Austin Lakes – 41 Biggest & Best Swimming, Fishing, and Boating Texas Lake Locations Near You!

When the summer heat becomes unbearable and you’re longing for a refreshing retreat, having an escape plan is essential. Fortunately, we’ve got the perfect solution for you with these awesome lakes in Austin TX!

Whether you’re yearning for a cool swim, an adventurous boating experience, or an early morning fishing trip, the best Austin lakes have got you covered.

These lakes near Austin promise an unforgettable escape, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and craving more. So, pack your swimsuits, grab your fishing gear, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of aquatic bliss as we present our carefully curated list of the most splendid lakes Austin has to offer.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our posts on Waterfalls in Texas, and Swimming Holes in Texas!

Best Austin Lakes – Less Than 1 Hour Driving Time

Lake Pflugerville Park

Austin, Texas’s Lake Pflugerville Park is a recreational area built around a 180-acre reservoir. It provides a family-friendly and natural escape for residents and tourists with a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and bicycling, as well as facilities like a beach area, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Where: 18216 Weiss Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 33 mins

Lake Walter E. Long

Austin, Texas is home to Lake Walter E. Long, sometimes referred to as Lake Long. It provides a tranquil and beautiful setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities near to the city. It is mostly utilized for leisure activities including boating, fishing, and picnics.
Where: 6620 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX 78724
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 22 mins

Lake Kyle Park

Image Credit: The City of Kyle, TX – Local Government FB Page

Kyle, Texas, is home to Lake Kyle Park, a lovely leisure area. In the center of Kyle, it provides a tranquil and welcoming setting for outdoor sports and unhurried pleasure with its quiet lake, walking pathways, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
Where: 700 Lehman Rd, Kyle, TX 78640
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Sunday open 24 hrs
Driving time from Austin: 41 mins

Meadow Lake Park

In Round Rock, Texas, there is a wonderful park called Meadow Lake Park. It offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation in the center of the town with its beautiful lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spaces.
Where: 2901 Settlement Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 31 mins

Blue Hole Regional Park

In Wimberley, Texas, there lies a wonderful natural haven called Blue Hole Regional Park. This picturesque park is home to a sparkling swimming hole fed by natural springs that is surrounded by thick vegetation and hiking paths, making it a well-liked location for outdoor enthusiasts and the ideal place to unwind and take in the beauty of nature.
Where: 100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
Operating Hours:  Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Driving time from Austin: 53 mins

Lake Austin

The magnificent reservoir known as Lake Austin, which is situated on the Colorado River in Texas, USA, draws tourists looking for a tranquil and picturesque escape with its pure blue waters and breathtaking natural beauty.
Where:  Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 33 mins

Comal River

The Texas city of New Braunfels is traversed by the Comal River, a body of crystal-clear water. As the state’s smallest navigable river, it draws tourists for tubing, kayaking, and swimming excursions amid its cool waters and picturesque environs.
Where:  New Braunfels, TX 78130
Operating Hours: Always open
Driving time from Austin: 57 mins

Lake Travis

A sizable reservoir called Lake Travis is located close to Austin, Texas, amid the lovely Hill Country. Lake Travis, known for its enormous surface area and clean waters, is a well-liked spot for boating, swimming, fishing, and other leisure pursuits. It also attracts tourists with its magnificent scenery and lively lakeside villages.
Where:  Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 43 mins

Lady Bird Lake

A tranquil and beautiful reservoir called Lady Bird Lake is situated in the center of Austin, Texas. With chances for kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and bicycling along its picturesque shoreline, it offers a peaceful retreat inside the busy metropolis and is a popular outdoor leisure area for both locals and tourists.
Where:   On the Colorado River in downtown Austin
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 11 mins

Best Austin Lakes – With 1-3 Hours Estimated Driving Time

Lake Somerville

Image Credit: tpwd.texas.gov

Lake Somerville is a picturesque reservoir surrounded by wooded areas, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Where: 14222 Park Rd 57, Somerville, TX 77879
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 sm – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 1 hrs & 34 mins.

Lake Raven

Image Credit: tpwd.texas.gov

Lake Raven, found at the heart of Huntsville State Park, is a lovely 210-acre lake. Anything you might like to do on a lake, you can do here: fish, swim, and paddle. Fish stock includes crappie, perch, catfish, and bass. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Because it’s located in a State Park, you can also hike the trails, visit the nature center, and camp overnight.
Where: 565 Park Road 40 West, Huntsville, Texas 77340
Operating Hours: Open Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs.

Lake Houston

Lake Houston is a reservoir for the San Jacinto River. It’s also about 11,000 acres of fishing just waiting to happen. The lake is chock full of crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill. It’s surrounded by heavily forested parkland, so you’ll have some protection from the sun. Also, there are hiking trails in the park around the lake and camping grounds if you feel like making a weekend of it.
Where: 110 West Main Street, Humble, TX 77338
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs.

