Palestine has a reputation for being a fishing lake, but local say it's a great lake for all types of boating. On my first trip out there in the summer of 1999, I saw WAY more water-skiers and jetskiers than fishing boats. First impressions were that Palestine is larger and much less stumpy than I've heard (I put in on the east side and rode across most of the south three-quarters of the lake...and water was going over the spillway). There are also quite a few nice and large bays for protection from the wind. However, much of the far north end above the Villages Marina is shallow with a fair amount of timber.

The pushpin at the bottom of the MS Streets map above is the place this site's webmaster calls home. The other pushpin slightly above and next to the 1261 marker is the Villages Marina described below.

The simple route and best roads to Lake Palestine are through on I-20 to Hwy 69 through Tyler and south on Hwy 155 to the lake. However, I prefer a shorter and more direct route by taking Hwy 64 (about exit 523) from just before Canton (or south through Canton to 64) out to FM2661 (about 33 miles) and then go south along the east side of the lake. When taking Hwy 64, note that FM279 to Edom has 2 different intersections with 64 (the first is near Ben Wheeler and the second is just past Redland). Hwy 2661 is almost immediately past the second intersection. If you reach the Tyler airport, you've gone a couple miles too far.

Seems a popular area with the locals and timeshares.…..though there is a long no wake zone out to open water. The marina is the pushpin at the end of FM1261 on the MS Streets map above. FM 1261 is about 9 miles south of Hwy 64 and about 5 miles north of Hwy 155. There's a blinking yellow overhead light and a large sign on the west side of the road that says Marina (arrow) 1 mile. FM1261 is also labeled Big Eddy Road. The sign also refers to the Villages Resort main office entrance (NOT the marina), so be sure to make the turn onto 1261.

This public ramp is off CR 189W, which is the first road (southeast) past the light at 155 (going south) and 344. It is not off 344 as stated in the directions at the link below. It is not well marked and is in a fair state of disrepair but it is usable even with the water down several feet.

Easy to find and use, but not a lot of parking. Launch fee was $2.00 in 06/99 and it's about 2 or 3 miles southeast on 344 from 155. As the instructions say, it's the first bridge and arm of the lake south of 155, not where the G marker is on the state map. 903-561-1413

I've never stayed there, but it was online….and is on the west side of the lake. They have a small place that serves breakfast and lunch with a big seafood restaurant across the bay for dinner. (903) 876-2253

An ad on a lake fishing map says tents are allowed….and it is on the east side of the lake near the Saline Bay ramp. Phone 800-638-3546 or 903-825-3546 for more information.

The Villages Marina may be able to share information on timeshare condos and cabins that are available on Lake Palestine from the company that manages the Villages Resorts. 903-561-1413

Cade's Cove

This is across on the est side of the lake up across from the Villages. (903) 849-6308

This is across on the east side of the lake up across from the Villages and below Cade's 903-849-6356