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Lake Dunlap
Lake Dunlap is the first of the Guadalupe Valley lakes below New Braunfels: a long, narrow river lake lined with tall trees, lake homes and private docks. Its rebuilt dam was finished in 2023 and the lake has been back at its normal level since that fall, so the surf boats, tubes and ski ropes are back on the water. The river shape keeps most of the wind off the surface, and early mornings are often glassy.
The lake sits right off I-35, about half an hour from downtown San Antonio and less than an hour from Austin. That makes it one of the easiest lake days anywhere in the corridor, whether you have a full day or just an afternoon.
Reserve Your Lake Dunlap 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 Dunlap Quick Facts
| Where | Guadalupe County, on the southeast side of New Braunfels |
| Nearby towns | New Braunfels, Seguin, McQueeney and San Marcos |
| Size | Roughly 400 surface acres on a long, winding stretch of the Guadalupe River |
| Water | The Guadalupe River, fed by steady flow from the Comal River and Comal Springs upstream |
| Managed by | Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, with the Lake Dunlap Water Control and Improvement District |
| Lake status | New dam completed in 2023; the lake has held its normal level since fall 2023 |
| Best for | Glassy morning surf sets, slalom skiing and tubing |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Almost all of the shoreline is private, so the meet-up spot is something to settle when you book.
- The I-35 public ramp: the one free public access point on the lake, at the I-35 overpass in New Braunfels. Parking is limited on summer weekends, so get there early.
- Tell us your plans: let us know where your group is starting from and we will confirm the easiest place to meet on the lake.
- Supplies: New Braunfels has food, ice and fuel a few minutes from the water.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Stay in the main channel. The old river channel runs down the middle and holds the deepest water. Keep to it at speed, and slow down near the banks, where docks and shallow spots line the shore.
Surf early. Between the trees and the narrow shape, the wind has little room to build. The first few hours of the day are usually the smoothest water for wakesurfing.
Watch the bends. The lake curves with the river, so you cannot always see far ahead. Keep to the right when passing and take each bend at a sensible speed.
Idle near the ramp and docks. Swimmers and people tied up at docks are common, so drop to idle around them and near the I-35 ramp.
Rentals That Fit Lake Dunlap
Lake Dunlap rewards a smooth, steady boat. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people and throws a clean wave on the calm morning water, and a pair of Sea-Doo jet skis gives the rest of the group something to do between sets. Add tubes, wakeboards and a floating lily pad, or book a captained charter so nobody has to drive. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for everyone.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Book mornings in summer. The water is calmest early, and the I-35 ramp gets busy by late morning on weekends.
- Keep it neighborly. The lake is lined with homes. Keep the music reasonable near docks and idle through the no-wake areas.
- Pack light. A river lake means short runs between stops, so bring a cooler, sunscreen and shade rather than a full day of gear.
- Pair it with the river. New Braunfels is right there for food, tubing on the Comal and an easy evening after the lake.
Rules on the Water
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise. Everyone riding wears a life jacket, and the driver keeps the safety lanyard clipped on.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Life jackets are available for everyone on board, and kids should wear one any time the boat is moving.
- When you tow a rider, keep someone on board watching them the whole time, and wrap up towing before dark.
- Drain all water from the boat, the ballast and your gear before you leave the lake. It is Texas law, and it helps stop the spread of zebra mussels.
More Guadalupe Valley Lakes
Lake McQueeney and Lake Placid are the next two lakes downstream toward Seguin, and Canyon Lake is about half an hour north in the Hill Country. Coming from the city? See our San Antonio boat rentals page, or browse every lake we serve on our destinations page.