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  • Where to Boat

Where to Boat

Family boating

Boaters in Texas can enjoy more than 150 lakes, 15 rivers and 3,700 streams. These aquatic ecosystems provide recreational opportunities in addition to protecting water quality and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.

Lakes

  • Lakes Finder
  • Community Fishing Lakes
  • Paddling Trails

Rivers & Streams

  • Paddling Rentals in State Parks
  • River Flow Gages
  • Paddling Trails

Bays & Estuaries

  • Coastal Ecosystems of Texas Bays & Estuaries
  • Coastal Access Finder (Texas General Land Office)
  • Paddling Trails

Legal Restrictions

  • Seagrass
  • Buoys & Markers
  • Texas Stream Navigation Law
  • Texas River Authority
Girls kayaking on water body.

Have fun and be safe when on the water or swimming.

Be prepared before heading out to lakes, rivers and coastal bays. Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones while boating, paddling and swimming.

Play Button How to put a life jacket on a kid video still

Keep Kids Water Safe

Texas law requires that children under 13 years of age in or on vessels under 26 feet must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD while underway. Make sure your child's life jacket fits safely by following these easy steps.

Play Button Clean, Drain, Dry Video

Protect the Lakes You Love

Invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels can ruin fishing, boating and swimming for everyone. You can't always tell if a lake is infested with invasive species, and even a small piece left on your boat or gear can infest another lake.

Outdoor Annual online and app

Get the free Outdoor Annual.

Visit outdoorannual.com or get the free app for everything you need to know before you go. The app shows location-based info on hunting seasons and nearby waterbodies, plus the ability to look up current and past license purchases.

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Your contact information is used to deliver requested updates or to access your subscriber preferences. Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian's consent before providing any personal information to the agency.

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Contact Us
(512) 389-4800 or (800) 792-1112

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Texas Parks and Wildlife
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 389-4800
(800) 792-1112
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If a violation is currently in progress,
please call Operation Game Thief
immediately.

TPWD complies with Federal civil rights laws and is committed to providing its programs and services without discrimination. See the TPWD Nondiscrimination Policy.

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