Nestled in the heart of Texas, Austin is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture, music scene, and delicious food. However, sometimes one just needs to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Luckily, Austin's outskirts offer some of the best lake vacations in the US, providing a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
This article lists some of the best lakes near Austin, Texas, worth leaving the city for. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the pristine waters of Texas Hill Country, offering breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities.
10 Lake Travis
Lake Travis is a large, man-made reservoir located in the hill country of central Texas, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Austin. Covering over 18,000 acres with more than 270 miles of shoreline, this spot is among the best lakes for a vacation in Texas, offering recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
The lake is known for its clear blue water and scenic beauty, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. The lake has a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, the lake provides various swimming and picnicking opportunities, with several parks and beaches located around the lake offering a variety of amenities, including playgrounds and hiking trails.
9 Inks Lake
Located about an hour and a half northwest of Austin, Inks Lake is a beautiful and peaceful reservoir and one of the best spots to camp in summer in Texas Hill Country. The lake is a part of Inks Lake State Park, featuring various hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas, a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking.
Inks Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, sunfish, bass, and crappie. Beside the lake, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular trails in the area include the Devil's Waterhole Trail, Pecan Flats Trail, and the Valley Spring Creek Trail, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. Ultimately, this is one of the top lakes near Austin, Texas, for those who love hikes and water activities in pristine natural environments.
8 Lake Buchanan
Lake Buchanan is a large reservoir in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour and a half northwest of Austin. Covering over 22,000 acres with over 120 miles of shoreline, the lake is the second-largest of the Highland Lakes and a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including swimming and camping.
Lake Buchanan is known for its excellent striper fishing, with several fishing guides and charters available for hire. The lake has several marinas and boat ramps located around the lake, making it a perfect spot for boating. Additionally, the lake is also a great spot for swimming and picnicking, with several parks and beaches around the lake, including the Black Rock Park, Cedar Point Recreation Area, and Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park.
7 Lake Marble Falls
Lake Marble Falls is a reservoir in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour northwest of Austin, named after the nearby town of Marble Falls. The lake covers over 600 acres and has over 21 miles of pristine shoreline, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing and boating are some of the popular activities on the lake, with various fish species and several boat ramps and marinas located around the lake. The lake is also great for watersports, including skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Besides outdoor recreation, Lake Marble Falls offers several parks and public access areas, including Lakeside Park and Johnson Park.
6 Lake LBJ
Lake LBJ is a large, man-made reservoir located about an hour and a half northwest of Austin. The lake covers over 6,500 acres of land and has over 21 miles of shoreline with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie, making it a popular tourist destination for fishing. The lake also allows motorized boats with a restriction on the size and the speed limit.
Lake LBJ is also a great spot for swimming and water sports near Austin, with several nearby parks and beaches, including the popular Kingsland Community Park, LBJ Yacht Club and Marina, and Granite Beach. Additionally, the lake is a popular spot for camping, with several campgrounds and RV parks around the lake.
5 Canyon Lake
There are plenty of things to do and see in Canyon Lake, Texas. It is a large water reservoir constructed on the Canyon Dam on the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour and a half south of Austin. Spanning over 8,200 acres of land with over 80 miles of shoreline, the lake makes a perfect outdoor recreation destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Fishing and boating are some of the popular activities at Canyon Lake, with several fishing guides and charters available for hire. The lake also offers several campgrounds and RV parks with several historical sites and attractions, providing a glimpse of the unique geology and history of the region.
4 Lake Walter E. Long
Lake Walter E. Long, also known as Decker Lake, is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River located just east of Austin. Covering an area of over 1,200 acres with an extended 20 miles of shoreline, the lake is one of the popular lake destinations for outdoor recreation and relaxation in Texas.
Fishing and boating are the most prominent activities, with several fishing tournaments held on the lake each year. The lake is also a great spot for birdwatching, with several bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3 Lake Georgetown
Lake Georgetown is a reservoir on the North Fork of the San Gabriel River in Georgetown, Texas, approximately 25 miles north of Austin. The lake covers over 1,200 acres and has over 26 miles of shoreline, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
Lake Georgetown is home to various fish species, including bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie, making it an excellent spot for fishing. The lake features various parks and beaches offering opportunities for swimming and camping. In addition to outdoor recreation, the lake has several historical sites and attractions, including the Williamson Museum and the Inner Space Cavern, open to the public for guided tours.
2 Lake Pflugerville
Lake Pflugerville is a beautiful man-made lake in Pflugerville, Texas, approximately 20 miles north of Austin. It's one of the best lakes to visit near Austin, Texas; it serves as a water supply source for the city but is also a popular recreation spot in the area. The lake is stocked regularly with fish by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to maintain a healthy fish population, making it a popular fishing spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the lake. Swimming is also allowed at some designated swimming areas on the lake, featuring beaches, picnic areas, and a playground. There are several hiking and biking trails around the lake, offering breathtaking views of the picturesque landscape.
1 Lake Bastrop
Lake Bastrop is a lake in Bastrop County, Texas, approximately 30 miles southeast of Austin. It's one of the best vacation lakes near Austin and actually serves as a water supply source for the city of Bastrop. It also offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors; the lake is known for its excellent fishing, with several fishing guides and a marina located on the lake.
Swimming and camping are also some of the popular recreational activities, with several campgrounds and RV parks located around the lake. In addition to outdoor recreation, Lake Bastrop also has several historical sites and attractions, including the Bastrop Opera House and the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum, featuring exhibits on local history and culture.