Welcoming, vast, and diverse are the words that best describe Texas. Also, the “Lone Star State” is famous for having some of the most beautiful outdoors in the United States. With the Gulf of Mexico, rivers, and lakes, this state is a destination where staying by the water is very popular. Whether it’s near Lake Travis or Galveston Bay, houseboat rentals are a very popular way of staying right on the water. It allows you to have a unique holiday while staying close to town. If you want to experience all these, check out our list of the best houseboats for rent in Texas, USA.
1. Charming houseboat with a patio, Possum Kingdom Lake (from USD 190)
Have a memorable beach getaway when you book a stay in this charming houseboat. This lakefront accommodation offers a cozy living space that is best for couples and families. It is complete with air-conditioning and heating systems for your comfort and on-site parking spaces to provide you with convenience.
Furthermore, you will have access to a well-equipped kitchen and a patio where you can dine and hang out during your stay. There are also rentals available on the marina for you to fully enjoy the beach.
Floating Lakefront Apartment- Relax on vintage houseboat on Possum Kingdom Lake!Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
2. Classic houseboat with modern furnishings on Lake Travis (from USD 125)
It’s clean, it’s nice, and it’s comfortable—these are some of the comments you will usually hear when you ask previous guests. This refurbished houseboat is docked on beautiful Lake Travis, which means you’re going to enjoy a relaxing water view while providing you with plenty of recreational activities including fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Designed to make your stay memorable, this rental’s modern chic design, décor, and furnishings create a cozy vibe all around. A well-equipped kitchen means preparing food won’t be a hassle. It has three beds that can comfortably sleep up to six guests. There’s TV and Wi-Fi access for some indoor entertainment. The furnished roof deck area offers a perfect place to just sit around with a drink on hand while enjoying the calming sights.
Scotch and WaterAustin, Texas, United StatesPremier Host
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
boat was clean and looked exactly like the pictures it's much bigger than it looksRead more reviewsHost:
owner was easy to reach with questionskenny was an awesome host my friends and i had a great stayowner is very nice and deals with any issues on site
3. Spacious and elegant houseboat with hot tub
This four-bedroom houseboat on Lake Travis is the perfect getaway for those who need some relaxation away from the stress of everyday life. With plenty of space to accommodate up to ten people, it’s one of the largest houseboats in the area. The fully renovated houseboat also comes with top-notch amenities such as Roku TV, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth sound systems, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchen to ensure comfort and convenience.
The houseboat’s exteriors, which include a large fully furnished roof deck, are designed to make your stay as relaxing as possible. The seats and tables offer an outdoor eating area so you can enjoy al fresco dining while enjoying the nice views all around. There’s also a hot tub so you can just relax over drinks.
Float in Paradise, 4 bedroom houseboat.Accommodates: 10
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
4. Newly remodelled houseboat with a hot tub, Kemah
This amazing houseboat on Clear Lake in Kemah is like an RV but on water. This relaxing and remodelled houseboat sits in a gorgeous marina that’s also a natural bird sanctuary, so you can spy on different birds from the three private decks. Inside, you will this rental complete with a full kitchen, a marble shower and bathroom, and even flat-screen TVs for entertainment. What’s more, the boat sits on a private man-made island with access to rafts, kayaks, canoes, a barbeque grill, and a hot tub.
Fully equipped 52' HouseboatKemah, Texas, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the back air conditioner worked betterbeautiful houseboat great theaters chairs and tv in living area very comfortablethey’ve thought of toiletries games kitchen amenities and comforthouston can be hot but the a/c was more than adequate to keep the boat coolto really enjoy the experience accept you are on a boat and not in a hotel roomCleanliness:
very well kept and cleansuper clean and extra cozy we will be returningdrake was very accommodating and the place was very cleanthe boat house was well decorated and very cleanthe marina’s pool area and locker room were clean and neatHost:
the hosts are greatdrake is a great hosta great host and neighborshe was an excellent hostdrake is a great host and very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
the location and marina were awesomeclose to all clear lake attractions but far from the hustle and bustlevery close to everything and just beautifulthis was an ideal place to stay and look at sailboats for sale close bycool old houseboat and close to our event on the boardwalk
5. Cosy one-bedroom houseboat, Kemah (from USD 96)
On the blue waters of Clear Lake, this cosy houseboat is the epitome of quaint living. This newly remodelled houseboat features all elements of modern living, including a living room with smart TV, a kitchen equipped with cooking essentials, a large bedroom with a soft bed, and a bathroom. Outside, the front deck has a comfy swing to guzzle down some beers while watching the sunset. The marina, where the boat is docked, has an outdoor charcoal grill for you to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Feel the Harmony with our Cozy HouseboatKemah, Texas, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the boathouse was as perfect as an apartment with all the amenitiesgreat boat nice cozy and charming with all the comforts of homeCleanliness:
everything was clean and well maintainedit was very clean and quietthe houseboat was wonder clean cute and comfortableit was clean and so cutethe space was cleanHost:
the host was very kind and attentivefey is an amazing hostvery helpful hostshost was wonderful and very helpfulvery friendly hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
very unique experiences in a great locationmarina is close to a strip mall with good restaurant options especially the sushi placeit was close to kemah and easy to access local shopping and outlet malls in texas cityit is in a very quiet location and within driving distance of many great restaurants shopping etcpeaceful spot and great location
6. Houseboat equipped with home-like amenities, Austin (from USD 184)
Lake Travis and its stunning waters beckon you to aboard this stunning and relaxing houseboat. This rental has cloud-like beds that can sleep up to five people and comes complete with a full kitchen, a dining table as well as a full bathroom. So you can stay in comfort, guests also get full access to special additions like a living-cum-dining area with a grill. Stretch out on the deck with your cup of coffee or wine glass and enjoy the stunning surrounding scenery.
