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Lake Travis Guides

Short, practical plans for a day or evening on Lake Travis, the Hill Country reservoir formed by Mansfield Dam on the Colorado River just northwest of Austin. The lake is managed by the LCRA, and its level rises and falls with rain and drought, so the same cove or ramp can look very different from one season to the next.

That is why every guide here starts with today’s reading. Each one pulls in the latest lake level from our water level page, adds a quick note on what that level usually means for ramps and marinas, and links to the spots it mentions on the Lake Depth Map, where you can check depth at the current level before you go.

Pick the plan that fits your day: a first-timer trip out from Austin, a party-boat Saturday with a group, or a sunset evening at the Oasis. Every guide also features a few Local Favorites from our directory of boat rentals, restaurants and lodging on the Austin side of the lake. They rotate daily, so check back for new picks. Conditions change quickly on the water, so confirm hours, ramp access and rentals directly before heading out.

Plan your tripPick a guide

First-timer day trip from AustinWhere to go, what to book and what to check before you drive out from Austin.Read the guide → Party-boat SaturdayCaptained or self-drive, what to bring, the rules, and how to time your Saturday.Read the guide → Sunset evening at the OasisToday’s sunset time, the live view from the Oasis, and how to time your evening.Read the guide →

More ways to plan

• Lake Depth Map: ramps, marinas, rentals, restaurants and lodging, with depth at today’s level.
• Water level history and today’s reading, plus the live webcam.
• Boat ramps, marinas and boat rentals.
• Upcoming Lake Travis events.

New guides are added regularly. Got a favorite lake day you think we should cover? Use the contact link below.