Longview Lake 2012 Review
Our closest lake and one we visit often is Longview. With it being only a 17 minute drive, it's hard to stay away, even with its diminutive size. Location and the friendly marina staff are the best reasons to return for there is a lot not to like about the 930 acre lake. Ever since the drought of 2011, the Corp of Engineers has left the water level about 5 feet below normal while all our other lakes returned to their previous pool. I'd estimate this diminishes the surface area even further to around 860 acres. When asked why all our lakes except this one is at normal levels you get a lot of lame excuses including lack of water coming into the lake which is fed by Mouse Creek (which is still flowing...). The water level issue has forced the closure of one of the two boat ramp locations which causes heavy backups during peak days. You won't find many sailboats on this lake. The primary users are fishermen, jetskis and mindless power boaters who have no understanding of seamanship.
Even with all the negatives associated with this lake, it could be a decent day destination with proper management. The Jackson County's website describes their services as follows:
Conveniences include boat rentals (as weather permits), lakeside gasoline pumps and overnight slip rental, Longview Lake Marina also provides the following services:
Fair warning should you decide to visit a Jackson County park though:
Fees are high. A day use pass will run you $20.00 (I'm not sure there is $20.00 worth of water in the entire lake). You can get a yearly permit but those are also ridiculously expensive for a lake this size. Compare this to the $3.00 usage fee charged at all the other state Corp operated lakes which have a lot more to offer and you quickly see Jackson County is after your hard earned money.
Make sure you have EVERYTHING in order. Water patrol and park rangers are absolutely rabid! Any infraction will cost you at least $100.00. No arguing, no excuses, no lenience! Here's my favorite reg, which would be funny if it were not so ridiculous: Except for the swim beach, (you guessed it, another separate fee) you are not allowed to even dip you toes in the lake unless you have a boat nearby. You know, the one you paid those high fees to put on the lake? So basically, look but don't touch the water at YOUR park!
I really do enjoy my time spent on Longview, but after reading my own opinions here I'm beginning to consider moving closer to a bigger lake!...
Our closest lake and one we visit often is Longview. With it being only a 17 minute drive, it's hard to stay away, even with its diminutive size. Location and the friendly marina staff are the best reasons to return for there is a lot not to like about the 930 acre lake. Ever since the drought of 2011, the Corp of Engineers has left the water level about 5 feet below normal while all our other lakes returned to their previous pool. I'd estimate this diminishes the surface area even further to around 860 acres. When asked why all our lakes except this one is at normal levels you get a lot of lame excuses including lack of water coming into the lake which is fed by Mouse Creek (which is still flowing...). The water level issue has forced the closure of one of the two boat ramp locations which causes heavy backups during peak days. You won't find many sailboats on this lake. The primary users are fishermen, jetskis and mindless power boaters who have no understanding of seamanship.
Even with all the negatives associated with this lake, it could be a decent day destination with proper management. The Jackson County's website describes their services as follows:
Conveniences include boat rentals (as weather permits), lakeside gasoline pumps and overnight slip rental, Longview Lake Marina also provides the following services:
- Full Service Convenience Store
- Bait and Tackle
- Pontoon and Fishing Boat Rental
- Annual Slip Rental
- State Fishing Licenses
- Fuel and Boating Supplies
- Fenced Boat Storage
- Two Lake Area Boat Ramps
- Overnight Slip Rental
- Jackson County Boat and Motor Permits
Fair warning should you decide to visit a Jackson County park though:
Fees are high. A day use pass will run you $20.00 (I'm not sure there is $20.00 worth of water in the entire lake). You can get a yearly permit but those are also ridiculously expensive for a lake this size. Compare this to the $3.00 usage fee charged at all the other state Corp operated lakes which have a lot more to offer and you quickly see Jackson County is after your hard earned money.
Make sure you have EVERYTHING in order. Water patrol and park rangers are absolutely rabid! Any infraction will cost you at least $100.00. No arguing, no excuses, no lenience! Here's my favorite reg, which would be funny if it were not so ridiculous: Except for the swim beach, (you guessed it, another separate fee) you are not allowed to even dip you toes in the lake unless you have a boat nearby. You know, the one you paid those high fees to put on the lake? So basically, look but don't touch the water at YOUR park!
I really do enjoy my time spent on Longview, but after reading my own opinions here I'm beginning to consider moving closer to a bigger lake!...