Highland Lakes Weekend Guide: Central Texas's Best Lake Country

The Highland Lakes are a chain of six reservoirs along the Colorado River west of Austin, forming one of Central Texas's premier outdoor recreation areas. For Round Rock, Georgetown, and Williamson County residents, a Highland Lakes weekend is the accessible escape that doesn't require leaving the state. Here's the guide.

The Highland Lakes Overview

The six lakes — from east to west: Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, Lake Buchanan — were created by a series of Lower Colorado River Authority dams between the 1930s and 1950s. Each has distinct character:

• Lake Travis: The largest, closest to Austin, most developed marina scene. Popular for party boats and wakeboarding. Can be very crowded on summer weekends.
• Lake Marble Falls: Smaller and more intimate, right next to downtown Marble Falls. Good fishing.
• Lake LBJ: Constant level lake (it doesn't fluctuate with rainfall), making it ideal for waterfront properties and consistent recreation. The most popular lake in the chain for regular use.
• Inks Lake: Small, clear, gorgeous. Inks Lake State Park is one of Texas's best state parks. Rock fishing, kayaking, and swimming in gin-clear water.
• Lake Buchanan: The largest in the chain, wilder and less developed. Excellent fishing and birdwatching. Home to the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail.

Best Activities

⛵ Boating and Water Sports

Lake LBJ is the best bet for a consistent on-water experience — the constant level lake means you're not encountering the exposed rock shelves and low-water hazards that plague drought-affected lakes. Kingsland and Granite Shoals have the highest concentration of marinas, boat rentals, and waterfront restaurants. For a more adventurous lake boating experience, Lake Buchanan's wide open water and less crowded conditions appeal to serious boaters.

🏕️ Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is one of Texas's most beloved state parks for good reason. The pink granite terrain, clear water, excellent camping, and manageable size make it ideal for families. Kayaking and canoeing on the calm water, fishing for bass and catfish, rock scrambling, and swimming are all available. The park has full facilities including restrooms and showers. Reservations are required and book quickly — plan 2-4 weeks ahead for weekend reservations, longer during spring and fall peak seasons.

🎣 Fishing

Lake Buchanan produces the largest catches in the chain — striped bass (stripers) are the draw that brings serious anglers from across Texas. Lake LBJ has excellent largemouth bass fishing. Inks Lake has catfish and bass in its rocky structure. Local guide services are available through the Llano and Kingsland areas for structured fishing trips with equipment provided.

Where to Eat: Marble Falls

Marble Falls is the dining and shopping hub for the Highland Lakes region, with a restaurant scene that significantly outperforms expectations for a city its size. The Blue Bonnet Cafe (open since 1929) is legendary for its pies and the Texas diner experience. Local restaurants on the Marble Falls square and surrounding area offer good options for Highland Lakes weekend visitors.