The Question Everyone Asks: Does Lake Travis Have Water?

If you are planning a trip to Lake Travis, you have probably seen headlines or social media posts about the lake’s water levels. “Lake Travis is drying up.” “Lake Travis is at historic lows.” These stories pop up regularly and understandably cause concern for anyone looking to book a boat rental. So let us set the record straight: yes, Lake Travis has water, and it is almost always boatable.

The confusion stems from the fact that Lake Travis is a flood-control reservoir, not a constant-level lake. Its water levels are managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and fluctuate based on rainfall, inflows, and downstream water releases. This means the lake can look very different from one season to the next or even from one year to the next.

Understanding Lake Travis Water Levels

Lake Travis is measured in feet above mean sea level (MSL). The key numbers to know are:

  • Full pool: 681 feet MSL – This is the lake at maximum conservation storage. When the lake is at full pool, it covers over 18,900 acres and stretches more than 60 miles.
  • Low water mark: Around 630-640 feet MSL – At these levels, the lake is significantly smaller but still very much boatable. Some shallow areas and boat ramps may be affected, but the main body of the lake remains accessible.
  • Historic low: 614 feet MSL, reached during the severe drought of 2011. Even at this extreme low, the lake still had thousands of acres of boatable water.

In most years, Lake Travis levels are sufficient for an excellent boating experience. Our team at Keep Austin Wet Watercraft monitors water levels daily and adjusts operations as needed to ensure every group has a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

How Water Levels Affect Your Boat Rental

At normal to high water levels, you have access to the full lake with all its coves, beaches, and open water areas. At lower water levels, some of the shallower coves may not be accessible, but the main channels and deeper coves are still perfectly navigable. Our captains and team know the lake intimately and will guide you to the best spots regardless of the current level.

The bottom line is this: do not let water level concerns stop you from booking your trip. We operate year-round and have successfully put groups on the water through every kind of lake condition.

Check Current Conditions

Before your trip, you can check current Lake Travis water levels on the LCRA website. You can also call or message our team, and we will give you an honest update on current conditions and what to expect for your rental day.

Book with Confidence

Lake Travis is open and ready for you. Book your boat rental today and choose from our fleet of Tiki Vibes Party Boats, Double Decker Party Boats, Pontoon Party Boats, and Wakesurf Boats. Have questions about current conditions? Contact us or check our FAQ page for more details.