Lake Lyndon B. Johnson Marble Falls Open Water Swimming

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (Lake LBJ) is a constant-level reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country, located between Marble Falls and Kingsland. Unlike other Highland Lakes, Lake LBJ maintains a relatively stable water level year-round due to its position between two hydroelectric dams, making shoreline access and swimming conditions more consistent. The lake features numerous coves and protected swimming areas along its 90 miles of shoreline. Multiple parks provide public access including Swimming Beach Park in Kingsland and various Travis County parks. Most public access areas include basic facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas. The lake’s protected coves make it popular for families and recreational swimmers seeking calmer water compared to wind-exposed Lake Travis.

Lake LBJ participates in the Tex Robertson Highland Lakes Challenge organized by Winning Isn’t Normal Events, featuring 1-mile and 2-mile open water swim options as part of the multi-lake series held each October. The Highland Lakes Challenge explores different Highland Lakes over several days, showcasing the variety of swimming venues in the Texas Hill Country. The Austin Triathlon Club (https://www.austintriclub.org/) provides connections to the broader Hill Country swimming community. Lake LBJ’s numerous coves offer opportunities for exploratory swimming and training in varying conditions.

Water quality monitoring is conducted by regional authorities, with results available through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and local health departments. The lake’s constant level and flow-through nature generally support good water quality. Swimmers should check for any harmful algal bloom advisories during warm summer months. Water temperatures during swimming season typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The protected coves can experience warmer temperatures than the main channel. Swimming is unsupervised with no lifeguards on duty at most locations. Boat traffic can be significant on weekends and holidays, so swimmers should stay aware of their surroundings and remain visible. Consider checking current lake conditions and weather forecasts before swimming.