There are so many beautiful lakes in Texas, but if you're looking to spend a day on the water sans crowds, I can't recommend Lake Palestine enough. It isn't far from Tyler, so you'll always be near gas stations, shops, restaurants, and anything else you may need - but it still offers plenty of seclusion for those times when some peace and quiet is just what the doctor ordered. This pristine oasis is the perfect destination for a summer day trip - especially if you love fishing, boating, and breathtaking sunsets.

Lake Palestine is just a stone's throw away from Tyler, but you'd never know it while you're there.

The pristine, nearly 26,000-acre reservoir on the Neches River is surrounded by tiny towns such as Noonday, Chandler, Coffee City, and Berryville, and it's an ideal destination for spending a quiet summer day on the water.

Anglers flock to Lake Palestine to take advantage of its consistent and plentiful Largemouth Bass population. You can also catch Spotted Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and White and Hybrid Striped Bass.

Hikers and bikers also love it here, as the lake is surrounded by a densely forested landscape with numerous trails.

Five public boat launches offer direct lake access, and there are also more than a dozen private marinas (some of which are part of overnight lodging facilities such as motels and RV campgrounds).

Although the lake is rather large, you don't need to spend an entire weekend here to experience it to the fullest.

Spend a few hours boating, waterskiing, canoeing, and/or fishing, then head home with a full heart and peaceful mind. All I ask is that you stay to watch the sunset before departing - this is a view you don't want to miss.

If you have some extra time to spare, drop by the Lake Palestine Resort in Frankston for some great food and live music.

Although it does offer accommodations such as cabins and RV spots, the resort also has a waterfront restaurant that is open to day visitors.

The grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring American classics such as fried seafood plates, omelets, biscuits and gravy, burgers, and more.

Head over to the Lake Palestine website to learn more about the lake and all that it has to offer. You can also visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for more information about fishing on Lake Palestine.

Have you ever visited Lake Palestine? Do you think it's one of the best lakes in Texas for a summer day trip? We'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

Don't forget to check out our previous article to learn about the largest rose garden in the U.S. in nearby Tyler. It would make the perfect addition to your day!