Arboretum Lake

If what you’re looking for is wildlife and nature, Arboretum Lake will be right up your alley. The Arboretum & Nature Center is an educational nature preserve based around marshland, coastal prairie, and forest land. The nature trails are the main draw for this lake–you won’t be able to swim, fish, or boat here. You can, however, see the plants and animals up close and personal and enjoy the activities and events the nature center has to offer.
Where: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 7:30 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 38 mins

Lake Conroe Park

The park covers 13 acres of grounds and offers barbeque pits, picnic tables, and restrooms as well as swimming areas and fishing piers. Additional amenities include two covered pavilions available for rent, a softball field, and volleyball areas.
Where: 14968 Hwy 105 West, Montgomery, TX 77356
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hr & 55 mins.

Mary Jo Peckham Park

Mary Jo Peckham Park is a 32-acre green space featuring a putting green, a miniature golf course, a playground, a large pavilion, a gazebo, a fishing lake, and a six-hole disc golf course.
Where: 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy, Texas 77493
Operating Hours: Open Daily 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 36 mins.

Sheldon Lake

Image Credit: tpwd.texas.gov

Sheldon Lake is best known for its bird-watching and fishing and has a variety of terrains for guests to experience, including marsh and coastal prairie. Hiking and boating are also on the table, so this is another well-rounded park for you to enjoy. One feature that makes Sheldon Lake stand out is its displays of alternative energy technologies such as wind turbines and solar power.
Where: 14140 Garrett Rd., Houston, TX 77044
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs.

Lake Friendswood

The newest addition to the Friendswood community.  The facility currently includes 2 fishing docks, 1 kayak/canoe launch, 1 pavilion with 4 picnic tables, 1 restroom building, multiple fitness workout stations along a 1-mile hiking/jogging/biking trail, picnic tables, benches, and small barbeque pits. The 33-acre lake is stocked 4 times a year by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Where: 2533 Davis Prairie Ln. Friendswood, TX 77546
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:15 am – 7:30 pm
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs.

Lake Nassau

Image Credit: nassaubay.com

Situated in the town of Nassau Bay, this picturesque lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying scenic views from the waterfront parks.
Where: 1800 Space Park Drive Suite 200 Nassau Bay, TX 77058
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm | Friday 7;30 am – 11:30 am
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs.

Lake Woodlands

The Woodlands is known as an oasis on the water surrounded by the woods, and Lake Woodlands is a premier spot to experience it firsthand. This 200-acre freshwater lake offers outdoor recreation, entertainment, and dining opportunities. It’s one of the lakes near The Woodlands where you can kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the morning and then share a lakeside meal as you watch the sunset from a patio in the evening.
Where: The Woodlands, TX
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 49 mins.

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson

Also known as Lake LBJ, this reservoir offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, jet skiing, and lakeside camping.
Where:  Texas, USA
Operating Hours:  Always Open
Driving time from Austin: 1 hrs & 22 mins.

Lake Arlington

Image Credit: tpwd.texas.gov

Although located in Arlington, Texas, this lake is worth mentioning for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Where: 6300 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington, TX 76016
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs.

Lake Calaveras

Situated in the Shadow Creek Ranch community in Pearland, this scenic lake offers fishing, kayaking, and a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Where:  Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 1 hrs. & 54 mins.

Boerne City Lake Park

Image Credit: ci.boerne.tx.us

A charming park is located in Boerne, Texas, called Boerne City Lake Park. It offers a calm getaway for guests to partake in outdoor activities and fully appreciate nature, with a tranquil lake, walking trails, picnic places, and fishing sites.
Where: 21 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 5:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 1 min

Calaveras Lake

This beautiful reservoir is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its vast lakes and surrounding parkland, offering activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and birding all nearby the busy metropolis.
Where: 12991 Bernhardt Rd, San Antonio, TX 78263
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 1 hr & 43 mins

Elmendorf Lake Park

Image Credit: sanantonio.gov

This is a serene urban park called Elmendorf Lake Park. The park offers a calm retreat for tourists to take in nature and partake in recreational activities inside the city limits. It has a lovely lake, walking paths, sports grounds, and a playground.
Where: 3700 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 42 mins

Guadalupe River State Park

Texas’s Guadalupe River State Park provides a beautiful and tranquil outdoor setting. It offers the ideal location for activities like fishing, swimming, picnicking, and discovering the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country thanks to its scenic river, hiking paths, and camping options.
Where: 3350 Park Road 31 Spring Branch, TX 78070
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Driving time from Austin: 1 hr & 41 mins

Lake Calaveras

Situated in the Shadow Creek Ranch community in Pearland, this scenic lake offers fishing, kayaking, and a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Where:  Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 1 hr. & 47 mins.

