Call or Text
Lake Somerville
Lake Somerville is a big, open lake in the rolling country between Austin and Houston, with more than 11,000 acres of water, wooded shoreline and two units of Lake Somerville State Park. It is a favorite for families from Brenham, College Station and Houston, and there is room for long jet ski runs, surf sessions and tubing all at once.
The lake is about 20 minutes north of Brenham, roughly 40 minutes from College Station, and about an hour and a half from both Houston and Austin. A lot of groups camp at the state park or rent a place nearby and make a weekend of it.
Reserve Your Lake Somerville 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 Somerville Quick Facts
| Where | Burleson, Lee and Washington counties, next to the town of Somerville |
| Nearby towns | Somerville, Brenham, Caldwell, Giddings and College Station |
| Size | About 11,460 surface acres |
| Water | Yegua Creek, a tributary of the Brazos River |
| Managed by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Parks | Lake Somerville State Park (Birch Creek and Nails Creek units) plus several Corps parks |
| Best for | Big open-water runs, tubing and group weekends |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
There are ramps all the way around the lake. These are the ones most groups use:
- Corps parks near the dam: several parks close to the town of Somerville have ramps, parking and day-use areas.
- Birch Creek Unit, Lake Somerville State Park: on the north shore, with ramps, campsites and a swim area.
- Nails Creek Unit, Lake Somerville State Park: on the quieter west end of the lake.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Use the open middle. The main lake is wide and open, with plenty of room for long jet ski runs and tubing loops.
Watch for stumps and flats. Parts of the lake, especially the upper end and the creek arms, are shallow and have standing timber. Cruise those areas slowly or stay out of them.
Find a calm cove for surfing. The open water can get choppy when the wind picks up. A cove on the downwind side gives you a cleaner wave.
Plan around the wind. Mornings are usually the calmest part of the day on a lake this open.
Rentals That Fit Lake Somerville
Lake Somerville has room for the whole crew. A MasterCraft surf boat rental carries 12 to 18 people, and two or three Sea-Doo jet skis make the most of the open water. Add tubes, wakeboards and a floating lily pad for the coves, or book a captained charter if nobody wants to drive. Everything is ready at the lake, and life jackets are available for everyone on board.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Make it a weekend. State park campsites and nearby rentals make Somerville an easy two-day trip from Houston or Austin.
- Pick a meeting spot. The lake is big. Agree on a cove or park before the boat and the jet skis split up.
- Ride the trailway. The Lake Somerville State Park Trailway connects the two park units if anyone wants a break from the water.
- Bring the essentials. Stores are limited near some parks, so bring ice, food and plenty of water.
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 Lakes Between Austin and Houston
Lake Conroe is the closest big lake on the Houston side, and Lake Livingston is a bit farther northeast. On the Austin side, Lake Travis and Lake Georgetown are both about 90 minutes away. See our Houston and Austin boat rental pages, or every lake on our destinations page.