Lake Travis 3 Bed Houseboat On The WaterAustin, Texas, United StatesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioner worked very wellthere’s no wifi only dvd player so you might want to bring some favorite dvdsthe beds were also super comfythe wifi goes in and out of it is windy so careful of that as wellit was a nice place very enjoyable although would suggest bringing your own fanCleanliness:
it was clean and comfyvery clean cozy house boatit was very cleanit was clean & welcomingclean & well stocked with basicsHost:
friendly neighbors who chatted us up a bitoutstanding host quick to return messagesthank you carl for being a great hosteverything was as described and the boat was easy to locate with the instructions provided by the hostcarl is a great guy and attentive to questions and improving accommodations all the timeRead more reviewsLocation:
super cute place and great locationbest place to visit in summercarl’s place was in the perfect locationthe location is a great jumping off point for many great adventures around lake travisgreat place to get away and relax with friends
7. Rare yacht perfect for couples, Austin (from USD 235)
If you want a quiet getaway near Austin, then this stationary yacht in a marina on Colorado River in Lakeway is perfect. Armed with drop-dead gorgeous views, this climate-controlled yacht is ideal for renting in any season. You will find everything here, from kitchen essentials and memory-foam beds to smart TVs with Amazon Prime, Netflix, and other local channels. The best part? You will stay in this 52 Midnight Lace Express Cruiser, a rare yacht that is one of the only three in the world.
Yachty romance and water fun!Austin, Texas, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great wi-fi alsoi had an amazing experience on the yacht the a/c kept the place cool on the 100 degree dayswith that said the inside of the yacht still felt roomy and comfortableCleanliness:
the space is clean tastefully decorated well furnished with many amenitiesHost:
victoria is an amazing hostvictoria was an outstanding host she was very welcoming and accommodatingvictoria and rick were amazing hosts they were so kind and helpfulrick greeted us upon arrival and was very welcoming and informativethe hosts are sweet charming and caringRead more reviewsLocation:
great place and quiet locationwhat an amazing boat the perfect location for a relaxing getawayperfect location with great water access and beautiful sunsetswhat a wonderful and unique place to staythis trip was amazing the location was great and private and their hospitality was spot on
8. Tranquil houseboat equipped with a modern bathroom, Pottsboro (from USD 278)
Just a little north of Pottsboro at a cute little marina on Lake Texoma, this vintage-looking houseboat awaits your arrival. There’s a lot to love about this stationary houseboat, from soft beds and a full kitchen to a modern bathroom and a lounge space. Other modern amenities include air-conditioning, heater, outdoor shower, and gas grill for a comfortable stay. While here, you can also access the private dock.
Peaceful Houseboat StayPottsboro, Texas, United StatesAccommodates: 6
9. Beautiful houseboat with a fully equipped dock, Lake Travis (from USD 300)
Tucked into a private Lake Travis dock is this striking houseboat overlooking Texas Hill Country. There’s a fully equipped kitchen onboard where you can prepare meals to your liking anytime. Four beds can sleep up to eight people, while the bathroom with hot and cold water and bath means you don’t have to rough it. The highlight is its deck where you can kick back with a cold one. Besides paddleboards and kayaks, the property even has a fully equipped dock for fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Travis Houseboat ParadiseAustin, Texas, United States
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were very comfortableCleanliness:
the boat house was clean and beautiful we had a blast while we were thereHost:
enjoyed fishing and owner had better equipment than usabsolutely gorgeous lake owners were very helpful and graciousthe owners were great and very easy to work withthe owners are great people who truly want you to have a great experiencethe owners had fresh bait and fishing rods ready to go for youRead more reviewsLocation:
this was a perfect place for a relaxing mini vacation for the whole family - young and old
10. Double-decker houseboat on Lake Waco
Get your groove on while aboard this fun houseboat at Lake Waco Marina in Waco. Whether you want to spend quality with family or simply get away from the city, this is perfect for you. This amazing houseboat, which can accommodate seven guests, provides a more comfortable “camping” experience. This double-decker house sits at the quieter end of the marina and is just 10 to 15 minutes from Waco downtown. You will find Wi-Fi, a TV, toys and books, and a barbeque on the houseboat. There’s even a full kitchen and bathroom which means you don’t have to worry about roughing it. There’s also a nearby restaurant that plays live music on weekends!
