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Lake Brownwood
Lake Brownwood is the big lake of west-central Texas, with about 7,300 acres of water, rocky points and a historic state park on its shore. It has been a summer gathering spot since the 1930s, and on a calm day the open water is a great place for surf sets and long jet ski runs.
The lake is about 15 minutes north of Brownwood, a little over two hours from Fort Worth and about two and a half hours from Austin. It is a natural weekend lake, with cabins, campsites and lake rentals all around it.
Reserve Your Lake Brownwood 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 Brownwood Quick Facts
| Where | Brown County, north of the city of Brownwood |
| Nearby towns | Brownwood, Early, Bangs and Lake Brownwood |
| Size | About 7,300 surface acres |
| Water | Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek |
| Managed by | Brown County Water Improvement District No. 1 |
| Since | 1933 |
| Parks | Lake Brownwood State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s |
| Best for | Open-water surf sets, jet ski runs and lake weekends |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
There are public and private ramps and several marinas around the lake. These are the easiest places to start:
- Lake Brownwood State Park: ramps, a fishing pier, cabins and campsites. The park charges an entry fee.
- Marinas around the lake: several marinas have launches, fuel and supplies, and some have places to eat.
- Public ramps: additional ramps are spread around the shoreline for easy access from Brownwood and Early.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Use the main lake. The broad main body of the lake has the most room for surf passes and tubing loops.
Find shelter from the wind. West Texas wind can pick up in the afternoon. Coves behind rocky points give you smoother water.
Watch the shoreline. Rocky points and shallow flats show up when the lake drops. Slow down near shore.
Go early in summer. Mornings are cooler, calmer and the best time for surfing.
Rentals That Fit Lake Brownwood
Lake Brownwood has room to spread out. A MasterCraft surf boat rental carries 12 to 18 people and throws a great wave in the sheltered coves, and a couple of Sea-Doo jet skis are perfect for exploring the shoreline. Add tubes, wakeboards and a lily pad, or book a captained charter for a family reunion or company outing. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for everyone on board.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Book a weekend. The lake is a drive from the big cities, so a cabin or campsite makes the trip worth it.
- Visit the state park. The CCC-built stone buildings at Lake Brownwood State Park are worth a stop even if you launch somewhere else.
- Plan for the wind. Save open-water crossings for the morning and tuck into a cove when it picks up.
- Bring plenty of water. Central Texas summers are hot. Pack extra water, shade and sunscreen.
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.
- Zebra mussels are in this lake. 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 Central Texas Lakes
Possum Kingdom Lake and Lake Granbury are the closest big lakes toward Fort Worth, and Lake Buchanan leads into the Highland Lakes to the south. See every lake we serve on our destinations page.