Feel the breeze on your skin and the wind in your hair by hopping on a boat and exploring one of the many beautiful lakes in Texas. We set out to think about the best Texas lake to live on for boating, and we’re happy to report that there are plenty of options to choose from!

There is no one size fits all lake for boating. The perfect lake is defined by you and only you. We can recommend a particular lake on your preferred boat. For instance, if you like cabin cruisers or sail boats, Lake Buchanan, Lake Travis, and Canyon Lake are your best options. If you prefer waterskiing, the river style constant level lakes would be the best fit. Below are our favorites for different reasons.

The Best Lakes in Texas for Boating: The Complete List

• Lake Austin
• Lake Travis
• Lake LBJ
• Lake Dunlap
• Lake Buchanan
• Canyon Lake

Let’s dive into what makes these lakes such fantastic options for boating!

Lake Austin

As the name suggests, this lake is Austin’s pride and joy. It’s understandably one of the most popular lakes for boating in Texas. It’s so popular that it has its own set of rules visitors need to follow while on the water.

Lake Austin is easy to access and invites visitors to explore various water activities. Boat from your house to popular restaurants such as Hula Hut. Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and water skiing are also popular pastimes. After all that action, enjoy the area’s gorgeous landscape and take it all in from the water.

Lake Travis

Another popular Texas lake for boating is Lake Travis, which is also located near Austin. We’d argue that Lake Travis is one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas, period. Miles upon miles of shoreline make Lake Travis an ideal spot for boating. It’s also one of the largest reservoirs in Texas, which means there’s plenty of space for all kinds of water-based fun! Crystal clear waters and stunning natural scenery make this lake one to remember. This lake is large enough to accommodate sailboats and house boats

Lake LBJ

Found nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lake LBJ is a less widely-known but equally lovely lake. Something unique about Lake LBJ is the fact that it’s a constant-level lake. It’s an ideal pick for year-round water activities, including boating, jet skiing, and more.

Lake Dunlap

As of November 2023 Lake Dunlap is finally full! This lake's dam failed in May of 2019 and has now been replaced and refilled. This lake is located in the popular vacation destination town of New Braunfels. This lake has the clarity of Lake Austin but is smaller in size at 7 miles long. It is popular for all towable watersports (Wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and more). This lake is recommended for boats under 23’ in length.

Lake Buchanan

Visitors flock to Lake Buchanan for its massive amount of water and bountiful activities. Lake Buchanan is the largest of the Highland Lakes and also rests in the Texas Hill Country. Bald eagles have even been known to frequent the area during certain times of the year! Overall, Lake Buchanan provides a relaxing atmosphere and lots of room to have a blast on the water. This is another great sailing lake.

Canyon Lake

Between Austin and San Antonio, you’ll find Canyon Lake, a centrally-located body of water that invites visitors from all around the state. You can generally avoid large crowds at Canyon Lake, which means it’s fairly easy to boat on. The area also boasts plenty of parks, beaches, and activities to keep your whole crew entertained.Canyon Lake is most known for its Caribbean-like blue waters. It is the prettiest lake to boat on in our opinion.

Trust The Lakefront Group to Help You Navigate Waterfront Homes in Texas

To boat, or not to boat – that is the question. When you choose to live on any of these lakes, the answer is clear. Raise your mainsail and get a glimpse into all the natural beauty the area has to offer.

Whether you’re sold on lake life or want to learn more about it, you can count on The Lakefront Group to have your back. We do more than just manage waterfront homes for sale in Texas – we eat, breathe, and live the lake lifestyle each and every day.

Check out our listings or contact us today to get started on the path to your dream home.