Boat Docks In Texas: Which Lakes Allow Them?

Texas is a haven for boaters, with hundreds of lakes to choose from. The Gulf Coast is an epic destination for those seeking to explore the lakes for bass and red snapper or enjoy a leisurely sail. Texas is also home to an array of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, with the Gulf of Mexico bordering the coastal region of South Texas. With more than 7,000 lakes in Texas, visitors and locals have a plethora of options to explore by boat. Some of the best lakes in Texas for boating include Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Lake Texoma, and Lake Conroe. These lakes offer crystal clear waters, stunning scenery, and a variety of water sports activities such as fishing, sailing, swimming, and diving.

Lake Austin

Texas is a haven for boaters, with over 7,000 lakes, 15 rivers, and 3,700 streams offering a plethora of aquatic ecosystems to explore. One of these gems is Lake Austin, a premier boating destination with a unique office park. Located near Tom Miller Dam on the west shore, Lake Austin Marina boasts 168 covered boat slips, a ship store, and fuel access. It is the only Certified Clean Texas Marina on the lake, recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

For boat owners, Lake Austin offers a range of options for docking and storage. Lone Star Docks, a renowned company in Austin, specialises in designing, constructing, and remodelling custom boat docks. They offer innovative designs, exceptional workmanship, and top-notch customer service. Their docks are built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and maintenance-free enjoyment.

Lone Star Docks has over two decades of experience in servicing and constructing boat docks on Lake Austin. They offer a range of services, including boat dock repair, lake trams, and boat lift installation. Their expertise extends to crafting intricate multi-level structures or sleek, minimalist designs that complement the natural surroundings.

EZ Dock is another company that provides floating dock systems in Texas. With over 26 years of experience, they construct custom dock floats that are environmentally friendly, flexible, and strong. Their innovative coupling design, made from recycled rubber, ensures slip resistance and maintenance-free enjoyment.

Whether you're a recreational boater or a full-time resident, Lake Austin offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences. With its clear waters, scenic views, and ample docking facilities, it's an ideal destination for those seeking a unique boating experience in Texas.

Lake Travis

With 7,000 lakes in Texas, there are plenty of options for boating enthusiasts to explore. One of the most popular destinations is Lake Travis, located in the Hill Country of Texas. Known for its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and numerous restaurants and bars along its shore, Lake Travis is one of the busiest lakes in the state.

When it comes to boat docks, Lake Travis offers a variety of options. West Beach Marina, for example, provides deep water at boat slips even when the lake is low. They offer gated, modern, and well-maintained docks, with plenty of free lakeside parking close to the boat slips. West Beach Marina also has covered and uncovered slips, as well as PWC ports and boat lifts available for sale or rental to marina members.

Another option for boat docks on Lake Travis is Lone Star Docks, which specialises in building, remodelling, and repairing boat docks and boat lifts on the lake. They have experience dealing with the constant change in water levels on Lake Travis, which presents unique challenges for dock construction. Their standard Lake Travis dock construction includes features such as 100% galvanised framing, encapsulated flotation, telescopic underwater bracing, and cement panel decking.

When choosing a boat dock on Lake Travis, it is important to consider factors such as the marina environment, location, dock configuration for low water levels, availability of water and electricity, security, and boat ramp access. Lake Travis is a large lake, spanning 63 miles, so selecting a boat slip in the area you plan to use the most can save on fuel costs. Additionally, some marinas may have difficulty providing electricity to every dock when they need to be reconfigured due to low water levels.

Lake Conroe

With 7,000 lakes in Texas, it's no surprise that the state is a water-lover's paradise. One of the best spots for boaters and anglers is Lake Conroe, located just north of Houston.

If you own a boat, you'll want to protect your investment with a safe storage solution. Lake Conroe has several marinas offering outdoor boat storage, including Stowaway Marina & RV Park, winner of the 2013 People's Choice Award for Best Marina in Montgomery. Stowaway offers 200 covered, well-maintained boat slips for rent, as well as dry dock storage. Their on-the-water boat storage includes a 10' wide x 30' long covered wet slip with electric, water, and a sling lift system. For those who prefer dry storage, Stowaway also offers a 12' wide x 30' long option.

For those looking to build or repair a dock, Decks on the Lake in Willis provides commercial and residential waterfront construction services. They are fully insured and licensed and can provide plans and designs for any marine structure.

Whether you're looking to store your boat, build a new dock, or just enjoy a day on the water, Lake Conroe has something for everyone. With its convenient location, clear waters, and abundance of fish, it's no wonder that Lake Conroe is one of the top spots for boaters and anglers in Texas.

Lake Buchanan

Texas is home to over 7,000 lakes, and Lake Buchanan is one of the best for boating. Located in Central Texas, Lake Buchanan is known for its clear waters and stunning scenery. The lake is perfect for boaters of all skill levels, as there are plenty of areas to explore and numerous coves to relax in.

Fishing is also very popular at Lake Buchanan. Catches typically include catfish, white, and striped bass. There are several marinas located near the lake, making it easy to find a place to dock your boat. Many private facilities on the lake offer camping, fishing piers, and docks. For details, check the Buchanan/Inks Chamber of Commerce website.

There are five good boat ramps, four on the east side and one on the west side of the lake. Unimproved ramps are available at Cedar Point Recreation Area and Colorado Bend State Park. Colorado Bend offers access for anglers wishing to wade fish for white bass in the upper reaches of the river above Lake Buchanan during the spring spawning run.

Zebra mussels have invaded Lake Buchanan, so it is important to clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, live wells/bait buckets, and other gear before travelling to another water body. Draining water is required by law, and the possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.

Lake Texoma

With over 7,000 lakes in Texas, boaters have a lot of choices. One of the best lakes in Texas for boating is Lake Texoma, which is a densely shaded treeline on a small peninsula that fades into shimmering waters. Lake Texoma is a prime destination for boating enthusiasts, with top-notch boat storage solutions.

Cedar Bayou Marina, a family-run business, is located on the serene shores of Lake Texoma. It offers open and covered slips for 18- to 60-foot vessels and 6,500-pound boat lifts to keep boats dry and clean. The marina is a great leaving-out point for anglers who want to fish for one of the only naturally sustaining striped bass populations in Texas. Cedar Bayou's inlet is protected by gated security, and the marina offers daily, weekly, and monthly wet storage options.

Cedar Mills Marina on Lake Texoma is another excellent option for docking your boat. It is one of the largest marinas on the lake, with over 600 slips and various professional boat services. Cedar Mills is very family-oriented, making it a great place for families to enjoy boating and lake life. The docks have been built with heavy treated wood for added stability, and there is electricity and fresh municipal water on all docks.

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