Lake Waco Marina Houseboat as seen on Fixer UpperWaco, Texas, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were comfortable with great views throughoutthe beds were super comfortable brett was very helpfulCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablethe houseboat was perfectly cleanthe place was clean and there was plenty of room for 6 people to hang out and sleepit was very spacious and comfortableHost:
brett is a great host and was great with responsesbrett was very responsivethis place is remarkable brett is an awesome host who is very responsivebrett is very responsive to his messages and a fantastic hostgreat place to stay brett was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
relaxing environment close to downtown wacowe had a great time so close to downtownwhat a fixer upper great location with private access to the housewonderful relaxing place to staythis is a great place to stay
11. Two-level luxury houseboat with walk-in showers, Austin
You might have too many options for houseboats on Lake Travis, but you should definitely look at this luxurious two-level houseboat that feels like a five-star hotel floating on the water. The boat features 4 bedrooms that can sleep up to 10 people, so it’s the ideal rental for a large group of friends or family. The two walk-in showers and full kitchen makes staying here all the more comfortable, while the eight-person hot tub on the upper deck is the perfect place to relax. For some enthralling fun, put on some music on the sound system and zip down the water slide right onto the lake.
Dockside 4 bedroom Houseboat on Lake TravisAustin, Texas, United StatesTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
inside was very clean well taken care of and looked greatHost:
douglas and brendan were great hosts and friendlythe host was easy to get a hold of and responded very quicklythe dad and son duo were fantastic douglas and brendan were very hospitable knowledgeable and on pointRead more reviewsLocation:
other than that it was a great place to stay for the weekend
12. Houseboat with spectacular Galveston Bay views
If you’re vacationing with six people in Galveston, then this houseboat with sweeping views of the bay is perfect for you. With two bathrooms and lovely shaded decks, you have everything you want to spend a nice time chilling with your friends or family. While it doesn’t have a kitchen, Galveston downtown and its shopping, dining, and entertainment is hardly a five-minute walk. Moreover, the houseboat even has a DVD player and TV to keep you entertained during your stay here.
Galveston Boat with a View of Galveston BayGalveston, Texas, United StatesTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the location is great the boat clean and the sunsets beautifulHost:
our host was greatkristan is a great host as wellthe host is outstanding very nice and accommodating very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to get away and experience something new
13. Upscale houseboat with a full kitchen, Cypress Creek Arm
Located on Cypress Creek Arm just outside Austin, this 55-feet (16.7 metres) houseboat is the perfect overwater accommodation. The capacious, two-storey boat features a carpeted porch, a staircase, limestone countertops, and dark hardwood floors. The rental’s interior features a combination of Indian, Moroccan, and Mediterranean styles. It also comes with modern additions such as plush beds, bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The best part? This houseboat offers two camping hammocks for sleeping under the stars.
Houseboat-Yacht Nestled In A Lake Travis Cove - HBCypress Creek Arm, Texas, United StatesAccommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Host:
host is kind and generousamazing unique stay host is helpful and nicethe host was very nice we appriciate his afford for making it specialhouseboat is very lively and the host makes sure to accommodate you with beautiful details like candlesRead more reviewsLocation:
this place has an amazing location and is great for a quick weekend getawayi love this place sunset and sunrise
Other boat accommodations in Texas
14. Luxury yacht with a covered deck, Hudson Bend (from USD 175)
Take a break from stress and book a stay at this luxury yacht. It features a covered deck with space for outdoor dining and a grill where you can cook barbecues and enjoy delightful meals while enjoying stunning views of the lake. Additionally, inside the yacht is a kitchen equipped with modern appliances that allow you to create tasty dishes. There is also a cozy living area where you can watch your favorite movies.
Air conditioning is also provided to keep you cool on sunny days, as well as heating systems to keep you warm on chilly nights. Plus, you will have access to high-speed internet, which is convenient for those working remotely.
Stress Relief - Luxury YachtAccommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Terrific river and lake houseboats in Texas
The lakes and rivers make up a huge part of the great outdoors of Texas. So why not spice up your vacation by adding a houseboat to the itinerary? Choose from one of these amazing houseboats in Texas, USA, to make your trip here even more memorable.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×