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Lake Placid
Lake Placid is the smallest and easiest to reach of the Guadalupe Valley lakes near Seguin. I-10 crosses right over it, and the public ramp sits under the bridge. A new dam was finished in early 2026, the lake began refilling that February, and boats are back on the water after years of low levels.
It is about 35 minutes east of San Antonio and an easy stop for anyone driving between San Antonio and Houston. For a short lake day, a family afternoon or a first try at wakesurfing, it is hard to beat for convenience.
Reserve Your Lake Placid 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 Placid Quick Facts
| Where | Guadalupe County, on the west side of Seguin where I-10 crosses the Guadalupe River |
| Nearby towns | Seguin, McQueeney, New Braunfels and San Antonio |
| Size | About 200 surface acres |
| Public ramp | Free four-lane Texas Parks and Wildlife ramp under the I-10 bridge |
| Managed by | Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, with the Lake Placid Water Control and Improvement District |
| Lake status | New dam finished in early 2026; refilling began in February 2026 |
| Best for | Short lake days, tubing and learning to surf |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Lake Placid has the best public access of the three valley lakes.
- TPWD ramp under I-10: a free four-lane ramp a couple of miles west of Seguin, operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife. It is the main public launch and the easiest place to meet.
- Arrive early on weekends: the parking area fills on summer weekends and holidays.
- Supplies: food, ice and fuel are only a few minutes away in Seguin.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Head away from the bridge. The water right around the I-10 bridge and the ramp is busy. Idle out, then pick up speed once you are clear of the launch area.
Use the open water. The widest part of the lake gives you room for surf passes and tubing loops.
Keep to the channel. Like the other river lakes, the deepest water follows the old channel. Slow down near the banks and docks.
Go easy after the refill. The lake was low for years, so stay in water you know and watch for anything new near shore.
Rentals That Fit Lake Placid
On a lake this size, simple works best. A MasterCraft surf boat rental carries 12 to 18 people for surfing, skiing and tubing, and one or two Sea-Doo jet skis are perfect for quick laps. Bring along tubes, boards and a floating lily pad, or add a captain if your group would rather relax. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for all ages.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Plan a half day. The lake is small, so a four-hour block is often plenty, with time left for lunch in Seguin.
- Beat the crowd. Weekday mornings are quiet. Holiday weekends at the I-10 ramp are not.
- Mind the neighbors. Lake homes line much of the shore, so keep wakes and music down near docks.
- Make it a road-trip stop. Driving I-10 between San Antonio and Houston? A morning on Lake Placid breaks up the drive.
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 is just upstream, and Lake Dunlap is a few miles beyond it near New Braunfels. For a bigger lake, Canyon Lake is about 40 minutes away. See our San Antonio boat rentals and Houston boat rentals pages, or every lake on our destinations page.