Lake Travis is a popular lake for sailing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing and swimming.

The longest of the 6 Highland Lakes, Lake Travis winds its way northwest through the central Texas Hill Country for over 60 miles down into the outskirts of Austin.    Lake Travis is 4.5 miles wide at the widest point and has 270 miles of shoreline.  It was impounded in 1942.

Lake Travis is ideal for all types of boating.

There is a lot of open space around Lake Travis and a few ranches and four communities around the shores of Lake Travis.   On the south side of Lake Travis, closer to Austin, on Highway 620 is the Golfing community of Lakeway.  Volente Village is also on the south side of lake Travis.

Two communities are on the north side of Lake Travis: Lago Vista, another Golfing community, and Jonestown.  Both of these communities are on Highway 1431.

On the northwest side of Lake Travis is the community of Briarcliff.   It is directly across the lake from Lago Vista.  It can be reached by taking Hwy 2322 east from Highway 71.

Lakeway Entrance on Hwy 620

If you are looking for a golfing community or a nice lakeside city to retire in, Lakeway and Lago Vista are both worth considering.  Either of the two communities are an easy drive to Austin for shopping and entertainment.  

The rolling hills of the central Texas Hill Country offers fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding hills from both Lakeway and Lago Vista.  The sailboats on Lake Travis add to the beauty of the lake.

Condos in Lakeway with lake view

There are many nice homes, condos and building lots in the communities around Lake Travis that offer outstanding views of the lake and the hill country.

If you are looking for a lake for boating, swimming and fishing you will like Lake Travis. This popular lake is close enough to Austin that it attracts a lot of boaters in the area.

CAUTION:  For a caution about some dangers of Lake Travis boating, click here.  Lake Travis is not a constant level lake and when the water is lower, there can be water hazards that you need to be aware of.

 
You will see all kinds of boats on Lake Travis.

The Joseph J. Mansfield Dam to the northwest of Austin was finished in 1941 to form Lake Travis.

Until recently the dam was part of Hwy 620 and traffic drove over the top of the dam.  A large bridge has now been built to route the traffic on Hwy 620 down below the dam.

For Lake Travis lake level and weather forecast - Click Here

Photo taken from below the dam

For a real treat on Lake Travis you can rent a waterfront lake house and experience lake life at its best.

Services Available around Lake Travis:

Point Venture Lake House
This like-new, 4 bedroom, 2 bath vacation home is located in popular Point Venture at Lake Travis with lots of amenities.  Spa on the patio, large covered deck. Community amenities include: large waterfront park, golf course and driving range, community pool, weight room, and more.

White Owl Retreat - Cabin on Lake Travis
This charming cabin is located on 5 beautiful waterfront acres on Lake Travis.  This recently, completely renovated cabin has a large covered back porch with a view of the lake, a fireplace and more.  Enjoy nature at its best at this delightful cabin.

Lake Travis Hideaway Lake House
Over 250 feet of some of the best waterfront on Lake Travis.  It has a boat dock / fishing pier, swimming platform, boat launch, nature trails, one acre of waterfront property, and more.  Large covered porch with lake view.  Will sleep up to 6 in beds.

Lago Vista Golf Club
Lago Vista Golf Club combines breath-taking scenery with incredible golf.  This par 72 18-hole championship golf course designed by architect David Bennett, offers over 6500 yards of challenging play.  Lago Vista sits peacefully on the North shore of Lake Travis and has been a premier golf resort for over twenty years.

Lakeway Golf Club
The Lakeway Golf Club is located in Lakeway near Lake Travis.  They have two 18 hole courses: the Live Oak and the Yaupon.  They are located approximately 3 miles apart, each with snack bar and grill areas available.

Point Venture Golf Course
The Point Venture nine hole golf course is open to the public. It features a practice putting green, driving range and pro shop.

Spillar Boat Docks - Spicewood, TX - near Austin
If you are looking for a floating dock, deck, boat lifts and personal watercraft lifts, Spillar Boat Docks is the place to call.  Their family operated business has been building boat docks since 1945 in the Highland Lakes area.

Windy Point Park
Go to this web page to see all of the available services at this park on Lake Travis.  You will find information on jet ski rentals, scuba diving, camp and picnics, a map to the park and more.

LCRA Parks on Lake Travis:
  Arkansas Bend
  Bob Wentz at Windy Point
  Cypress Creek
  Hippie Hollow
  Pace Bend
  Sandy Creek

Texas Parks and Wildlife Lake Travis Web Page

For Hotel Reservations in Austin - Click Here