No Vacancy Dates - Improved Camping
The listed dates have already been fully booked for improved camping at Pace Bend Park: Dec. 3-5.
Lake Travis Water Quality
The LCRA and Travis County Parks continues to strongly encourage people to avoid contact with alga and to keep their dogs from ingesting or playing in algae in Lake Travis. Please refer to Harmful Algal Blooms | LCRA for more information.
Improved Camping reservations request for 2022
Improved Camping reservation requests for January 2022 are currently open. February requests will be opening January 1st. We will continue to work off a first requested first served basis. Thank you.
Primitive Camping Temporarily Limited
Primitive camping is limited while park staff rehabilitate and designate campsites. Primitive campsites will be available in the West coves, which are currently closed, and Kate and Johnson cove. Each cove will reopen as each campground is completed. Camping will be allowed only at designated sites and campers must register as visitors. Kate and Johnson cove is now open for primitive camping.
Tournament Point Day Use Only
The area known as Tournament Point on the east (or “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 07:10 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 07:10 am and civil twilight is 05:56 pm)
LCRA Boat Ramp Status
Fees
Read more
Acreage
1,368 acres
Activities and Amenities
Barbecue grills
Fire rings
Boat ramps (3)
Fishing
Improved campsites (20)*
Out-house style toliets
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, which are closed for construction, and Kate and Johnson cove. As each cove’s campground is completed, they will reopen for camping.
Currently only the Kate and Johnson cove campground is open. 43 primitive campsites, nestled in a shady Post Oak grove, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lake is within easy walking distance of all campsites. 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Primitive Camping (no reservation at this time) | $15 per Site per Night |
| Improved Tent Camping (Advance Reservation Recommended) | $20 per Site per Night |
| Improved RV/Travel Trailer Camping (Advanced Reservation Recommended) | $30 per Site per Night |
| Reservation Fee - Does not apply to camping fees. | $10 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Weekend/Holiday Rental | $40 per Day |
| Weekday Rental | $20 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.
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.
