to those whose house has "lake rights" for which they've paid a precious price. If you're renting a house in Twain Harte though, those lake rights might also extend to you. If it's summer, I sure hope your house rental includes this perk. As it currently stands, advance reservations are needed even with lake privileges. Parking and check-in are painless and once past that check-in you'll find a clean, refreshing lake with several docks to swim to, some with slides, some with diving boards. For those who don't want to sit on the sand, a walkway across the dam takes you to the big rock that abuts one side of the lake (you can also swim there). Just like the sandy area, lifeguards are present, watching over everything. For a place that's already limited in access, Twain Harte Lake does have a lot of additional rules which might make the place cleaner and more organized but definitely lessen your autonomy. Outside food and drink are prohibited as are tents or pop-ups for sheltering from the sun; beach umbrellas are allowed and one can purchase food and drink on-site from the snack bar. Rafts, inner tubes, and fishing are allowed and additional water toys (e.g. paddle boards) are available for rent. The wait list to gain access to Twain Harte Lake can be interminable (15 years in some cases) but I can say definitively that if I were purchasing or renting a place in Twain Harte, lake access would be among my requirements. Yes, it's exclusive and not absolutely required (Pinecrest Lake is open to all and less than 20 miles away) but when it's 112 degrees out and you're already in Twain Harte, the closest lake will likely be the most attractive. Twain Harte Lake is a pleasant experience for those with access.

The beaches are overrun with easy ups and it's really an eyesore in such a beautiful place. The beaches seem overcrowded making the lake hard to get to. I have been going there for years and it has really become a place I would sooner avoid.

Secret spot located at the other side of the dam, quiet and secluded from the crowds, has trees for shade.Jumping boards next to rock is super fun, lifeguard nearby. Can also swim to the floating deck with friends to chillout.Lap swimming roped off area parallel to dam for those who want to concentrate on exercising.Snack bar sells food and snacks, prices are reasonable. A wooden deck with tables and chairs under a great big tree for natural shade to eat comfortably.Water temperature is warm during July, similar to Hawaii's beaches; very comfortable to float, relax, and cool down on a hot day.

We have come camping here every summer, multiple times. I reccomend booking 6months in advanced if you can. Things fill up VERY QUICKLY. The grounds are organized by a,b,c,d loops for easy locating. Only Verizon works up here so plan around no cell service otherwise. The grounds are clean and bathrooms get stocked up. Bring flashlights because only the bathrooms near the lake have lights. There are no RV hookups, this is tent camping. There are cabins for rent if you choose. During the day the lake area is nice for kids. Sandy Beach but can be cold water until auGust. Expect water to be too cold in may/June. This is melted snow water There is a trail that goes all around the lake for hiking. If you an advanced hiker, I suggest cleos bath. You can rent at the lake kayaks, motor boats under 5 ppl. You will need a party boat for large groups and you will not get it on the weekend unless you reserved ahead of time. I highly suggest swimming on the other side of the lake, water is clearer and cleaner. There is bathrooms as well. You will need a boat to get to the other side. Rent a motor boat it is worth it.Side note, most camping spots will only fit 1 truck, maybe 2 cars very tightly and crooked. They won't let u park on the dirt. You will need to go to over flow. A loop is closest to the lake but d loop is my favorite. They even have outdoor movies for kids. Quiet time is usually at 10pm This is NOT a party spot. Tip: if you can't get into pinecrest campgrounds you can go to the camp grounds next door which is first come first serve. And they are not as strict as pinecrest. Quiet time past 10 is more relaxed. Tip: showers near the convenient store are closed due to covid. Also, bring cash they have a the best soft serve ice cream. And the burger truck has the best food ever!

I've only been in this lake once. And once was enough. The water had debris floating in it. Water was filthy. I'll not want any of my friends or family to use the lake with the low quality of water in it.

Twain Harte lake is so much fun. Little kids swim and slide in the safe zone. Bigger kids kayak, paddle board around the lake. And adults have a peaceful relaxing experience doing all that too. There is a snack shake with food for lunch.

Relaxing sunset walk! Need resident access to enjoy. We were staying at a bnb nearby.

This lake of for Members only. You'll have to live in the community and have a membership to get in.