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Lake Georgetown
Lake Georgetown is the closest Hill Country lake for the north Austin suburbs: clear green water, white limestone bluffs and three Corps of Engineers parks with ramps, all on the west edge of Georgetown. It is a fraction of the size of Lake Travis and far less crowded, which makes it a great pick for a relaxed surf or jet ski day.
The lake is about 35 minutes from downtown Austin and only a few minutes from Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander, so it works well for a half day on the water before or after work.
Reserve Your Lake Georgetown 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 Georgetown Quick Facts
| Where | Williamson County, on the west side of Georgetown, about 30 miles north of Austin |
| Nearby towns | Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park and Liberty Hill |
| Size | About 1,300 surface acres |
| River | North Fork of the San Gabriel River |
| Managed by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Water | Clear water framed by limestone cliffs and cedar-covered hills |
| Best for | Half-day surf sessions and jet ski rides close to Austin |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
The Corps of Engineers runs the three main parks on the lake, and each has a boat ramp. Some charge a day-use fee.
- Cedar Breaks Park: on the south shore near the dam, the closest launch to downtown Georgetown.
- Jim Hogg Park: on the north shore, with a ramp, picnic areas and campsites.
- Russell Park: on the north side farther up the lake, usually the quietest of the three.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Run the main basin. The open water toward the dam is the widest and deepest part of the lake, and it is where most surf passes happen.
Tuck into the bluff coves. Coves under the limestone cliffs block the wind and make a good spot to anchor and swim.
Slow down up the lake. The lake narrows and gets shallower toward the river end. Take it easy up there.
Surf before the afternoon. Mornings are calmer and less busy, especially on summer weekends.
Rentals That Fit Lake Georgetown
Lake Georgetown is ideal for a shorter, easy day. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people and turns the open basin into a surf session, and a pair of Sea-Doo jet skis is a fun way to explore the coves. Add tubes, wakeboards and a lily pad, or book a captained charter for a birthday or team outing. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for everyone.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Check the lake level. Lake Georgetown rises and falls with Central Texas rain. In dry years some ramps can be shorter or closed, so check before you go.
- Arrive early on weekends. Corps park lots fill on hot summer days.
- Walk the trail. The Good Water Trail loops around the lake, and Crockett Gardens Falls on the north shore is worth a short hike.
- Bring shade. There is little natural shade on the water, so pack hats, sunscreen 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.
- 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 Lakes Near Austin
Lake Travis and Lake Austin are the big-water options on the west side of Austin, and Lake Belton is about 40 minutes north up I-35. See our Austin boat rentals page, or browse every lake we serve on our destinations page.