Lake Buchanan

Lake Buchanan is a reservoir in the Texas Highland Lakes of Texas, covering roughly 9,036 hectares of water. The shoreline runs through Burnet and Llano Counties, while the deepest point sits about 40 meters (132 feet) below the surface.

Work on Buchanan Dam began in 1931, halted, then restarted in 1935 before finishing in 1939. The completed structure created the reservoir to supply water to the growing settlements across the region.

The name honors Texas Congressman James P. Buchanan, who supported the dam project that created this body of water. Today, anglers line the shores while boaters explore its wide expanse, using it for recreation and water sports.

Five concrete ramps provide access to the water, with four on the eastern shore and one on the western shore. Visitors bringing boats will find different launch points and docking areas along the coast.

The severe drought of 2011 lowered water levels enough to reveal remnants of the original town of Bluffton. The settlement had been flooded before the dam was built and lay hidden beneath the surface for decades.

Location: Texas

Elevation above the sea: 310 m

Part of: Texas Highland Lakes

GPS coordinates: 30.75183,-98.41867

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28