Marinas on the Highland Lakes

Contributing Author: Christopher Melton

• The Highland Lakes chain of lakes is home to several marinas, and some of the best include:
  • Thunderbird Lodge Marina
  • Horseshoe Bay Resort and Marina
  • Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina

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On the Colorado River, The Highland Lakes Chain of Lakes is a popular haven for boating and watersports that stretches 21 miles and seven lakes. In the westernmost portion of the Highland Lakes, two of the four lakes have marinas — the most popular being on Lake LBJ and Lake Buchanan. Lake LBJ boasts two marinas on its scenic shore, Horseshoe Bay Resort and Lake LBJ Yacht Club, and one on Lake Buchanan, Thunderbird Lodge. These resorts and marinas offer a world-class experience on the lake that is the perfect vacation getaway!

Lake LBJ

Spanning over 6,500 acres, Lake LBJ offers plenty of space to roam for boating and watersports. Thankfully, the water levels in this lake are constant year-round, which means you can have a good time no matter when you visit! While you’re at Lake LBJ, be sure to visit Horseshoe Bay Resort and LBJ Yacht Club and Marina.

Horseshoe Bay Resort

This premium resort claims awards from over ten publications, including Tripadvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice and AAA’s Four Diamond Award. While you are staying at one of the luxury condos or villas, be sure to check out the exemplary resort amenities. From tennis and pickleball courts to a spa, three pools, wine tastings, and lake tours, Horseshoe Bay Resort is sure to keep you busy! Also, be sure to check out the three award-winning golf courses. Of course, the upscale resort’s marina has plenty to offer as well. For a peaceful lake adventure, the marina offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Additionally, thrill seekers can rent pontoons and ski boats here.

• Location: 200 Hi Circle North Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657
  • Lake LBJ
• Contact: 877-611-0112
• Hours: 10 AM-7 PM, Daily

LBJ Yacht Club and Marina

Family-owned and operated, LBJ Yacht Club and Marina cater to all. But in their own words, it’s “More than just a marina! It’s where families come to play!” Additionally, the marina boasts first-class boat slip rentals. These slips feature boat lifts, free year-round boat launches, day docks, and overnight docking. Furthermore, many of the slips are in a patio style instead of a traditional walkway, and they allow for quality family-time like cooking, fishing, or even camping out. The marina even includes a ship store, fuel dock, boat services, and free pump facilities, providing a worry-free experience. In addition to the slips, the marina also offers boat rentals, and these newer, premium models all have 150 horsepower engines.

• Location: 200 S Wirtz Dam Rd, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
  • Lake LBJ
• Contact: Email: lbjmarina@gmail.com
  • Phone: 830-693-9172
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm

Lake Buchanan

Lake Buchanan is the largest lake in the Texas Highland chain, covering over 22,000 acres! The lake’s size makes it the perfect place for boating and watersports. The long shoreline, running 124 miles, is superb for bank fishing. Thunderbird Lodge is Lake Buchanan’s only marina, providing guests with a suite of amenities and recreational opportunities.

Thunderbird Lodge at Spider Mountain

For outdoor adventure seekers, Thunderbird Lodge provides an ideal escape. Among its amenities, the lodge includes a pool area, fishing opportunities, and hiking/mountain biking trails. In fact, Spider Mountain is one of the nation’s premier mountain biking destinations, and these dirt slopes present an exciting expedition for adrenaline junkies! It also boasts the “only year-round lift-served bike park in the United States.” For lake enthusiasts, the lodge possesses a top-of-the-line marina. The marina offers powerboat, pontoon, paddleboat, and kayak rentals. Uniquely, Thunderbird Lodge is the only place on Lake Buchanan with on-water gas services.

• Location: 200 Greenwood Hills Trail Burnet, Texas 78611
  • Lake Buchanan
• Contact: 512-756-4878
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 am – 4:30 pm
  • Friday-Saturday, 8 am – 7 pm

Now you know the best marinas on the Texas Highlands Chain of Lakes. Whether you’re looking for a resort experience, watersport haven, or outdoor adventure, the Texas Highlands has something for everyone!