Call or Text
Buffalo Springs Lake
Buffalo Springs Lake is Lubbock’s lake: a spring-fed lake in a small canyon about 5 miles east of town, with sandy beaches and a recreation area that stays busy all summer. It is small, about 240 acres, but it is the closest real boating lake to Lubbock and a favorite for Texas Tech students and families.
The lake sits inside a gated recreation area with camping, two beaches, trails and a marina, so a lake day here is easy to turn into a whole weekend.
Reserve Your Buffalo Springs 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.
Buffalo Springs Lake Quick Facts
| Where | Lubbock County, about 5 miles east of Lubbock |
| Nearby towns | Lubbock, Ransom Canyon, Slaton and Idalou |
| Size | About 240 surface acres |
| Water | Spring-fed, on the North Fork of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River |
| Managed by | Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 |
| Entry | Gate admission per person, plus a boat or jet ski fee |
| Best for | Short surf sets, jet ski laps and beach days |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
All the ramps are inside the Buffalo Springs Lake recreation area. Pay at the gate on the way in.
- Marina ramp: a four-lane ramp near the marina, about a mile past the gate.
- High Meadow Road ramp: a two-lane ramp just across the bridge on High Meadow Road.
- Old Gate ramp: a two-lane ramp on the north side of the lake, near the campgrounds.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Keep it tight and steady. The lake is small, so short surf passes and tubing loops work best. Take turns with other boats.
Respect the no-wake zone. The west end of the lake is a no-wake area.
Watch the 50-foot rule. Lake rules keep jet skis at least 50 feet from the shore, other boats and other jet skis.
Go early on weekends. Summer weekends get busy. Mornings are the calmest time on the water.
Rentals That Fit Buffalo Springs Lake
Buffalo Springs is all about an easy day close to Lubbock. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people, and one or two Sea-Doo jet skis are perfect for quick laps on a small lake. 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 on board.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Plan for gate fees. Admission is per person, with an extra fee for each boat or jet ski.
- Get off early. Jet skis must be off the water 30 minutes before sunset at Buffalo Springs.
- Leave the glass at home. Glass containers are not allowed anywhere in the recreation area.
- Make it a weekend. Camping is by reservation, and the beaches and trails keep the whole group busy.
Rules on the Water
- Buffalo Springs Lake rules apply: jet skis must be off the water 30 minutes before sunset, and everyone on a jet ski wears a life jacket.
- Jet skis stay at least 50 feet from the shoreline, other boats and other jet skis.
- The west end of the lake is a no-wake zone.
- No glass containers anywhere on lake property.
- 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 West Texas Lakes
Buffalo Springs is the closest boating lake to Lubbock. See our Lubbock boat rentals page for more West Texas options, or browse every lake we serve on our destinations page.