Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County in East Texas, on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, about 55 miles southeast of Dallas. It sits along State Highway 198 and State Highway 334, roughly 15 miles from the county seat of Athens and close to Mabank, Seven Points, Tool, and Payne Springs.
If you've only ever heard the name, the location can be a surprise: this is not a remote outpost but a lake town within easy reach of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Below we break the answer down into the county, the distance from major cities, the lake it sits on, and the roads that get you there. For the broader picture, you can also read our overview of Gun Barrel City or see it plotted on the maps page.
What county is Gun Barrel City in?
Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County, Texas. The county seat, Athens, lies about 15 miles to the south. Henderson County sits in the East Texas region, just below the southeastern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and Cedar Creek Lake stretches across its northwestern corner. That places Gun Barrel City in the part of the county most shaped by the water, alongside a cluster of small lake communities that share the shoreline.
How far is Gun Barrel City from Dallas?
Gun Barrel City is roughly 55 miles southeast of Dallas, generally about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes by car depending on where you start and how heavy the traffic is. This is the detail that surprises most first-time visitors: the town feels like a world away from the city, yet it's an easy day trip or weekend escape. That balance of lake quiet and metro proximity is a big reason people choose to relocate here or buy a second home. For step-by-step help, see our directions from Dallas.
At a glance
Henderson County, East Texas · eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake · about 55 miles southeast of Dallas · roughly 15 miles from Athens · on State Highways 198 and 334.
Distances to nearby towns
Because Gun Barrel City anchors the Cedar Creek Lake area, several small towns sit just minutes away, and a few larger cities are within an easy drive. The approximate distances below are meant as a general guide; actual driving time depends on your exact starting point and route.
| Mabank | Just west, only a few miles |
|---|---|
| Seven Points | A few miles north |
| Tool | A short drive up the shoreline |
| Payne Springs | Nearby, along the lake |
| Athens (county seat) | About 15 miles south |
| Kaufman | Northwest, toward Dallas |
| Corsicana | To the southwest |
| Dallas | Roughly 55 miles northwest |
What lake is Gun Barrel City on?
Gun Barrel City sits on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, a large East Texas reservoir often described as one of the biggest lakes in the state, with more than 220 miles of shoreline. The reservoir was formed by damming Cedar Creek and completed in the mid-1960s, and it's managed in connection with the Tarrant Regional Water District, which supplies water to the Fort Worth region. The lake is the reason the town exists in its modern form, drawing anglers, boaters, and weekenders throughout the warm months.
How to get there
From the Dallas area, the most common approach is to take US-175 southeast through Kaufman and Mabank, then turn onto State Highway 198 or State Highway 334 to reach town. SH 198 is the historic corridor once known as Gun Barrel Lane, the road that gave the city its name, while SH 334 becomes the main retail and commercial strip as you enter Gun Barrel City. From the south or east, travelers often route through Athens on their way in. However you arrive, the lake is your landmark: the town wraps around its eastern edge.
Planning a trip?
If you're heading in for the first time, our visitor guide covers what to see and do, and the directions page has route details. Thinking about staying longer? Start with living in Gun Barrel City.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gun Barrel City, Texas?
Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County in East Texas, on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, about 55 miles southeast of Dallas. It sits along State Highway 198 and State Highway 334, roughly 15 miles from the county seat of Athens and close to Mabank, Seven Points, Tool, and Payne Springs.
What county is Gun Barrel City in?
Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County, Texas. The county seat is Athens, about 15 miles to the south. Henderson County is part of East Texas, below the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and Cedar Creek Lake spans its northwestern corner.
How far is Gun Barrel City from Dallas?
Gun Barrel City is roughly 55 miles southeast of downtown Dallas, generally about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes by car. Most routes head out on US-175 through Kaufman and Mabank before reaching the lake.
What lake is Gun Barrel City on?
Gun Barrel City is on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, a large East Texas reservoir with more than 220 miles of shoreline formed by damming Cedar Creek. The lake is central to the town's economy, recreation, and waterfront neighborhoods.
See Gun Barrel City on the map
Get the full geographic picture, including driving routes and the town's place on Cedar Creek Lake's eastern shore.
Maps & Location Back to FAQ