Limited Use
Primitive camping remains closed at Pace Bend Park. Improved Campsites are available by reservation only. The west (cliff) side of the park is closed. Collier boat ramp is open. Trails are open. Swimming and fishing from the shoreline are permitted.
Lake Travis Water Quality
Travis County Parks has received confirmation of the presence of cyanotoxins in algae from 10 sites around Lake Travis, including some of our parks. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to dogs and other animals when ingested. We strongly urge you to not allow your dog to play or eat the algae in the lake. Please refer to Harmful Algal Blooms | LCRA for more information.
General info for visiting parks
When visiting the parks, visitors must use face coverings consistent with the Order governing Travis County facilities and the Rules issued by the Health Authority and adopted by the Travis County Commissioners Court, practice social distancing and bring their own hand sanitizer. Limited restroom facilities will be available. The total number of park visitors may be limited. For more detailed information and a list of open/closed parks: COVID-19 Preparedness
Improved Camping
The Improved Camping restroom and shower is closed for repairs. There are multiple portable toilets and handwashing stations available within the camping loop. Potable water is available at each site as well.
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
(Today's sunrise is 07:06 am and civil twilight is 08:21 pm)
Boat Ramp Hours
Every day
24 Hours
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
Primitive campsites (400+)
Designated swim coves
RV dump station
Unpaved multi-use trails
*Reservations recommended
Contact Us
Office Phone
512-264-1482
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 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 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 – PAID ONLINE (Required to reserve an Improved Campsite, non-refundable) | $13 ($10 fee + $3 credit card service charge) per Site |
For more information, please contact the Parks’ Main Office at 512-854-PARK.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| No License Agreement Required | $100 per Event |
| Requiring a License Agreement | $150 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
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.
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.
