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Travis County Parks

Pace Bend Park

Boat Ramp Closed

Boat ramps at this park are currently closed.
LCRA web site:
Public Boat Ramp Information


 Only shoreline boat launch access is currently available. 

Virtual Tours

Take a few minutes to tour Pace Bend Park right from your computer. (Requires RealOne Player Version 6.0 or later.)  

Directions

Pace Bend is approximately 30 miles west of Austin on Lake Travis. From the intersection of RR 620 and Hwy. 71, take Hwy. 71 west 11 miles to RR 2322 (Pace Bend Park Road). Turn right on RR 2322 and travel 4.6 miles to the park entrance

Pace Bend Park Map requires Acrobat Reader to view & print

Pace Bend Park Phone: (512) 264-1482

Hours of Operation

Day use is Sunrise to civil twilight (dark), open 24 hours a day for camping.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are required at Pace Bend Park.

Description

 Pace Bend Park is located in far western Travis County in the Hill Country of central Texas. With more than nine miles of shoreline along scenic Lake Travis, Pace Bend is one of the most popular areas in the Highland Lakes region, offering visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities. The west side of the park features high, limestone cliffs and numerous rocky coves with some of the most impressive views available of Lake Travis, especially at sunset.

Most of Pace Bend Park is easily accessible by vehicle from the seven-mile, paved roadway that loops the park. However, the interior of the park is managed as a wildlife preserve and can be reached by foot, bicycle, or horseback only. Numerous trails lead into the hills and provide excellent views of the lake and the Hill Country. This area serves as home to a large number of whitetail deer, raccoon, fox, ringtail cat, and dozens of bird species.

Acreage:   1,368

Annual Visitors:  350,000

Available Activities

  • boating
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • mountain biking
  • picnicking
  • sailing
  • sunbathing
  • swimming
  • horseback riding

Amenities

  • improved campsites (20) with water, electrical hook-ups, showers
  • restrooms
  • barbecue grills/fire rings
  • boat ramps (2)
  • designated swim coves (no boats)
  • drinking water
  • nature/hiking multiuse primitive trails
  • picnic tables
  • primitive campsites (400+)
  • RV dump station
  • wave runner rental (seasonally, as available)

Camping

Primitive Camping

Primitive campsites with picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and plenty of trees for shade and privacy are scattered along the cliffs and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The east and north sides of Pace Bend offer more gentle, sloping shorelines with sandy and gravel beaches, providing easy access to the lake for families with young children and people with disabilities. Numerous primitive campsites can be found among the oak and mesquite trees and all are within a short walk to the lake. Camping on the beach is also permitted.

Please note that primitive camping permits do not include shower privileges. Waterless toilets are available.

Improved Camping:

Pace Bend offers 20 improved campsites, with water and electrical hook-ups, showers and restrooms. These sites are all located on the east side of the park just above Levi Cove, within easy walking distance to the lake. They feature plenty of shade trees and flat, grassy areas for tent camping. All sites are back-ins only.

Reservations, though not required, are recommended, as improved campsites tend to fill up quickly. For holidays and summer weekends, we suggest that you call us a few weeks in advance to reserve a site. Please note that we charge by the vehicle, not by the site, so that carpooling will save you money. A maximum of two vehicles may occupy a site. Overflow parking is available.  Fee schedule.

In an effort to allow all park visitors to enjoy their stay at Pace Bend, we suggest that all overnight campers arrive by 10 pm and keep vehicle traffic to a minimum after dark. If you have an improved camping reservation and will be arriving after 10 pm, please call the park to let us know. Quiet hours are strictly enforced between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am. All radios and generators must be turned off at this time. Ground fires are permitted, as seasonal conditions allow. However, the cutting or gathering of firewood, including kindling, is prohibited in all Travis County Parks. Firewood may be purchased at the park entrance station (when available) or from local businesses just outside the park.

For reservations, please call 854-7275.

Special Notes

  • Boating is one of the most popular activities at Pace Bend. With two boat ramps in the park -- located at Collier Cove on the west side and Tatum Cove on the east side -- boaters rarely have to wait long to launch. Smaller boats, canoes, and wave runners may also be launched directly off the beach in certain areas, but please be aware that Mudd Cove, Kate' Cove and Gracy Cove are designated for swimming only. Park staff can answer your questions about the best places to launch, as well as recommend good places for fishing directly off the shore.
  • No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.
  • Pay phones are located at the Collier Cove boat ramp and at the park entrance station.
  • Potable water is available opposite the Tatum Cove boat ramp.
  • All pets must be kept under the owner's direct control and attached to a person or fixed object at all times by a leash not to exceed six feet in length, and shall not be left unattended or constitute a nuisance. Noisy, vicious, or dangerous animals are not permitted, as determined on site by park staff.
  • Glass containers and fireworks are prohibited in all Travis County Parks

Nearby Parks


Last Modified: Friday, May 22, 2009 11:31 AM