Where is RC Lake? 

Richland Chambers is located in SE Navarro County and stretches into Northern Freestone County. Corsicana is the closest "big" town and is 20-30 minutes from most places on the lake. The lake is Y shaped and it is about 15 miles down US Hwy 287 from I-45 to the bridge in the center of the lake.

How big is RC Lake?

Richland Chambers Lake is the 3rd largest lake within the boundaries of Texas. It is 44,000 surface acres at full pool, 315 feet above mean sea level, with 330 miles of shoreline. At 2 feet over full, 317 feet above mean sea level, the reservoir encompasses a surface area of 45,500 acres.

Who is the governing authority for RC Lake?

Tarrant Regional Water District is the lake authority. TRWD built and maintains the reservoir. More information regarding TRWD is located on their website TRWD.com. They also own Lake Bridgeport, Cedar Creek Lake and Eagle Mountain. Lake. TRWD stores water in Lake Arlington, Lake Brenbrook and Lake Worth.

How is RC Lake different from an Army Corps of Engineers Lake?

RC Lake is owned by TRWD and is not directly governed by the Army Corp of Engineers. The primary difference is that on RC Lake, you own what is known as the 315' line (also known as the "pool level" or "conservation level.") In simple terms, when the lake is full, you own to the water's edge. On a 'Corp' lake there is an easement between your property line and the water often of 100 or more feet.

Common terms associated with  RC Lake Levels

315' above mean sea level - Full Pool, also knows as the Conservation Level

318' above mean sea level= The current 100 year Flood Level

320' above mean seal level = TRWD's Flood Easement, also the build line.

Where does RC Lake get water from?

RC Lake is the confluence of Richland Creek and Chambers Creek. The drainage area (watershed) for the lake covers 1957 sqaure miles spanning across 6 counties. The watershed also includes numerous smaller creeks and 2 Corp of Engineers lakes.

Is RC Lake a constant lake level?

No, the lake fluctuates with the natural cycle of dry and rainy seasons in North Texas. The average fluctuation is +/- 3.5 feet per year. The lows normally occur in December and January. The lake normally fills in the late winter and spring.

Does RC Lake flood?

The 315' elevation is full. TRWD enforces a flood easment up to 320' elevation. This is also the 'build line.' RC Lake is part of a greater flood control area. This area includes 2 Corp of Engineer lakes, Lake Bardwell to the Northwest on Chambers Creek and Navarro Mills Lake to the West is the headwaters of Richland Creek. These lakes both have 19+ foot flood stages and can "hold back" water as part of the greater flood control area. The lake has never gone over the flood stage of 320'. Flood insurance is not required for home on RC Lake.

How high does the water get before it goes over the dam?

The dam is 8 miles long and has a 960 foot spillway with 24 gates that release water when necessary into the Trinity River. The dam is an earthen dam with a concrete upstream face and maximum height of 120'. The top of the dam is 330' above mean sea level. The water has never breached the dam. The spillway is 290' above mean sea level and is controlled by 24 gates with a top height of 325' above mean sea level. 

What is the highest and lowest RC Lake has ever been?

The highest level ever was on October 24, 2015 when the lake was 317.42' or 2.42' over full.

During the drought of 2004-2005, the lake was 303.59' or 11.41' low .The lake was then filled and was under normal conditions until the historic drought of 2011-2015 the lake reached almost 10.5' low during that time.

I want property where the water doesn't go away when the lake goes down. What part of the lake is that?

The real question doesn't have to do with the part of the lake a property is located. The water fluctuates equally on the entire lake. Rather the question is how deep is it at my boathouse? With the exceptions of the areas of the end of the Y close to the mouth of the creeks feeding into the lake, there is "good" and "not so good" water at every subdivision. Water depth can very greatly lot by lot at a given shoreline. You need a local agent who knows the lake helping you to find a piece of property.

How close can I build to the water?

That depends on where the 320'line falls on your property. If you are considering purchasing property on RC Lake, always be sure you are aware of where this line is on the property.

Is there at time limit to build?

There are not time limits to build on RC Lake. There are sixty plus  subdivisions on the lake and none of them have a time limit in which you have to build. You can go ahead and build your boathouse first, use and enjoy it before you build a home or even if you decide not build. 

Are there building restrictions?

Yes, there are building restrictions. Navarro County has zoned an area covering 5,000 feet from the shore with the "Navarro County Lakeshore Area Improvement Zoning Ordinance." This governs development in the lake area. Also, the majority of properties on the lake are in subdivisions and are subject to the subdivisions Deed Restrictions. 

What about a boathouse?

TRWD does allow for boathouse construction. The footprint of your boathouse (size) depends on how much linear feet of shoreline your property has. This formula can be found at http://trwd.com/RichlandChambers

How far out can my boathouse go?

It depends on the individual lot. Several factors go into determining how far out you can go, including your neighbors boathouse (if present), water depth, cove width and others. A local boathouse contractor can help you understand what can be built on a piece of property you may be considering.

Do I need a retaining wall?

This again depends on the shoreline of the individual property as well as your preferences. Retaining walls on RC Lake are constructed from different materials such as rip rap, treated timbers, concrete and steel panels. The most common type you will see on RC Lake is driven steel panels. Many property owners will then construct a sidewalk running along the top of the wall. This really cleans up your shoreline and also helps prevent erosion and wall failure. Local boathouse contractors also build retaining walls as much of the same equipment is use for boathouse construction. 

What is a boat slip lot?

A boat slip lot is a lot in The SHores on RC Lake that comes with a lifetime lease for slip in the Marina at The Shores. The Shores has a private marina adjacent to the Clubhouse facilities. Some lot owners purchased a lifetime license for an individual slip when they purchased their lot. Boat slip licenses can only be held by property owners in The Shores. 

I have more questions? How do I reach you?

You can email me at john@teelteam.com