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Lake Austin
Lake Austin is the lake that runs right through the city, a long, narrow stretch of the Colorado River between Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam on Austin’s west side. It feels more like a wide river than a big reservoir, with limestone cliffs, the Pennybacker (Loop 360) Bridge and some of the most impressive lakefront homes in Texas. Because it sits below Lake Travis, the level stays steady almost all year.
Lake Austin is about 20 miles long and only a few hundred yards wide in many places, so it is a lake for cruising, tubing, skiing and surfing in a relaxed, well-mannered way. It is also only minutes from downtown, which makes it the easiest lake day in Austin.
Reserve Your Lake Austin 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 Austin Quick Facts
| Where | Travis County, on Austin’s west side between Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam |
| Nearby areas | Downtown Austin, Westlake, Tarrytown, Steiner Ranch and River Place |
| Size | About 1,600 surface acres, roughly 20 miles long |
| Water level | Nearly constant, fed by releases from Lake Travis |
| Built | Tom Miller Dam, completed in 1940 |
| Managed by | City of Austin, with Tom Miller Dam operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) |
| Best for | Easy city lake days, tubing, skiing and scenic cruises past the 360 Bridge |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Public launches on Lake Austin are run by the City of Austin:
- Walsh Boat Landing: near Tom Miller Dam on the lower lake, the closest ramp to central Austin.
- Loop 360 boat ramp: next to the Pennybacker Bridge, a popular launch for the middle of the lake.
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park: a big city park with a ramp and swimming area on the upper-middle lake.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Keep to the right. Lake Austin is narrow, so boats keep to the right side of the lake, much like a two-lane road.
Under the 360 Bridge. The cliffs and the bridge make this the classic Lake Austin photo stop. Watch the no-wake area near the bridge.
The upper lake. Above Emma Long Park, the lake winds toward Mansfield Dam through quieter, more scenic water.
Short tow runs. With a narrow channel and plenty of traffic, keep tubing and surf runs short and stay aware of boats behind you.
Rentals That Fit Lake Austin
A MasterCraft surf boat rental for 12 to 18 people is the classic way to do Lake Austin, with room for the whole group to cruise, swim and take turns skiing or tubing. Sea-Doo jet ski rentals add fun on most days, but remember the city’s holiday weekend rule below. Our water toys and captained charters round out the day, so nobody has to drive on a busy weekend. Your rentals are ready at the lake, with life jackets available for everyone.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Go on a weekday if you can. Lake Austin gets busy on summer weekends. A weekday morning feels like a private lake.
- Plan around holiday weekends. Jet skis are not allowed on Lake Austin during the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day holiday periods, so book a boat or choose Lake Travis for jet skis on those dates.
- Respect the neighbors. Homes and docks line the shore. Keep music and wakes reasonable close to the banks.
- Combine it with Travis. Want bigger water? Lake Travis is just above Mansfield Dam.
Rules on the Water
- City of Austin rule: jet skis and similar personal watercraft are not allowed on Lake Austin from sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day to sunrise on the Tuesday after, from sunset July 3 to sunrise July 5, and from sunset on the Friday before Labor Day to sunrise on the Tuesday after.
- Boats keep to the right side of the lake, except when picking up a fallen skier.
- Operate at a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, and obey the marked no-wake zones, including the area near the Pennybacker (360) Bridge.
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise, and everyone riding wears a life jacket with the safety lanyard clipped to the driver.
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket whenever the boat is moving, and keep an observer on board when towing a rider.
More Lakes Near Austin
Lake Travis is right above Mansfield Dam and offers much more open water. The Highland Lakes, including Lake Marble Falls and Lake LBJ, are under an hour away, and Canyon Lake is south toward San Antonio. Planning from the city? Start with our Austin boat rentals page, or see every lake on our destinations page.