Weekend Living Near Edna: Parks, Boat Ramps, and Trails

Ready to spend a weekend outdoors without driving far from home? If you live in or around Edna, Lake Texana is your go-to spot for boating, hiking, paddling, and simple park time. You want clear options, easy access, and a plan you can trust. This guide gives you the best parks, ramps, and trails near Edna, plus fees and safety tips so you can relax and enjoy your weekend. Let’s dive in.

Lake Texana at a glance

Lake Texana sits about 6 to 8 miles east of Edna and is the area’s main water playground for boating and fishing. It is a reservoir on the Navidad River and covers roughly 9,700 to 11,000 acres depending on season and source. Get a quick overview of the lake’s location and size in the Lake Texana summary from Wikipedia. (see Lake Texana overview)

Most recreation sites and public boat ramps are managed by the Lavaca‑Navidad River Authority, so their updates are your source for ramp status and closures. (check LNRA boat ramp info)

Choose your park base

Brackenridge Recreation Complex

Brackenridge Park and Campground offers full-hookup RV sites, cabins, picnic and day-use areas, a marina building, and a lighted one-lane boat ramp. The shoreline hike and bike trail runs about 5 miles and includes benches and wildlife viewing spots. You can also find equestrian facilities and seasonal events at the Main Event Center. (explore activities at Brackenridge)

Texana Park & Campground

Texana Park sits just south of Edna off SH‑111 and has 141 campsites with full and partial hookups. The day-use cove features a playground and pavilion, and there is a lighted two-lane boat ramp in the day-use area. A day-use vehicle fee of $5 is currently listed for Texana’s day-use area. (see Texana day-use info) (view camping rates and details)

City parks in Edna

If you want a quick picnic or playground break in town, Edna and Jackson County list several parks such as Shelby Park, Children’s Park, Bennett Park, and Devers Park. These are great for short visits before or after your lake time. (see local park listings)

Boat ramps and launching

LNRA lists 10 public ramps around Lake Texana, including sites near major highways and inside Brackenridge and Texana. Many ramps are free year-round. Ramps inside a day-use area may require an entrance fee. LNRA posts temporary closures for maintenance or low water, so always check before you go. (confirm ramp locations and status)

For safety, expect changing lake levels and watch for posted notices. Park materials also note American alligators in and around the lake, so keep your distance, supervise children near shorelines, and never feed wildlife. (review lake activity guidance)

Trails and non-motor fun

Hike and bike options

Brackenridge’s main trail stretches about 5 miles along the shoreline and through the woods. Texana Park offers seven shorter trails totaling about 6 miles, which makes it easy to pick a route that fits your time and energy. (browse hike and bike trails)

Paddling and kayaks

You can launch kayaks or canoes from day-use coves or public ramps. The Brackenridge site lists kayak rentals as an activity, so call ahead to confirm current availability and hours. Always wear a life jacket and plan for wind and boat traffic on open lake arms. (see lake activities)

Equestrian access

Brackenridge includes an equestrian trail and facilities that support horse-friendly activities and seasonal events. If you ride, check the park’s calendar and conditions before you head out. (learn more about park activities)

Fishing the weekend

Lake Texana supports largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, white crappie, and channel and blue catfish. It is an actively managed fishery, so you can expect regular stocking and habitat work. Be sure to carry a valid Texas fishing license and follow size and bag limits. (review the TPWD lake survey and species)

Aquatic invasive plants like giant salvinia and hydrilla have been recorded in the lake and are actively managed. Follow the Texas “clean, drain, dry” guidance to protect the lake and your gear. (see a TPWD reminder on clean, drain, dry)

What it costs

• Day-use: Texana Park’s day-use area currently lists a $5 vehicle fee. Annual passes are available that waive daily entrance fees at Brackenridge and Texana. (see day-use and pass details)
• Camping: Recent example rates start around $40 to $45 per night for partial or full hookups, with weekly and monthly discounts. Check current pricing and availability before you book. (view current camping rates)
• Boat ramps: Many ramps are free to use, although ramps inside a day-use area may require the day-use fee. (confirm ramp fees and status)

Weekend planning checklist

• Reserve your campsite early, especially for weekends and holidays.
• Check LNRA for ramp status and lake conditions before you tow the boat.
• Pack life jackets for every passenger, a throw cushion, and a working engine cutoff switch.
• Follow “clean, drain, dry” steps after boating or fishing to prevent invasive spread.
• Expect wildlife near shorelines and never feed or approach alligators.
• Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
• Spring and fall are popular for hiking and fishing. Summer is great for boating, but plan around heat and higher lake use.

Thinking about calling Edna home?

Living near Lake Texana puts weekend fun at your fingertips, from sunrise paddles to sunset campfires. If you want a home with easy access to parks, ramps, and trails, we can help you find the right fit. Reach out to The Orr Group for local guidance on homes in and around Edna.

FAQs

How far is Lake Texana from downtown Edna?

• The lake is about 6 to 8 miles east of Edna depending on which access point you choose.

Which boat ramps around Lake Texana are open right now?

• LNRA updates ramp openings and closures online, so check their page before you tow.

Do Brackenridge or Texana charge a day-use fee?

• Texana lists a $5 vehicle fee for the day-use area, and LNRA offers an annual pass that can waive daily entrance fees at both parks.

What fish can I catch in Lake Texana?

• Common species include largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, white crappie, and channel and blue catfish.

Are there alligators at Lake Texana?

• Yes, alligators are present, so keep a safe distance, supervise children near water, and never feed wildlife.

Are kayak rentals available at the lake?

• The Brackenridge site lists kayak rentals as an activity, but you should call ahead to confirm current availability and hours.