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Lake Marble Falls
Lake Marble Falls is the smallest of the Highland Lakes and the easiest to reach: about 600 acres of Colorado River water running right past downtown Marble Falls, roughly 50 minutes from Austin. Steep limestone bluffs, waterfront restaurants and the US 281 bridge give it a lively small-town feel, and the water level stays steady because the lake sits between Wirtz Dam and Starcke Dam.
The town gets its name from a set of falls that now sit under the lake. Today the lake is known for relaxed boat days, paddling and a few big race weekends each year.
Reserve Your Marble Falls Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Lake Marble Falls Quick Facts
| Where | Burnet County, in the city of Marble Falls, about 50 minutes northwest of Austin |
| Nearby towns | Marble Falls, Cottonwood Shores, Granite Shoals and Horseshoe Bay |
| Size | About 600 surface acres, roughly 6 miles long |
| Depth | Up to about 60 feet |
| Built | Max Starcke Dam, completed in 1951, the last of the Highland Lakes dams |
| Managed by | Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) |
| Best for | Short boat days, sunset cruises and pairing a lake day with downtown dining |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
The City of Marble Falls runs free public ramps on the north shore near downtown:
- Lakeside Park: a multi-lane ramp next to the US 281 bridge.
- Johnson Park: a one-lane ramp at the mouth of Backbone Creek, connected to Lakeside Park by a footbridge.
- Cottonwood Shores (south bank): a smaller ramp on the upper lake near Wirtz Dam.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Downtown waterfront. The stretch by the US 281 bridge is the heart of the lake, with parks, restaurants and plenty to see from the water.
Upper lake toward Wirtz Dam. The narrower western end winds between bluffs and is great for an easy cruise.
Keep it relaxed. The lake is narrow, so this is a cruising and tubing lake more than a high-speed one.
Backbone Creek. Paddleboarders and kayakers love the calm creek mouth. Idle through and keep your wake small.
Rentals That Fit Lake Marble Falls
Lake Marble Falls is perfect for a half day or a sunset cruise. A MasterCraft surf boat rental for 12 to 18 people gives your group a comfortable floating hangout, and a pair of Sea-Doo jet skis adds some fun on the open stretches. Add paddleboards and tubes for the calm coves, or book a captained charter and let someone else drive while you enjoy the bluffs. Everything is ready at the lake, and life jackets are available for every guest.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Check the event calendar. The lake hosts a few big powerboat and drag boat race weekends, and the city closes the lake and ramps for them. We will let you know if one falls on your date.
- Combine it with LBJ or Travis. If your group wants a bigger lake, Lake LBJ is just upstream and Lake Travis starts right below Starcke Dam.
- Eat in town. Downtown Marble Falls is a short walk from the parks, which makes lunch or dinner easy.
- Go at sunset. The bluffs glow in the evening light, and the water is often calmest late in the day.
Rules on the Water
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise, and everyone riding wears a life jacket with the safety lanyard clipped to the driver.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket whenever the boat is moving.
- When towing a rider, keep an observer on board watching them, and finish towing by a half hour after sunset.
- Stay clear of Starcke Dam and Wirtz Dam and their restricted zones, and slow down in the narrow, busy stretches near downtown.
More Highland Lakes
Lake LBJ is right upstream, and Lake Travis begins just below Starcke Dam. Farther up the chain, Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan are about 20 minutes north. See every lake we serve on our destinations page.