Best Boating Lakes in Texas

If you're interested in boating in Texas, we think you'll be thrilled with the opportunities Texas has to offer. Lakes here live up to the state's larger-than-life reputation. Texas offers an abundance of outstanding destinations for water recreation. Whether you're looking for a leisurely canoe trip or an unforgettable boat party, we can point you toward a spot that suits your needs.

Lake Travis

With 271 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 18,929 acres, Lake Travis is a popular choice for all kinds of water activities. Known as the Crown Jewel of the Central Texas Highland Lakes, this is the largest lake in the region. It measures nearly 64 miles long and is 4.5 miles across at its widest point. Some of the bends in the lake are particularly well-suited to speedboats, but you'll find everything from party barges to sailboats on these sparkling waters.

Canyon Lake

Situated on the Guadalupe River and ringed by parks and recreation sites, Canyon Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Visitors enjoy easy access to the lake with 23 boat ramps available. Covering 500 acres, this lake offers plenty of room for boating of all types. Canyon Lake's coves are particularly popular for anchoring and floating with other boaters.

Lady Bird Lake

Running through downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake offers a distinctly urban experience. The Congress Avenue Bridge passes over the lake and offers a popular roosting spot for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats from April through October. From the water, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the bats flying out to feast on mosquitos each night. Canoes and kayaks are popular on the lake, offering a great opportunity to try out the convenience of one of our soundbar-equipped coolers. Gas-powered boats are prohibited on Lady Bird Lake, and boats with electric motors must not exceed a capacity of 5 horsepower.

Eagle Mountain Lake

The damming of the Trinity River created the 8,694-acre Eagle Mountain Lake. Home of the Fort Worth Boat Club, this destination is widely known for its boating opportunities. National and international regattas regularly take place here. We think you'll be more than satisfied with the fishing here, which includes white bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white crappie.

Caddo Lake

Situated on the border between Texas and Louisiana, Caddo Lake features a diverse landscape with bayous, cypress swamp, waterways, and channels. Spanning over 26,000 acres, the lake offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and sightseeing. Cypress trees elegantly draped in Spanish moss and low-flying herons offer outstanding photo opportunities. We recommend canoes or jon boats on Caddo Lake.

Lake O' the Pines

If you want to get away from crowds and enjoy the wide-open water, we suggest Lake O' the Pines. Here, you'll find nearly 17,000 acres stretching out before you. Highly underrated, this lake doesn't typically see the same crowds that you'll find on other lakes in Texas. Several marinas and boat ramps around the lake offer easy accessibility. Ringed with pines and beaches, this is a picturesque destination whether you're on the water or the shores.

Lake Texoma

Covering 93,000 acres, Lake Texoma embodies the Texas spirit perfectly. This is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. Formed by the Denison Dam on the Red River, Lake Texoma sits on the border between Texas and Oklahoma. Over 70 species of fish reside in the lake, including spotted, striped, and smallmouth bass. Lake Texoma can cater to nearly any type of boating adventure, whether you're interested in fishing or floating. The vast watery landscape serves sailboats well, while the secluded coves are great for dropping anchor to relax.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Encompassing more than 110,000 acres, this is the largest lake to reside wholly in Texas. Sam Rayburn Reservoir has a depth of 80 feet and houses an outstanding population of largemouth bass. There are 27 boat ramps around the lake catering to boaters of all types. Due to the size of the reservoir, large waves are possible, so boaters should be prepared for the possibility of rough water.

Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe's 22,000 acres are popular for fishing, sailing, wakeboarding, Jet Skiing, and water skiing. Three marinas and 10 boat ramps offer easy access to the water. Off the water, we've found the area has plenty of additional opportunities for recreation, including golf courses, restaurants, and live music venues. If you're looking for a well-rounded vacation that includes access to outstanding boating, we think Conroe, Texas, is a great choice.

Possum Kingdom Lake

One of the most beautiful lakes in Texas, Possum Kingdom Lake has stunningly clear waters surrounded by rolling hills and rugged cliffs. The Hell's Gate cliffs stand sentry on either side of the entryway to a large cove that's a popular party spot in the summer. You'll find an abundance of boats creating a jubilant atmosphere here. The lake is particularly popular on the Fourth of July weekend for the must-see fireworks show at Hell's Gate. We recommend this 20,000-acre lake for fishing and scuba diving, as well.

Lake Lewisville

Lake Lewisville is popular for speedboats, houseboats, pontoon boats, deck boats, kayaks, and more. Its coves offer the perfect place to tie up and enjoy an afternoon of sun and music. Party Cove is the go-to choice when you want to gather with other boaters for the revelries. This 29,000-acre lake has crystal clear waters that are great for taking a dip.

Lake Austin

Unlike Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin allows motorized boating. The majority of the properties surrounding the lake are privately owned, so public fishing here must take place from a boat. The healthy population of bass often serves up fish weighing 10 pounds or more. We suggest pontoon boats, water skis, and bowriders for recreation on the water. Lake Austin covers 1,830 acres, making it small for the state, but its convenient location in Austin is hard to beat.

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