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Lake Buchanan
Lake Buchanan is the biggest and highest of the Highland Lakes, a wide stretch of Colorado River water between Burnet and Llano, about an hour northwest of Austin. Its 22,000-plus acres give you a feeling of space you will not find on the busier lakes downstream, with granite points, sandy beaches on the west shore and big Hill Country sunsets.
Buchanan is a water supply lake, so its level moves more than LBJ or Inks. When it is full, it is one of the best surf and tubing lakes in Central Texas; when it is down, the beaches get bigger and the shallow areas need more care.
Reserve Your Buchanan 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 Buchanan Quick Facts
| Where | Burnet and Llano counties, west of Burnet and about an hour northwest of Austin |
| Nearby towns | Burnet, Buchanan Dam, Tow, Kingsland and Llano |
| Size | About 22,300 surface acres with roughly 124 miles of shoreline |
| Depth | Up to about 132 feet near the dam |
| Built | Buchanan Dam was completed in 1938 on the Colorado River |
| Managed by | Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) |
| Best for | Open-water surfing, long cruises and sandy beach stops |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Buchanan has fewer public ramps than its size suggests, so it pays to pick your launch ahead of time.
- Buchanan Dam area (east side): a two-lane ramp near the dam with easy access from Burnet.
- Burnet County Park: public ramps on the east shore.
- Llano County park next to Black Rock Park (west side): a free ramp beside LCRA’s Black Rock Park campground and beach.
- Cedar Point (northwest shore): a quieter ramp toward the upper lake near Tow.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Run the open middle. The main body of the lake is wide and deep, with plenty of room for surf sets and tubing away from other boats.
West-shore beaches. Sandy beaches on the west side are the classic place to anchor, swim and set up the lily pad.
Watch the points when the lake is low. Granite points and shoals sit close to the surface when the level drops. Slow down near shore and follow the deeper water.
Upper lake toward Tow. The northern end narrows into a scenic, quieter stretch that is great for an easy cruise.
Rentals That Fit Lake Buchanan
Buchanan is made for a full surf day. A MasterCraft surf boat rental holds 12 to 18 people and has all the room it needs in the open middle of the lake. Pair it with Sea-Doo jet ski rentals for the riders who want to explore the coves, and bring water toys like tubes, wakeboards and paddleboards for the beaches. A captained charter is a great choice if you want to see the lake without anyone in your group driving. It is all ready at the lake, with life jackets available.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Check the lake level. Buchanan rises and falls with rain and drought. When it is low, beaches grow and shallow spots move, so take it slow near shore.
- Go early for glassy water. Like most big lakes, Buchanan is smoothest in the morning before the wind fills in.
- Bring shade. There is little natural shade on the water. Hats, sunscreen and plenty of water make a long day easier.
- Catch the sunset. The west-facing views over the lake are some of the best in the Hill Country.
Rules on the Water
- 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.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket whenever the boat is moving.
- When towing a rider, keep an observer on board watching them, and finish towing by a half hour after sunset.
- Stay well clear of Buchanan Dam and its marked restricted area.
More Highland Lakes
Just below the dam, Inks Lake stays full almost all year, and Lake LBJ is a short drive south. Keep going downstream to Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis. See every lake we serve on our destinations page.