With its rich, natural surroundings, exciting attractions, and beautiful lakes, the Texas Hill Country is quickly becoming a hotspot for prospective homebuyers seeking an escape from busy metropolitan life. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home to visit during the spring and summer or simply want a home with easy access to the water, the many waterfront properties near the scenic lakes in Texas are a great place to start your search. Read on to learn more about the six most popular lakes in the state and why the communities around them offer some of the most desirable waterfront homes in Texas.

1. Canyon Lake

Northwest of New Braunfels, you can find Canyon Lake, another beautiful Texas reservoir known for its Caribbean blue waters,  beaches, and numerous parks along its shores. Major nearby attractions of interest include:

• Overlook Park
• The Whitewater Amphitheater
• Lakeside Golf Club

For those who enjoy trekking in nature, the Madrone Trail on the lake's northern peninsula provides miles of hiking/biking trails with plenty to explore. Best of all, Canyon Lake is located just a short drive from San Antonio, making it easy to take a day trip to historic sites like Fort Sam Houston or the Alamo.

2. Lake Austin

If you’d prefer to live a little closer to the city without sacrificing beautiful scenery, Lake Austin is certainly a good place to check out. Many stunning parks flank this area, including the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, the Emma Long Metropolitan Park, and the Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park. Residents can also find numerous hiking trails and golf courses alongside Lake Austin.

Best of all, many Lake Austin lake homes for sale are just a short drive away from the state’s capital, giving residents easy access to all the conveniences of city living without the headache. Keep in mind, this location comes with a hefty price tag.  Waterfront Real Estate on Lake Austin is the most expensive of all the lakes in Texas.

3. Lake Dunlap

This lake has it all; location, lots of natural shorelines (calmer water), and water clarity (as mentioned above). This 410-acre constant level lake starts in the heart of popular New Braunfels and heads 7 miles Southeast. Dunlap is home to several of The Lakefront Group’s agents including Hunter Croan and Frank Baker. The upper part of this lake is among the clearest of all the river style lakes in Texas.

New Braunfels is one of the top tourist destinations in the state of Texas. One of the most popular nearby attractions is the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, which offers dozens of exciting rides, numerous shopping venues, and plenty of dining options. If you’re looking for stunning Texas lake houses close to plenty of exciting things to do, Lake Dunlap is worth considering.

4. Lake LBJ

The sprawling Lake LBJ spans over 6,400 acres through several popular waterfront communities like Granite Shoals, Kingsland, Applehead Island, and Horseshoe Bay. The numerous golf courses and parks along the shore offer plenty of activities.

Other major attractions in the area include the Horseshoe Bay Yacht Club, Perissos Vineyard, and Wine Club. With its many private shore-side communities, Lake LBJ is a great choice for those looking for the most impressive, upscale Texas waterfront homes.

5. Lake Travis

Renowned for its clear waters, this body of water is one of the largest lakes in Texas. The winding waters of Lake Travis and the emerald-green landscape surrounding it make the area an especially attractive location for waterfront real estate. Residents can explore numerous recreation areas along the length of the lake’s shoreline and multiple parks and camping accommodations just minutes away.

Aside from boating and swimming excursions, Lake Travis offers many fun activities for the whole family, such as Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures, the Point Venture Golf Course, and the El Gaucho Winery.

6. Lake McQueeney

Built in 1928, Lake McQueeney is an artificial reservoir that spans over 400 acres and is located between New Braunfels and Seguin. Many beautiful estates can be found along the shores of Lake McQueeney, featuring private docks to provide quick and easy access to the water. Lake McQueeney is #6 on our list due to the fact that it’s dam is currently being replaced.  Construction should be completed summer of 2025 however there is still plenty of river fun to be had since the Guadalupe River still runs through it.

One of the most exciting features of this lake is The Lake Breeze Ski Lodge which is a members only club that really is the social hot shot of this lake and this area.  Think of the Ski Lodge as the coolest snow ski lodge you have been to except this one is on a lake.  The most well know subdivision is the upscale private community known as Treasure Island. This area is situated in the middle of the lake, accessible only by a single road.The Bandit Golf Course is also situated along the shores of this amazing lake  

Trust The Lakefront Group to Find Your Dream Home

At The Lakefront Group, our agents have years of experience helping clients find idyllic waterfront properties throughout South Texas that fits their unique needs and budget. We’ll work closely with you to find the perfect lake house you’ve always wanted. When you’re ready to take the next step on your home-buying journey, contact our friendly team to get started. We’re excited to introduce you to all the Texas Hill Country has to offer!