If you’re exploring lake life in Central Texas—whether for a weekend getaway or a future waterfront home—Lake LBJ and Lake Travis often top the list. As two of the most popular lakes in the Hill Country, they offer very different experiences, and knowing how they compare can make all the difference.
Here’s a local breakdown of the most common questions people ask about Lake LBJ and Lake Travis.
Book a Pontoon Boat for a Half-Day on Lake LBJ
Lake LBJ is one of the easiest and most enjoyable lakes for pontoon boating. Because it’s a constant-level lake, water levels stay consistent year-round, making it ideal for half-day rentals and relaxed cruising.
Most visitors choose pontoons for:
- Family outings
- Swimming and floating
- Dock hopping
- Sunset cruises
Half-day rentals are popular, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking in advance is recommended. Many marinas around Horseshoe Bay and Kingsland offer easy dock access and beginner-friendly boats.
Local tip: Lake LBJ’s calmer water makes it especially appealing for first-time boaters.
Lake Travis & Lake LBJ: What’s the Difference?
While they’re often mentioned together, these lakes offer very different lifestyles.
Lake LBJ vs Lake Travis comparison highlighting constant vs variable water levels, boating conditions, waterfront living, and recreational lifestyle differences in Central Texas.
Both lakes are stunning—it really comes down to how you plan to use the lake.
Where to Buy Fishing Gear for Lake Travis & Lake LBJ
Fishing is excellent on both lakes, with bass, catfish, and crappie being local favorites. In addition to big-box sporting goods stores, local tackle shops are often the best resource for lake-specific tips and seasonal conditions.
Popular options nearby include:
- Highland Lakes Tackle (Burnet) – a local favorite for bass gear and live bait
- Mareks Bait House (Kingsland) – well-known for minnows and local fishing insight
- Fishing docks and fuel marinas around Lake LBJ that offer bait and essentials on busy weekends
In Marble Falls / Highland Lakes area:
- Rods, Barrels, & Strings – Local shop with fishing and hunting supplies; good for fishing tackle and related gear.
- Waymore Bait & Tackle – Small tackle and bait shop where you can grab fishing gear and supplies for local lakes.
- WaterTied / WaterTied Outfitters – Outfitters focused on water-oriented activities, fishing gear, and paddle sports equipment in the Hill Country.
Nearby “big box” and specialty gear in Bee Cave / Austin area:
- DICK'S Sporting Goods – Large sporting goods retailer in the Hill Country Galleria with fishing, outdoor and water-sport gear.
- Sportsman's Finest – Outdoor and fishing outfitter with premium fly fishing and gear (also does hunting and firearms).
Local tip: Ask where anglers are having the most success that week — lake conditions change often, especially on Lake Travis.
Stocking up for a day on the water — local tackle shops around Lake Travis and Lake LBJ offer everything from rods and reels to bait and lake-specific gear for bass, catfish, and crappie fishing.
Are There Public Access Points for Swimming at Lake Travis?
Yes—Lake Travis has several public access points for swimming, though availability can depend on water levels.
Popular swimming areas typically include:
- Public parks with lake access
- Designated swimming coves
- Cliffside areas when water levels allow
Popular public swimming areas around Lake Travis include:
- Pace Bend Park – This is one of the top Lake Travis swimming parks thanks to its miles of shoreline and multiple coves to pick your vibe — from quiet spots to more social areas. There’s boat access, beaches to wade from, and shallow spots for easy swim entry. Paddle, float, or just chill with a cooler.
- Bob Wentz Park – Classic Hill Country lake park right on the basin. Sandy-ish shoreline, picnic tables, and designated swim areas make this a great choice for families or folks who want a picnic + swim day.
- Tom Hughes Park – Another solid north-shore swim spot on Lake Travis with a laid-back beach area and lake entry that’s easier on bare feet than some rockier coves.
Other notable public swim spots on Lake Travis that locals love: Mansfield Dam Park (quiet cove for swimming and picnics) and Lakeway City Park (beach access with a more classic city park vibe).
Because Lake Travis is deeper and more expansive, conditions can change quickly. Always check local guidelines and park updates before heading out.
Are There Natural Swimming Spots Near Lake Travis?
While Lake Travis offers excellent public lake access, Central Texas is also home to several iconic swimming spots within driving distance that visitors often pair with a lake weekend.
Popular nearby options include:
- Barton Springs Pool (Austin) – spring-fed, 68°F water, open year-round
- Hamilton Pool Preserve (Dripping Springs) – waterfall grotto with reservation-only access
- Jacob’s Well (Wimberley) – seasonal swimming in a protected artesian spring
- Blue Hole Regional Park (Wimberley) – shaded swimming hole along Cypress Creek
- Deep Eddy Pool (Austin) – historic spring-fed pool near Lady Bird Lake
Local tip: These are not Lake Travis swimming areas, but they’re often favorites for visitors staying in the Hill Country who want to explore beyond the lake.
Hamilton Pool Preserve near Lake Travis — a stunning natural grotto with a seasonal waterfall and emerald-green swimming hole, just a short drive from the Texas Hill Country lakes.
Where to Swim on Lake LBJ?
Because Lake LBJ is a constant-level lake, swimming access tends to be more predictable year-round. Many residents and visitors swim directly from:
- Private docks and waterfront rentals
- Community parks in Horseshoe Bay
- Calm coves ideal for floating and paddle boarding
This consistency is one reason Lake LBJ is especially popular with families and full-time residents.
Is Lake LBJ Connected to Lake Travis?
This is one of the most commonly searched questions—and the answer is yes, technically, but with limitations.
Lake LBJ sits upstream from Lake Travis, and they are connected via the Colorado River system. However:
- You cannot freely boat between the two lakes
- Dams and water-level differences prevent direct navigation
Each lake functions independently when it comes to boating, access, and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Lake for You
Whether you’re booking a pontoon for the day, fishing on the weekend, or dreaming about owning waterfront property, understanding the differences between Lake LBJ and Lake Travis helps you make smarter decisions.
If lake living is on your radar, working with a local expert who understands both lifestyle and logistics can save time—and uncover opportunities most people never see.
Explore more community spotlights and local insights throughout the Lake LBJ and Lake Travis area.
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📞Call or text Brooke LeMond at 512-284-0799
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