Moss Lake Homes for Sale & Lake Guide
Moss Lake is a small, clear lake about 10 miles northwest of Gainesville in Cooke County, just south of the Red River. Owned by the City of Gainesville, it covers about 1,100 acres and reaches close to 70 feet deep, which keeps the water clearer than most lakes in North Texas.
Moss Lake is quiet and hard to find homes on, with only a handful of waterfront listings at a time. We’ll help you understand the city’s dock and building permits and what makes each lot different. Book a time to talk and we’ll help you find the right spot on the lake.
Why People Move to Moss Lake
- Clear, deep water: one of the clearest small lakes in North Texas, with depths near 70 feet
- Quiet and uncrowded: a small lake with a slower pace than the big Metroplex lakes
- Docks allowed with a permit: owners can build docks with City of Gainesville approval
- Close to Gainesville: about 15 minutes to town and I-35
Moss Lake Real Estate Snapshot
Moss Lake homes range from older lake cabins and weekend places to newer custom homes on larger lots, mostly on the east and south sides of the lake. With so few waterfront homes, listings come up rarely, and lots with deep water and a gentle path to the shoreline sell at a premium. For current prices and new listings, see the live listings at the bottom of this page.
Docks, Permits and City Rules
The City of Gainesville owns Moss Lake and sets the rules for building on the water. New homes and docks need a city building permit, and docks also carry an annual city permit with a dock plate. We check the permit history on every existing dock before you buy.
Septic, water source and road access vary from lot to lot around the lake, so we check each one before you make an offer.
Things to Do on Moss Lake
- Boating and skiing: clear, deep water that works well for skiing and swimming
- Fishing: bass, crappie and catfish from a boat or the shore
- Paddling: quiet coves that suit kayaks and paddleboards
- Gainesville: downtown shops, restaurants and the Frank Buck Zoo about 15 minutes away
Moss Lake Schools
Homes around the lake are served mainly by Sivells Bend ISD and Gainesville ISD. Boundaries can split neighborhoods, so we confirm the school district for every address before you buy.
Towns Around the Lake
Gainesville · Callisburg · Lindsay · Muenster · Valley View · Whitesboro
Your Moss Lake Real Estate Team
We drive out to show lake homes across North Texas and know what to check on every lake. We’ll show you what the listings don’t tell you about a lake home: dock permits, septic, flood elevation, and how a lot reaches the water. Selling? Your lake home gets Premier Agent placement on Zillow and Homes.com, professional photography, digital floor plans, and boosted social media ads.
Moss Lake Real Estate FAQs
Can I build a dock on Moss Lake?
Yes, with City of Gainesville approval. Docks need a city building permit and an annual dock permit.
Who owns Moss Lake?
The City of Gainesville owns and manages the lake.
How deep is Moss Lake?
It reaches close to 70 feet deep, and the water is clearer than most lakes in North Texas.
How far is Moss Lake from Gainesville?
About 10 miles northwest of Gainesville, roughly a 15 minute drive.
What school districts serve Moss Lake?
Mainly Sivells Bend ISD and Gainesville ISD.