Lake Placid

This attractive reservoir is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is a pleasant place for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a tranquil vacation due to its calm waterways, which also provide chances for boating, fishing, and resting by the coast.
Where: 2.5 miles west of Seguin, I-10 bridge, exit 605
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 1 hr & 19 mins

Medina River Natural Area

Image Credit: sanantonio.gov

The Medina River meanders through picturesque landscapes and provides chances for outdoor leisure including swimming, tubing, and kayaking amidst the area’s stunning natural surroundings.
Where: 15890 TX-16, San Antonio, TX 78264
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 1 hrs & 52 mins

Paradise Canyon

Texas’s Paradise Canyon is a popular tourist destination known for its dramatic canyons and untamed scenery. This is one of the lakes in the Austin area that offers an immersive outdoor experience that captivates nature lovers looking for adventure and peace with its beautiful vistas and possibilities for hiking and exploration.
Where: 2220 Co Rd 2615, Rio Medina, TX 78066
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Saturday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 15 mins

Woodlawn Lake Park

Popular urban park Woodlawn Lake Park draws both locals and tourists due to its tranquil lake, lush vegetation, and family-friendly amenities, which offer a lovely environment for picnics, walking paths, playgrounds, and community activities.
Where: 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 2 hrs & 56 mins

Lake Lyndon B Johnson

Beautiful reservoir Lake Lyndon B Johnson, usually referred to as Lake LBJ, is located in the Texas Hill Country close to Austin. As one of the lakes in Austin Texas, Lake LBJ provides a tranquil and delightful vacation for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike with its calm waters, stunning landscape, and various recreational activities including boating, fishing, and swimming.
Where: Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 1 hr & 36 mins

Lake Marble Falls

A gorgeous reservoir called Lake Marble Falls is situated close to Austin, Texas, amid the beautiful Hill Country. It draws tourists wishing to unwind and take in the beauty of nature because of its crystal waterways and attractive surroundings, which make it the ideal location for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Where: Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 1 hr & 25 mins

Best Austin Lakes – With More Than 3 Hours Estimated Driving Time

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to a wide variety of animal species–naturally, as it was founded to help preserve wildlife–and is a great spot for fishing. Your options will include speckled trout, southern flounder, redfish, white crappie, and black drum, as well as others. If you’re a fan of birds, this is a great place to spot them. The refuge got its start as a preserve for local fowl, and you can see a lot of colorful and unusual birds in the area. Be aware, though as in most swampy Texas parks, there will be alligators around. If you want to bring your kids for a day of educational fun, just make sure they understand basic wild animal safety.
Where: 4318 FM1985, Anahuac, TX 77514
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 4 hr & 11 mins.

McGovern Lake

Image Credit: hermannpark.org

McGovern Lake is located in the middle of Hermann Park and is one of the lakes around Austin you don’t want to miss out on. It’s not the kind of lake you visit if you’re interested in roughing it. It’s a leisurely lake for people who want to stretch out on a patch of grass in the park with a book for an hour or two. You can rent a boat to pedal around the lake and take in the scenery. In addition, Kids under 12 and seniors over 65 can enjoy catch-and-release fishing on Bob’s Fishing Pier.
Where: 1700 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Driving time from Austin: 4 hrs & 20 mins.

Kinder Lake

Image Credit: Discovery Green FB Page

Kinder Lake is a smaller man-made lake in the middle of the urban park, Discovery Green. While you won’t be able to fish or swim, there are kayaks available for rent. For a different approach, you can keep your feet firmly on land and send a model boat into the water. R/C sailboats cost $5 to rent for 15 minutes (or you can bring your own), and there’s a designated section of the lake just for them.
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 4 hrs & 21 mins

Lake Livingston

Image Credit: tpwd.texas.gov

At Lake Livingston State Park, you can swim, fish, boat, hike, bird, camp, picnic, mountain bike, geocache, and study nature. We have activities for the whole family! Perfect result for “lake Austin swimming” or if you were looking for the best way to spend your weekend.
Where: 300 Park Road 65, Livingston, TX 77351
Operating Hours: Open Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 3 hr & 41 mins.

Lake Anahuac

Wanted to know what the “biggest lakes near me” are? Lake Anahuac is a freshwater reservoir located in Chambers County, Texas, USA. It is known for its scenic beauty and serves as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Where:  Texas 77597
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs & 48 mins.

Lake Charlotte

Lake Charlotte is a man-made reservoir that offers a tranquil retreat for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying nature. If you were looking up “lake near me,” its serene surroundings and diverse birdlife, it provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Where:  Texas 77597
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs & 27 mins.

Lake Houston Marina

Searching for “lakes near me?” Serving as a gateway to Lake Houston, this marina provides boat rentals, boat slips, and a launching ramp for boating enthusiasts to enjoy the lake’s waters.
Where: 10611 FM 1960, Huffman, TX 77336
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs & 17 mins.

Lake San Jacinto (San Jacinto River)

The San Jacinto River rises at the San Jacinto Dam in northeastern Harris County and flows southeast for twenty-eight miles to its mouth on Galveston Bay. This is one of the lakes in Austin that are just gorgeous!
Where:  San Jacinto River, Texas, USA
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Driving time from Austin: 3 hrs. & 35 mins.

Looking for Best Lakes in other cities? Check out these articles – Lakes near Houston and Lakes near San Antonio.

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