Burn Ban for Parks
Travis County is currently under a burn ban. Please refer to the Travis County fire marshal webpage for more information: Burn Ban All wood burning fires are prohibited during this time. You are allowed to use our covered grills but only charcoal is allowed. You are also welcome to bring your own charcoal or propane grill if it is elevated off the ground and has a fully closing lid. Use of established ground fire rings is prohibited.
Improved & Primitive Camping Booked Dates.
Improved: All weekend dates in Nov., Dec. 13-15 North Gracy: Sites available Taylor: Sites available Kate & Johnson: Sites available
Accepting CASH only
Park Entry and Amenity fees can only be paid with by CASH. We are unable to accept credit cards or any other form of payment at this time. Thank you.
Pace Bend Boat Ramp Status
2 Pace bend boat ramps are closed due to low lake levels, however we are allowing launching from the Tournament Point ramp.
Lake Water Quality
The LCRA and Travis County Parks continue to strongly encourage people to avoid contact with alga and to keep their dogs from ingesting or playing in algae in Lake Travis or Lake Austin. Click on "Lake Water Quailty" to visit LCRA website for more information.
Camping reservations requests
Reservations are open through February 2nd. The remainder of February reservation requests will be available on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. *NOTICE* New campsite fees will take effect January 1, 2025. All Improved sites will charge $30 per site per night regardless of RV or Tent camping. The Day Use fee will still apply in addition to the campsite fee.
TC Parks Foundation Merchandise
There is still time to explore exclusive TCP Foundation merchandise and support your Travis County parks. Visit the online store here.
Tournament Point Day Use Only
The area known as Tournament Point on the east (or The Flats) is Day Use Only. No camping will be permitted, read more information.
Pace Bend Park is popular for camping on the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis, swimming on a beach, boating, and exploring the Hill Country beauty with miles of hike, bike, and equestrian trails.
Address
2805 Pace Bend Road North
Spicewood, TX 78669
View Map
Park Hours
Every day
Sunrise to civil twilight
Park closes to new entries
an hour before civil twilight
Today's sunrise is 07:11 am and civil twilight is 05:56 pm)
Boat Ramp Hours
Every day
Collier ramp - open 24 Hours
Tatum ramp – 8am – civil twilight
Tournament Point – 8am – civil twilight
Today's sunrise is 07:11 am and civil twilight is 05:56 pm)
LCRA Boat Ramp Status
Fees
Acreage
1,368 acres
Activities and Amenities
Barbecue grills
Fire rings
Boat ramps (3)
Fishing
Improved campsites (20)*
Out-house style toilets
Picnic tables
Designated swim coves
RV dump station
Unpaved multi-use trails
*Reservations recommended
Know Before You Go
Activities
While the park provides access to the listed activities, Travis County Parks does not provide any equipment.
Primitive Camping
Primitive camping is limited while park staff rehabilitate and designate campsites in the park’s West coves, most of which are closed for construction. As each cove’s campground is completed, they will reopen for camping. Reservations are highly recommended.
Currently the Kate and Johnson cove and North Gracy campgrounds are open. Kate and Johnson has 30 primitive campsites, nestled in a shady Post Oak grove, while North Gracy has 15 primitive campsites and beautiful cliffside views of the lake, both are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent camping is allowed only at designated campsites. RV’s are not allowed at these sites, as they are not developed for them. A maximum of 2 vehicles may occupy a site and must park in designated parking. Each site has a maximum occupancy of 8 people. Groups larger than this will need to use more than one campsite. Water and electricity are not available in the area. Pit toilets are available. This area is for permitted campers and their guests only. All campers must register for campsites at the entrance station. If coming in after hours, please check-in at the entrance station on the following day.
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 are highly recommended.
Parking is available on site. A maximum of two vehicles may occupy a site.
Quiet Hours
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 10:00 pm and 7:00 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.
Boating and Swimming
Boating is one of the most popular activities at Pace Bend. With two main 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 and canoes may be launched directly off the beach in certain areas; however, the launching of any motorized watercraft from a beach area is prohibited. Motorized watercraft must be launched and retrieved from the two improved ramps. Park staff can answer your questions about the best places to launch, as well as recommend good places for fishing directly off the shore.
Please be aware that Mudd Cove, Kate's Cove and Gracy Cove are designated for swimming only. No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.
Due to low lake levels both Collier and Tatum boat ramps are temporarily closed.
Potable water is available opposite the Tatum Cove boat ramp.
Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels have been found along the shoreline of our lake parks. Swimmers and others seeking water-based recreation should exercise caution when in or near the water.
Fees
We accept cash but do not accept credit or debit cards at the entrance booth.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Day Use | $5 per Person |
| Day Use for Seniors (62 years and older) | $3 per Person |
| Day Use for Children (12 years and younger) | No Charge |
| Trailer Parking Fee (No Charge to Seniors or Disabled Veterans) | $7 per Trailer per Day |
| Day Use for Disabled Veteran (50%+ disabled) | No Charge |
2 vehicle/8 person limit per site. One charge per site per night, in addition to Day Use Entry fees.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Improved Camping (Advance Reservation Recommended) | $30 per Site per Night |
| Improved Primitive Camping (Advance Reservation Recommended) | $15 per Site per Night |
For more information, please contact the Parks’ Main Office at 512-854-PARK.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Requiring a License Agreement | $150 per Event |
| No License Agreement Required | $100 per Event |
For more information, please contact the Parks’ Main Office at 512-854-PARK.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekday Rental | $20 per Day |
| Weekend/Holiday Rental | $40 per Day |
Only available at the entrance booth (more info).
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Day Use Permit for Travis County Residents (NOTE: Proof of Travis County residency will be required to purchase a Travis County Park Annual Permit.) | $80 per Person |
| Lifetime Day Use for Seniors (62 years and older) | $80 per Person |
| Disabled Veteran Pass for Day Use (U.S. veteran with 50% service related disability) | No Charge |
| Trailer Annual Day Use Permit for Travis County Residents (NOTE: Proof of Travis County residency will be required to purchase a Travis County Park Trailer Annual Permit.) | $125 |
Reservations
Improved Camping
Reservations, though not required, are recommended as improved campsites tend to fill up quickly. For holidays and summer weekends, we suggest that you make reservations in advance. Each improved site is limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people. We only accept CASH or CHECK.
Primitive Camping
Reservations must be requested (1) day before the requested camping date. Camping fees are paid on-site at the park entrance fee booth by CASH or CHECK only.
Rules
The following are prohibited:
- Off-Leash Pets
- Noisy, vicious, or dangerous animals are not permitted, as determined on site by park staff
- Fireworks
- Glass Containers
- Public display of consumption of alcohol
- Tobacco Products
For more information, view the Parks Rules and Safety page.
About
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 six-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.
