Boating on Lake LBJ

Year-Round Access: The Real Advantage

The near-constant pool elevation on Lake LBJ means boat access is consistent across all 12 months. In January, your dock sits at the same height relative to the water as it did in July. The boat lift works. The ramp is accessible. This sounds basic but it is a genuine quality-of-life differentiator for buyers who have experience with fluctuating lakes where March means driving to the ramp to find the launch point six feet above the waterline and October means your dock is grounded in a shallow cove.

Lake LBJ's 60 miles of shoreline and 6,534 acres provide a full boating experience with genuine open water. The lake is wide enough in the main sections near Horseshoe Bay for ski boats and wake boats to run at speed without constantly navigating around other traffic. The upper lake near Kingsland and the Llano River arm provides calmer, more scenic water for pontoons, kayaks, and anglers.

Marinas and Fuel

Horseshoe Bay Resort operates the primary marina on the south shore, with covered slips, transient dock space, fuel, and service available to resort members and slip holders. The Horseshoe Bay Marina is the most complete marina facility on the lake with full service, storage, and amenities. Kingsland has boat ramp access and a smaller marina presence serving the upper lake area. Granite Shoals, with its 19 public parks and boat ramps, provides multiple public launch options on the Burnet County side of the lake. Sunrise Beach and Highland Haven have smaller community ramp facilities.

Zebra Mussel Compliance

Lake LBJ is an infested water body under Texas law, meaning zebra mussels have been confirmed in the reservoir. Before leaving Lake LBJ with any watercraft, trailer, or water-containing equipment, Texas law requires:

• Clean — remove all visible plants, animals, and mud from equipment and hull
• Drain — pull drain plugs and allow all water to drain from bilge, livewells, bait buckets, and any other water-containing compartments before leaving
• Dry — allow all surfaces to dry before launching in another water body

Possession and transport of living zebra mussels is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, carrying fines up to $500. TPWD wardens conduct boat check stations at ramps on infested lakes and can issue citations for non-compliance. Keep the drain plug out while in tow — Texas law requires it, and it is visible to inspectors.

Texas Boating Laws

Texas requires boat registration for motorized vessels. Operators born after September 1, 1993 must complete a boating safety course and carry their Boater Education Certificate. Texas BWI (boating while intoxicated) mirrors DWI law — 0.08% BAC is the legal limit, with enhanced penalties for higher BAC levels and accidents involving injury. Life jackets must be available for every person on board; children under 13 must wear a properly fitting life jacket at all times. Navigation lights are required for operation after sunset.

LCRA and local law enforcement jointly manage on-water enforcement on Lake LBJ. No-wake zones exist in marina areas, near boat ramps, in certain cove areas, and within 150 feet of swimmers, docks, and structures. Event-specific restrictions may be posted during Horseshoe Bay Resort's organized water events — confirm with LCRA or the marina before peak holiday weekends.

Hydrilla Navigation Considerations

Active hydrilla growth in some Lake LBJ coves creates navigation hazards for boats with lower motor mounts. Dense hydrilla mats can wrap around propellers, overheat motors, and make certain cove areas effectively un-navigable for outboard-powered boats during peak growth seasons. Electric trolling motors and kayaks are less affected. If you plan to use a specific cove regularly, ask local marinas or fishing guides about current hydrilla conditions in that specific area before assuming open-water navigation is possible.